Dear All

I am privileged to address our global community of materials researchers and innovators. Since its founding in 1991, the International Union of Materials Research Societies (IUMRS) has been dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting knowledge exchange across continents. I want to take this opportunity to request that the Materials Research Societies that are not part of IUMRS join forces with IUMRS. We are also willing to help countries that do not have a Materials Research Society to form one and integrate with IUMRS.

Materials research is at the heart of technological progress and improving the quality of life for the world’s population. Our efforts directly impact areas ranging from energy solutions and environmental sustainability to healthcare, transportation, and cutting-edge electronics. We face an ever-growing need for eco-friendly materials, recycling initiatives, and advanced energy technologies, such as solar panels and high-capacity batteries. Breakthroughs in nanomaterials and smart materials research have opened new possibilities in electronics, medicine, and manufacturing. Composite materials and additive manufacturing are transforming industries by delivering lighter, stronger, and more efficient products. Breakthroughs in semiconductor research have already produced remarkable advances, and the field of quantum materials promises to offer even greater achievements in the near future. We must harness the power of computational material science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to accelerate discovery and innovation. We must ensure access to high-quality data for these tools. Finally, bridging the gap between advanced laboratory research and industrial application remains a critical challenge, requiring integration and economic feasibility.

I request that our societies and partners continue to disseminate knowledge and inspire future generations to join this exciting field. Together, we will shape the future, address global challenges, and unlock the full potential of materials science. The journey ahead promises extraordinary opportunities, and it is vital that we move forward as a united, interdisciplinary community.

P. S. Anil Kumar