Founded in 1973, MRS now consists of over 16,000 members from the United States — as well as nearly 70 other countries. The interdisciplinary materials science society is different from that of single discipline professional societies because it encourages communication and technical information exchange across the various fields of science affecting materials.

MRS sponsors two major annual meetings offering approximately 100 topical symposia. The society recognizes professional and technical excellence, conducts symposium tutorials, and encourages technical interaction among college students through University Chapters, and among materials professionals through regional Sections.

MRS also promotes communication exchange through publication of symposium proceedings,MRS Communications, MRS Bulletin, Journal of Materials Research, and other publications related to current research activities.

Source: http://www.mrs.org/about/