Office of Basic Energy Sciences                                            Office of Science                                        U.S. Department of Energy

Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering

Office of Basic Energy Sciences

The Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering in the Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES) supports a broad-based research program engaged in fundamental studies of materials sciences and engineering . The research seeks to understand the atomistic basis of materials properties and behavior and how to make materials perform better at acceptable cost through innovative materials design, synthesis, and processing. The program fulfills DOE missions by the development of materials that improve the efficiency, economy, environmental acceptability, and safety in energy generation, conversion, transmission, and utilization.

The Division consists of three teams: Scattering and Instrumentation Sciences, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics,  and Materials Discovery, Design and Synthesis.  Together, the three teams support the following Core Research Activities (CRAs):

• Ultrafast Science and Instrumentation

• X-ray Scattering

• Neutron Scattering

• Electron and Scanning Probe Microscopies

• EPSCoR

• Experimental Condensed Matter Physics

• Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics  

• Mechanical Behavior and Radiation Effects

• Physical Behavior of Materials

• Materials Chemistry

• Biomolecular Materials                     

• Synthesis and Processing Science

In addition to the core program, the Division also sponsors research initiatives.  Further information about the research supported by the Division is available under Research Programs.  This Division is a premier sponsor of condensed matter and materials physics in the U.S., and is the primary supporter of the Electron Beam Microcharacterization Centers.  Other major user facilities are supported by the Division of Scientific User Facilities (DSUF) of BES.   The Proposal Submissions link contains information on how to submit proposals to our Division.  The Division, with joint sponsorship of other organizations, occasionally conducts workshops and studies to identify future research directions.  Reports and publications from recent workshops are available under Publications.   

The Division has a "Dear Colleague" Email list which is used to circulate appropriate information: general announcements including funding opportunities and administrative information such as position openings.  To request that an entry for you be added, modified or deleted , please notify the list manager providing name, affiliation and Email address.

The Division participates in an Energy Materials Coordinating Committee ( EMaCC ), which provides a formal structure for communication and coordination between 19 program offices across DOE having distinctly different mission-related responsibilities for materials research or development. 

Dr. Aravinda Kini

Director (Acting) of Materials Sciences and Engineering Division 
SC-22.2/Germantown Building, U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC  20585-1290
Phone: 301/903-3427   Fax: 301/903-9513