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MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit
The 2026 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit is the premier international gathering for materials research, held November 29–December 4, 2026, in Boston at the Hynes Convention Center and adjacent Sheraton Boston Hotel, featuring 50+ symposia, an extensive exhibit, and global networking opportunities.
The 2026 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit returns to Boston, Massachusetts, from November 29 to December 4, 2026, at the Hynes Convention Center and the adjacent Sheraton Boston Hotel.
This premier international scientific gathering brings together the global materials research community for a week of innovation, collaboration, and discovery, showcasing advancements from quantum materials to energy and sustainability
TL;DR
1Dates and venue: November 29–December 4, 2026, at the Hynes Convention Center and adjacent
2Premier international materials research meeting with 50+ symposia across nine topical clusters, from quantum
3In-person only: no virtual component for the 2026 Fall Meeting; all presenters must be
4Exhibit hall showcases instrumentation, processing technologies, data tools, and services from industry, national labs
5Exhibit dates: Tuesday, December 1 (2:00–6:00 pm), Wednesday, December 2 (9:00 am–4:00 pm),
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Researchers and scientists in materials science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and engineering
Engineers and industry professionals from companies at every step of research, from lab experiments to large-scale implementation
Graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career professionals
Faculty, academic leaders, and symposium organizers
Government and national laboratory researchers
Decision-makers, technology scouts, and R&D leaders seeking partnerships and new products
International attendees: more than 50% travel from outside the United States
Attendees range from students to Nobel laureates, reflecting the full spectrum of materials research
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Companies providing instrumentation for materials characterization, synthesis, and testing
Suppliers of processing technologies and manufacturing equipment for materials research and scale-up
Providers of data tools, software, and AI-driven platforms for materials science
Service organizations supporting materials research, from analytical services to consulting
Industry, national laboratories, and universities presenting innovative products and services
Organizations seeking to reach researchers, engineers, and decision-makers across academia, industry, and government
Companies showcasing technologies at every step of research, from first experiments to real-world implementation
Exhibit Hall AExhibit Hall BExhibit Hall CExhibit Hall D
John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center
900 Boylston Street, 02115 Boston, USA
Entrances & gates
Boylston Street Entrance
Exhibit Hall AExhibit Hall BExhibit Hall CExhibit Hall D
Main entrance at 900 Boylston Street. Accessible to taxis and buses via an access lane. Parking is not allowed in the front driveway. Security checkpoint at entrance.
Prudential Center Entrance
Exhibit Hall AExhibit Hall B
Alternate entrance through the Prudential Center, connected to the Hynes. Security checkpoint at entrance. Direct access from the Sheraton Boston Hotel to Level Two meeting rooms and exhibit halls.
Facilities
Parking
Within a three-block walk of the Hynes Convention Center are numerous parking garages totaling over 4,400 spaces. Nearby garages include Hynes Auditorium Garage (50 Dalton Street), Prudential Center Garage (800 Boylston Street), Copley Place Garage (100 Huntington Avenue), and Sheraton Boston Hotel Garage (39 Dalton Street). Limited meter parking is available. Parking is not allowed in the front driveway.
4,400 spaces ·
Accessibility
The John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center is fully accessible and designed in line with ADA requirements. A limited number of wheelchairs are available free-of-charge through the First Aid Station. Elevators are located at both ends of the building near the escalators. Accessible parking is available at the Prudential Center.
Cloakroom
A coat check is available in Room 107 at the Hynes Convention Center for storing luggage and personal belongings.
Luggage storage
Luggage is not permitted to be stored at the Hynes Convention Center. However, a coat check in Room 107 can store luggage and personal belongings. The Sheraton Boston Hotel provides satellite luggage storage for guests. Nearby third-party luggage storage is available through Bounce starting at $3.95/day.
Charging points
The Hynes Convention Center has retrofitted public spaces to incorporate charging stations in planters throughout the lobby. Directions to charging stations are included in the building's master signage.
On-site shuttle
The Hynes Convention Center does not operate an on-site shuttle service. However, the Back Bay Logan Express shuttle provides direct roundtrip service between Logan Airport and the Hynes Convention Center every 20 minutes. Free from Logan to Back Bay; $3 from. Back Bay to Logan.
Food options
Levy Restaurants at Hynes, The Capital Grille, Prudential Center Food Court, Flour Bakery + Cafe
On-site dining
Parking: Within a three-block walk of the Hynes Convention Center are numerous parking garages totaling over 4,400 spaces. There is limited meter parking available around the Hynes and adjacent streets. Download the PDF guide of nearby garages from Signature Boston for a full list of options. Parking is not allowed in the front driveway.
Gate: The Hynes Convention Center has two entrance points: one on the Boylston Street side and one through the Prudential Center. There is a security checkpoint at both locations.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
Exhibit HallTuesday 1 December 2026: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 2 December 2026:9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday 3 December 2026:9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (meeting runs 29 November–4 December 2026)
Meeting Registration (Early Bird)
Valid through September 24, 2026
$1,130.00
Meeting Registration with Member Discount (Early Bird)
Valid through September 24, 2026
$975.00
Student Registration (Early Bird)
Valid through September 24, 2026
$360.00
Student Registration with Member Discount (Early Bird)
Valid through September 24, 2026
$315.00
Retired/Unemployed Registration (Early Bird)
Valid through September 24, 2026
$365.00
Meeting Registration (Preregistration)
Valid September 25 – October 29, 2026
$1,240.00
Meeting Registration with Member Discount (Preregistration)
Valid September 25 – October 29, 2026
$1,085.00
Student Registration (Preregistration)
Valid September 25 – October 29, 2026
$380.00
Student Registration with Member Discount (Preregistration)
Valid September 25 – October 29, 2026
$335.00
Retired/Unemployed Registration (Preregistration)
Valid September 25 – October 29, 2026
$390.00
Meeting Registration (Regular)
Valid beginning October 30, 2026
$1,360.00
Meeting Registration with Member Discount (Regular)
Valid beginning October 30, 2026
$1,185.00
Student Registration (Regular)
Valid beginning October 30, 2026
$405.00
Student Registration with Member Discount (Regular)
Badge pickup will be available on-site. Presenters must be physically on-site to give their presentations; no virtual component for the 2026 Fall Meeting
Ticket notes
Early Bird registration open. Register by September 24, 2026 to lock in lowest rates. MRS account required for registration. Registration includes complimentary MRS Membership through November 30, 2027. Reduced rates available for developing countries. Cancellation policy: by Oct 29, 2026 – full refund less $50 processing fee; Oct 30 – Nov 28, 2026 – refund less $250 administrative fee; on or after Nov 29, 2026 – no refund
This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.
Speakers
DR
Dierk Raabe
Director, Department of Circular Metallurgy and Alloy Design; CEO @ Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials
Critical Elements from Urban Mines and the Decarbonization of the Metal Sectors
NC
Nian-Ke Chen
Jilin University, China
Technologies for Informed and Accelerated Synthesis of Inorganic Materials
SD
Sheng Dai
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA
Technologies for Informed and Accelerated Synthesis of Inorganic Materials
YJ
Yousung Jung
Seoul National University, Republic of Korea
Technologies for Informed and Accelerated Synthesis of Inorganic Materials
SK
Sara Kadkhodaei
University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
Technologies for Informed and Accelerated Synthesis of Inorganic Materials
DB
Damiano Barone
Houston Methodist, USA
Multimodal Bioelectronic Devices for the Brain-Body Axis
CB
Clementine Boutry
Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
Multimodal Bioelectronic Devices for the Brain-Body Axis
AC
Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte
University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Multimodal Bioelectronic Devices for the Brain-Body Axis
CC
Chun-long Chen
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, USA
Co-Design of Biomolecular Materials for Controllable Transport of Molecules, Electrons and Ions
LC
Lifeng Chi
Soochow University, China
Co-Design of Biomolecular Materials for Controllable Transport of Molecules, Electrons and Ions
JD
Jim De Yoreo
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, USA
Co-Design of Biomolecular Materials for Controllable Transport of Molecules, Electrons and Ions
NE
Nazek El-Atab
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia
Co-Design of Biomolecular Materials for Controllable Transport of Molecules, Electrons and Ions
AB
Anja Bielefeld
Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Germany
Advances in Sustainable Materials for Clean Energy Technologies
YG
Yury Gogotsi
Drexel University, USA
Advances in Sustainable Materials for Clean Energy Technologies
GH
Guanjie He
University College London, United Kingdom
Advances in Sustainable Materials for Clean Energy Technologies
KH
Kedar Hippalgaonkar
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Advances in Sustainable Materials for Clean Energy Technologies
LH
Liangbing Hu
Yale University, USA
Advances in Sustainable Materials for Clean Energy Technologies
YJ
Yun Jeong Hwang
Seoul National University, Republic of Korea
Advances in Sustainable Materials for Clean Energy Technologies
DJ
Deep Jariwala
University of Pennsylvania, USA
Advances in Sustainable Materials for Clean Energy Technologies
KP
Kristin Persson
University of California, Berkeley, USA
Advances in Sustainable Materials for Clean Energy Technologies
08:15 – 09:30
Plenary Session Featuring The Fred Kavli Distinguished Lectureship in Materials Science
Plenary
Hynes, Level 3, Ballroom B
14:30
Ribbon Cutting & Welcome Ceremony
Ceremony
Exhibit Hall
17:00 – 18:00
Networking Reception
Networking
Exhibit Hall
Topic tracks
Broader Impact (BI)Characterization (CH)Electronic, Photonic and Magnetic Materials (EL)Energy and Sustainability (EN)Material Theory, Computation and Data Science (MT)Nanomaterials (NM)Quantum Materials and Materials Physics (QT)Soft Materials and Biomaterials (SB)Structural and Functional Materials (SF)
Co-located seminars
Tutorial SF04—Autonomous Science for Extreme Environments—From Radiation to Microgravity
Paid
Tutorial SF08—Materials at the Nuclear Energy Frontier—From Reactor Engineering to AI-Driven Diagnostics
Paid
Tutorial NM03—Building Advanced Materials via Aggregation and Self-Assembly
Paid
Tutorial MT03—Getting Started with Self Driving Laboratories—A Hands On Guide to Autonomous Materials Discovery
Paid
Tutorial EN06—The Role of Materials in Hydrogen Production, Separation, Storage and Utilization
Paid
Tutorial CH02—Probing Ultrafast Dynamics with Light, Electrons and X-Rays
Paid
Tutorial NM01—Printable Electronics—An In-Depth Guide for Printing and Evaluating Thin-Film Electronics Based on Solution-Processed 2D Materials
Paid
Tutorial NM02—Graphene Electronic Tattoos—Fundamentals, Fabrication and Practical Applications
Paid
Tutorial NM06—Nanodiamonds for Quantum Biosensing
Paid
Awards
MRS Graduate Student Awards (Fall Meeting)
Annual
Honors graduate students whose academic achievements and current materials research display a high level of excellence and distinction. Finalists present their research at the Fall Meeting. Gold Awards receive $400 plus certificate and pin; Silver Awards receive $200 plus certificate and pin. Applications for the 2026 Fall Meeting accepted June 1 – August 1, 2026
A newly endowed award honoring the late Dr. Arthur Nowick and his lifelong commitment to teaching and mentoring students in materials science. Presented to a Graduate Student Award finalist who shows particular promise as a future teacher and mentor. Prize consists of $500 and a presentation plaque
Recognizes the beauty of science through visual art. Registered attendees submit images from their research; winners are selected by attendee votes via the MRS Meeting App. 2026 Fall Meeting prizes: First Place $450, Second Place $400, Third Place $375, Fourth Place $325, Fifth Place $250. Submissions open August 1, 2026; deadline September 25, 2026
First PlaceSecond PlaceThird PlaceFourth PlaceFifth Place
The 2026 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit returns to Boston, Massachusetts, November 29 – December 4, 2026, at the Hynes Convention Center and adjacent Sheraton Boston Hotel. The official event page describes the meeting as featuring 50+ symposia across nine topical clusters and attended by ~6,000+ researchers; no separate 2026 exhibitor or visitor forecasts have been published by MRS.
Forecast — not final
Visitors
6,000
Exhibitors
250
Growth over time
Edition recap
2025 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit — Boston, November 30–December 5, 2025
The 2025 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit brought the global materials research community to Boston, Massachusetts, at the Hynes Convention Center and the adjacent Sheraton Boston Hotel. As one of the world's premier scientific gatherings for materials research, the Meeting convened researchers from around the world to share advances spanning fundamental science and real-world applications. Scientists at all career stages exchanged ideas on topics ranging from quantum and electronic materials to energy, sustainability, and bio-integrated systems. Thousands of attendees participated in symposia, poster sessions, and networking events throughout the week, while the exhibit hall highlighted new tools and technologies supporting materials research.
Program highlights reflected the field's momentum, with sessions exploring AI-enabled discovery, advanced manufacturing, nanomaterials, and next-generation energy technologies, complemented by interviews and coverage through MRS TV and the Meeting Scene. The Meeting included the presentation of major MRS honors, including the Von Hippel Award to Omar M. Yaghi, underscoring the Meeting's role in recognizing excellence and advancing the materials research community. The exhibit hall featured leading companies presenting cutting-edge technologies, alongside the Science as Art Exhibit and a new Headshot Activation Booth designed to enhance networking and professional development.
New this edition
1
Last-Minute Abstract Submissions
For the first time, the 2026 MRS Fall Meeting introduced a last-minute abstract submission window, open September 3–16, 2026, allowing researchers with new results or breakthroughs to submit abstracts after the standard deadline. This expands opportunities for late-breaking discoveries to be presented at the meeting.
Hosted by the Early Career Professionals Subcommittee, this poster session lets faculty candidates connect and gain feedback before interviews while recruiters and search committees meet future faculty. The session takes place Wednesday, December 2, 5:00–7:00 pm, with a 25% discount toward a Job Flash Package on the MRS Career Central Job Board for attendees.
Symposium BI01: Strategic Growth for Early Careers
A new Broader Impact symposium focused on career development for early- and mid-career researchers, covering topics from first job to research leadership, including life-work balance, career well-being, career mobility, and global opportunities. The event concludes with an informal networking session to foster connections among participants.
Symposium MT04: Technologies for Informed and Accelerated Synthesis of Inorganic Materials
A new symposium exploring data-driven design of material synthesis, machine learning for materials synthesis and precursor selection, calculated phase diagrams, automated synthesis and characterization, high-throughput synthesis and characterization, and in situ reaction characterization.
Symposium SF04: Materials and Devices in Extreme Environments
A new symposium focused on accelerated discovery and development of materials and devices for extreme environments, covering synthesis and processing of emerging electronic, photonic, and sensor materials for extreme environments (UWBGs, radiation-hard materials, high-temperature alloys) and application of AI and machine learning.
Symposium SB12: Liquid Interfaces for Soft Electronics, Materials Synthesis and Energy
A new symposium uniting convergent fields of soft conductors, additive manufacturing, and interfacial chemistry to seed collaborative discussions. Topics include composites and elastomers for soft electronics, soft and stretchable energy devices including self-healing materials, ionogel and hydrogel soft conductors, and adhesion and surface chemistry of soft materials.
The conference was filled with very inspiring talks (including one by Nobel Laureate Prof. Omar Yaghi), exciting potential collaborations, and promising homes for upcoming papers. It was also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, my scientific family, and former students
“
I am honored to have received the Graduate Student Gold Award at the 2025 MRS Fall Meeting. Many thanks to my advisor, Prof. Alfred Crosby, and Dr. Gabriela Moreira Lana for reviewing my application. I'm grateful to the Crosby group members, my classmates, and Prof. Steve Granick for providing valuable feedback on my presentation!
Next edition outlook
2026
high
The 2027 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit will take place November 28 – December 3, 2027, in Boston, Massachusetts, at the Hynes Convention Center and adjacent Sheraton Boston Hotel. The meeting will continue the tradition of bringing together the global materials research community for a week of innovation, collaboration, and discovery. Symposium proposal submissions for the 2027 edition opened March 23 and close May 15, 2026, indicating early planning is already underway. Based on 2026 trends, the 2027 program is expected to feature expanded coverage of AI-driven materials discovery, quantum materials, sustainable materials, and autonomous laboratory technologies.
Continued expansion of AI and machine learning symposia as the field moves toward autonomous and self-driving laboratories Growth in quantum materials and quantum computing for materials simulation tracks, driven by major government and philanthropic funding initiatives Increased emphasis on sustainable materials, circular economy, and supply chain resilience in semiconductor, energy, and critical minerals sectors Potential introduction of new Broader Impact symposia focused on workforce development and career pathways for materials scientists Ongoing development of the Materials 4.0 framework and digital thread approaches for materials innovation
Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
The MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit is the world's foremost international scientific gathering for materials research. The 2025 edition brought together a global, interdisciplinary community of thousands of researchers from around the world to share advances spanning fundamental science and real-world applications. The meeting featured over 50 symposia across nine topical clusters, covering topics from quantum and electronic materials to energy, sustainability, and bio-integrated systems. The program included plenary lectures, award presentations, interactive poster sessions, and an extensive exhibit hall. The Von Hippel Award, MRS's highest honor, was presented to Omar M. Yaghi. The meeting also featured MRS TV coverage and daily reporting through the Meeting Scene blog.
Audience quality
High-value decision-makers
The MRS Fall Meeting attracts a highly specialized, research-focused audience from academia, industry, national laboratories, and government. More than 50% of attendees travel from outside the United States, reflecting the meeting's truly global reach. The audience includes Nobel laureates, leading principal investigators, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and industry decision-makers. The meeting is not open to the public, ensuring a professional and focused environment. Attendees participate in over 50 symposia across nine topical clusters, with thousands of technical presentations and poster sessions. The 2025 edition was attended by approximately 6,000 researchers, with Osaka Metropolitan University reporting over 5,000 participants.
Exhibitor outcomes
Real business growth
The MRS Exhibit Hall provides exhibitors with direct access to a highly qualified audience of materials science professionals actively seeking instrumentation, processing technologies, data tools, and services. Exhibitors can meet the scientists and engineers behind the latest technologies, many of whom also present in symposia, demonstrating how research translates into real-world impact. The exhibit floor attracts attendees from academia, industry, national labs, and government, providing high-value engagement with a specialized audience. The 2025 MRS Fall Meeting featured 250+ exhibitors and 7,000+ attendees according to TradeShowZ, based on official organizer materials. The meeting's in-person format and lack of a virtual component ensure that all exhibit hall interactions are face-to-face, maximizing networking and business development opportunities.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Global
Why it matters
The 2026 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit sits at the epicenter of the most consequential shifts in materials science: the AI-driven transformation of how materials are discovered and developed, the convergence of quantum computing with materials simulation, and the urgent global push for sustainable and resilient supply chains. For buyers and exhibitors, the meeting offers direct access to the researchers, engineers, and decision-makers shaping these transitions. The event's technical program spans 50+ symposia across nine topical clusters—from quantum materials and AI for materials science to energy and sustainability—reflecting the full breadth of the field. The exhibit floor showcases instrumentation, processing technologies, data tools, and services from industry, national labs, and universities, providing exhibitors with a highly specialized audience of over 6,000 researchers from more than 50 countries. With major government and private investment flowing into AI-driven materials discovery, semiconductor materials resilience, and quantum materials research, the MRS Fall Meeting serves as the essential forum for organizations seeking to position themselves at the forefront of the next generation of materials innovation.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
01
AI-Driven Materials Discovery Moves from Theory to Industrial Practice
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are fundamentally reshaping how new materials are discovered, designed, and brought to market. At the TMS 2026 conference, three computational trends dominated discussions: the industrialization of Machine Learning Interatomic Potentials (MLIPs) with 'atoms-to-engines' workflows; AI realism and physics-informed thermodynamics replacing purely data-driven approaches; and scaling simulations for advanced manufacturing and extreme environments. The current structure-centric paradigm in AI-driven materials discovery, despite delivering thousands of candidate structures, is stalling at a critical synthesizability gap. Leading researchers are now deploying generative and inverse-design models to propose actionable reaction pathways and recipes, while integrating closed-loop optimisation to refine protocols against experimental realities and sustainability constraints. Autonomous laboratories that integrate AI, robotics, and high-throughput experimentation are transforming materials discovery, with new AI-powered frameworks that could dramatically accelerate discovery of advanced energy materials while reducing development costs. and https://mdr.nims.go.jp
Quantum Materials Research Accelerates with Major Funding Infusions
Quantum materials research is experiencing unprecedented investment from both philanthropic and government sources. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is launching three investigator calls in 2026 under its Emergent Phenomena in Quantum Systems Initiative, with six-year research grants ranging from approximately $800,000 for theory investigators to $1.8 million for experimentalists and materials synthesis investigators. Grant start dates are expected to fall between Fall 2026 and early 2027. In a related development, 7 cross-disciplinary teams won funding in the first year of Scialog: Quantum Matter and Information, with each of the 19 individual awards at $60,000. The German Research Foundation is funding a new Emmy Noether Group at the University of Würzburg with €1.9 million over six years to develop theoretical foundations for topological and geometric quantum matter.
Sustainability and the Circular Economy Reshape Materials Supply Chains
The global sustainable materials market is estimated at USD 401.50 billion in 2026 and is expected to reach USD 909.95 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 12.4%. Governments across the European Union and beyond are implementing stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing industrial impact and promoting a circular economy. The recycled materials segment is expected to account for the largest market share, driven by rising environmental awareness and corporate net-zero commitments. Core materials producers are investing in low-carbon cement, green steel, recycled aluminum, advanced polymers, and bio-based or recyclable material systems. Supply chains are shifting from just-in-time procurement toward regionalized, risk-adjusted sourcing, with companies that can document provenance, emissions, recycled content, and compliance positioned to capture premium demand.
Semiconductor Materials Supply Chain Resilience Becomes a National Security Priority
Global semiconductor supply chains are shifting from efficiency to resilience amid escalating export controls and geopolitical tensions. The U.S. Department of Commerce awarded $500 million to SandboxAQ under the CHIPS and Science Act to accelerate AI-driven materials discovery for semiconductor applications, including PFAS-free process chemicals, advanced catalysts, rare-earth-free magnets, and novel battery chemistries. China controls more than 90% of global production of neodymium-based permanent magnets, which are critical inputs to semiconductor manufacturing equipment. According to SEMI, sales for the global semiconductor materials market increased 6.8% year over year to $73.2 billion in 2025. McKinsey now estimates the semiconductor industry will reach $1.6 trillion in revenue by 2030, up from an earlier forecast of $1 trillion, driven by new computing models, domain-specific architectures, and advanced chip sets. and https://chemweek.com
Materials Science Workforce Gap Threatens Innovation Capacity
The materials science and engineering workforce faces significant shortages that threaten to slow innovation and commercialization. According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, the U.S. semiconductor industry is projected to grow 33% by 2030 with 1.4 million jobs at risk of going unfilled unless the pipeline can be expanded. Skills shortages have reached more than half a million vacancies in advanced materials and manufacturing, with over 60% of manufacturers reporting difficulty filling skilled roles. The talent gaps are concentrated in high-end R&D, engineering translation, high-skill operations, and interdisciplinary roles that combine materials science with data science and AI expertise. The need for a sufficient talent pipeline to support growth of the critical materials sector has become a significant concern for industry, academia, and government. and https://nccuk.com
The materials science and engineering workforce faces significant shortages. According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, the U.S. semiconductor industry is projected to grow 33% by 2030 with 1.4 million jobs at risk of going unfilled unless the pipeline can be expanded. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates approximately 6,000 new engineers will be needed in the mining sector alone over the next decade, while shortages in materials science, processing, and recycling continue. In China, new materials industry job postings grew 30.9% year-on-year in Q2 2026, significantly outpacing AI (12.4%), reflecting intense demand for materials talent globally.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
U.S. Department of Commerce Awards $500 Million to SandboxAQ for AI-Driven Semiconductor Materials Discovery
The Department of Commerce's CHIPS Research & Development Office signed a definitive agreement with SandboxAQ for a $500 million award under the CHIPS and Science Act. The award will accelerate development of AI-driven materials discovery to address critical semiconductor materials bottlenecks and supply chain risks, including PFAS-free process chemicals, advanced catalysts, rare-earth-free magnets, and novel battery chemistries for semiconductor facility backup power systems. SandboxAQ will combine first-principles physics and chemistry simulation, AI-driven optimization, high-throughput screening of millions of candidates, and targeted experimental validation.
Powering the AI Era: Suppliers Race to Deliver Mission-Critical Chemistries for Semiconductor Manufacturing
Chemical Week reports that AI is upending the semiconductor industry as hyperscaler and cloud investment redraw demand curves, intensifying the need for materials innovation and compelling governments to double down on reshoring. According to SEMI, global semiconductor materials market sales increased 6.8% year over year to $73.2 billion in 2025. McKinsey's base-case estimate now has the semiconductor industry reaching $1.6 trillion in revenue by 2030, while TechInsights forecasts $2 trillion by 2027. Material requirements are rising significantly in terms of purity, performance, and process reliability as the industry moves toward smaller nodes and more advanced architectures.
MRS Announces Spring Meeting Locations Through 2030
The Materials Research Society announced that upcoming annual MRS Spring Meetings will rotate among Honolulu, Hawai'i; Seattle, Washington; and Vancouver, British Columbia between 2026 and 2030. Honolulu will host in 2026 and 2030, Seattle in 2027 and 2029, and Vancouver in 2028 — marking the first MRS Spring Meeting held outside the United States. MRS is an organization of 15,000 materials researchers from academia, industry, and government worldwide, with membership spanning 90 countries and 56% of members residing outside the United States.
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Launches Three Investigator Calls for Quantum Materials Science in 2026
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is launching three investigator calls in 2026 under its Emergent Phenomena in Quantum Systems Initiative. Selected investigators will be awarded six-year research grants, with award sizes ranging from about $800,000 for theory investigators to approximately $1.8 million for experimentalists and materials synthesis investigators. Grant start dates are expected to fall between Fall 2026 and early 2027. Up to eight Experimental Investigators will be awarded through one of the calls.
Global Sustainable Materials Market Projected to Reach $909.95 Billion by 2033
The global sustainable materials market is estimated to be valued at USD 401.50 billion in 2026 and is expected to reach USD 909.95 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 12.4%. Growth is driven by stringent global environmental regulations aimed at reducing industrial impact and promoting a circular economy, with the recycled materials segment expected to account for the largest market share. Governments across the European Union and beyond are implementing policies that incentivize sustainable material adoption across packaging, construction, consumer goods, and textiles.
SEMI Launches Semiconductor Materials Alliance to Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience
SEMI, the global semiconductor industry association, formally launched the SEMI Semiconductor Materials Alliance to strengthen supply chain resilience, expand international cooperation, promote collaborative innovation, and enhance industry value. The alliance comes as semiconductor materials spending accounted for 30% of global consumption, totaling $73.2 billion, with the supply chain facing unprecedented capacity constraints driven by AI demand.
Global Materials Science Event Circuit (2026–2027)
Next 6–12 months (through late 2027)
The materials science conference circuit spans multiple continents and specialized domains, from the MRS Fall Meeting in Boston to the MRS Spring Meeting in Seattle, the TMS Annual Meeting in Orlando, and the E-MRS Fall Meeting in Warsaw. These events collectively form the backbone of the global materials research community's annual knowledge exchange, with each meeting offering distinct regional and topical focus areas. Planning across this circuit allows researchers and exhibitors to maximize their engagement with the community while managing travel and budget constraints
Fall 2026 Materials Science Circuit
2026 E-MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit2026 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit
The E-MRS Fall Meeting in Warsaw (September 2026) precedes the MRS Fall Meeting in Boston (November–December 2026), allowing European and North American researchers to engage with both communities within a three-month window
Spring 2027 Materials Science Circuit
TMS 2027 Annual Meeting & ExhibitionACS Spring 2027 National Meeting & Exposition2027 MRS Spring Meeting & ExhibitE-MRS 2027 Spring Meeting & Exhibit
Four major meetings cluster in March–May 2027 across North America and Europe: TMS in Orlando (March), ACS in New Orleans (March), MRS Spring in Seattle (April), and E-MRS Spring in Strasbourg (May)
Event dates and locations sourced from official organiser websites. Some 2027 dates may be subject to change; verify with each event's official website before booking travel. The E-MRS Fall Meeting 2026 was confirmed by multiple sources including MDPI and the Warsaw University of Technology. MS&T27 dates are from the official programmaster.org listing. and https://tms.org and https://acs.org and https://european-mrs.com
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
BOS
Boston Logan International Airport
New England's largest transportation hub, offering nonstop service to 88 domestic and 59 international destinations. The Back Bay Logan Express shuttle runs every 20 minutes (free from Logan to Back Bay, $3 from. Back Bay to Logan). Public transit via the MBTA takes approximately 30-35 minutes. Taxi and rideshare services are available at designated pick-up areas.
4.6 miles (7.4 km)
to venue
Approximately 15 minutes
by car
MHT
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
A smaller alternative airport located in Manchester, New Hampshire. Served by several major airlines. Suitable for travelers seeking a quieter airport experience or connecting through northern. New England.
Approximately 55 miles (88 km)
to venue
Approximately 1 hour
by car
PVD
T.F. Green Airport (Rhode Island)
Located in Warwick, Rhode Island. Served by major airlines and Amtrak connections to Boston's Back Bay Station. A viable alternative for travelers from the south.
Approximately 60 miles (97 km)
to venue
Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget
Back Bay / Fenway / Cambridge
USD 150–280 / night
Estimated rates for budget-friendly hotels in the Boston area during late November 2026. Cambridge and Fenway offer lower rates than. Back Bay proper while remaining accessible via the MBTA.
Mid-Range
Back Bay / Copley Square / Prudential Center
USD 245–320 / night
Official MRS hotel block rates for 2026: Hilton Boston Park Plaza $194/night (single/double), Hilton Boston Back Bay $245/night, The Westin Copley Place $251/night, Boston Marriott Copley Place $252/night, Sheraton Boston Hotel $256/night. Rates do not include applicable taxes and fees.
Premium / Luxury
Back Bay / Copley Square / Seaport
USD 380–650 / night
Estimated rates for premium and luxury hotels in Boston during Thanksgiving week 2026. Examples include Fairmont Copley Plaza ($420–$650/night), Mandarin Oriental Boston, and The Liberty Hotel. Book 6–8 weeks in advance.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Back Bay Logan Express Shuttle
Estimated costFree from Logan Airport to Back Bay; $7.50 one-way from. Back Bay to Logan; $3.00 with valid MBTA pass
Best forLogan Airport (all terminals) ↔ Hynes Convention Center / 800 Boylston Street
Direct roundtrip shuttle service every 20 minutes. From Hynes Convention Center: 5 AM – 9 PM. To Hynes Convention Center: 6 AM – 10 PM. Credit or debit card only; no cash. Buses depart from the drop-off lane at the Hynes' 900 Boylston Street entrance.
MBTA Subway (The 'T') – Green Line
Estimated cost$2.40 one-way with CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, contactless payment, or cash; $22.50 for 7-day LinkPass
Best forGreen Line B, C, or D branch to Hynes Convention Center station
Hynes Convention Center station is a 5-minute walk from the venue. Nearby stations include Prudential (14-minute walk) and Copley. The Green Line connects to Park Street for transfers to the Red Line.
MBTA Subway (The 'T') – Orange Line
Estimated cost$2.40 one-way
Best forOrange Line to Back Bay station, then walk through Copley Place and Prudential Center
Back Bay station is a 10-minute indoor walk to the Hynes via connected walkways through Copley Place Mall and the Prudential Center. Also serves as a connection point for Amtrak and Commuter Rail.
Taxi / Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)
Estimated costTaxi: approximately $30–$45; Rideshare: approximately $22–$40 depending on demand and time of day
Best forLogan Airport to Hynes Convention Center / Back Bay area
Travel time is approximately 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. A taxi stand is located across the street from the Prudential Center, just outside the Boylston Street entrance to the Hynes. Tipping of 15–20% is customary.
MBTA Commuter Rail / Amtrak
Estimated costCommuter Rail: $2.40–$13.25 depending on distance; Amtrak: varies by route
Best forBack Bay Station (Amtrak Acela/Regional, MBTA Commuter Rail) → walk to Hynes
Back Bay Station is right down the street from the Hynes. Exit onto Dartmouth Street, cross to Copley Place Mall, and follow the indoor walkway through the Prudential Center to the Hynes. This is a convenient option for attendees arriving from suburbs or other cities.
Water Taxi
Estimated costApproximately $17 per person
Best forLogan Airport dock → downtown Boston waterfront, then taxi/rideshare to Hynes
A scenic alternative that avoids traffic. Boston Water Taxi offers on-demand service from Logan Airport to downtown waterfront locations. From the waterfront, attendees can take a short taxi or rideshare to the Hynes. Service operates 8 AM – 8 PM daily.
Bluebikes (Bike Share)
Estimated costSingle trip: $2.95 for the first 30 minutes + $0.25/min after; Day pass: $11.99
Best forVarious stations near Hynes Convention Center (e.g., Prudential Center / Belvidere, Commonwealth Ave @ Massachusetts Ave)
Metro Boston's official bike share program with 325+ stations and 3,500+ bikes. Nearest station to the Hynes is at Commonwealth Ave @ Massachusetts Ave (2-minute walk). A practical option for short trips in good weather; late November weather may limit usability.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa required
ATA Carnet: accepted
Type
Who needs it
Fee
Processing
B-1 Business Visitor Visa
International attendees from countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program who are traveling to the United States for business purposes, including attending a scientific conference, meeting with colleagues, or negotiating contracts. Not required for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries who have approved ESTA
$185.00
Varies by consular post. Average global wait time for a B1/B2 interview is approximately 30 days, but wait times can exceed 12 months at certain posts (e.g., India, Pakistan, Canada). An optional $750 expedited interview fee (July 1 – December 31, 2026 pilot) can secure an interview within 10 business days at select consular sections, subject to availability. Processing after the interview varies but is typically 1–4 weeks. Apply at least 3–6 months in advance.
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Citizens of the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries traveling to the United States for business or tourism for 90 days or less. Eligible nationalities include Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom
$40.27
Usually within 72 hours, but some cases may take longer. Apply as soon as travel plans begin
As of 2026, 42 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, allowing citizens to travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they obtain an approved ESTA before departure. Eligible countries include Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Note: Travelers who have visited Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, or who hold nationality of these countries, are no longer eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa.
The United States accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary importation of commercial samples and professional equipment, which covers items commonly brought to trade shows and exhibitions. The ATA Carnet simplifies U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) formalities, allowing a single document to clear goods through customs without paying duty or value-added taxes. Carnets are valid for one year from issuance and allow unlimited exits and entries. The U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB) is the U.S. guaranteeing association, with Roanoke Trade and boomerang carnets as appointed service providers. Note: The U.S. does not allow replacement ATA Carnets; if goods need to remain beyond the original carnet's expiry, a Temporary Importation Bond (TIB) must be used instead.
Late November and early December in Boston are cold. Average high temperatures range from 6–11°C (43–52°F) and average lows from to 2°C (30–36°F). Snow is possible. Boston winters are characterized by cold, humid conditions with frequent snowfall, and higher rainfall in December and January.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The Hynes Convention Center is steps away from four subway stations: Hynes Convention Center, Copley, and Prudential on the MBTA Green Line, and Back Bay on the Orange Line. Back Bay Station also provides access to Commuter Rail and Amtrak services, with a direct indoor walkway through Copley Place to the Prudential Center and Hynes. The Back Bay Logan Express shuttle connects Logan Airport to the Hynes every 20 minutes. The venue is connected via aerial passageways to the Prudential Center and the Sheraton Boston Hotel, allowing indoor access to nearby hotels, shops, and dining.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping Expectations
Tipping is customary throughout the United States and expected in Boston. At sit-down restaurants, 18-20% is standard; 15% is considered low. Bartenders typically receive 15-20%. Taxi and rideshare drivers typically receive 10-15%. For counter service, rounding up or adding $1 per drink is common. Massachusetts' tipped minimum wage is $6.75 per hour, making tipping particularly important for service workers.
Business Etiquette
Boston business culture is formal by American standards, particularly in financial and professional services. Meetings are structured, and academic culture often informs commercial interactions. Appointments should be made and kept punctually. It is customary to open and end a meeting with a handshake, maintaining eye contact. Business dress is typically business casual to business formal.
Outlets and Voltage
Boston uses Type A and Type B outlets. Type A outlets have two flat parallel prongs; Type B outlets have two flat parallel prongs and a round grounding prong. The mains voltage is 120 volts at 60 hertz, which is lower than in many European countries. Travelers from Europe generally need an adapter.
Local Culture and History
Boston is one of America's oldest cities, known as the 'birthplace of the American Revolution.' The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking trail, connects 16 significant historical sites. Boston is a compact, walkable city, with neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and the South End offering historic architecture, dining, and culture. Locals are often direct and fast-speaking but generally helpful.
Shopping and Sales Tax
Massachusetts has a 6.25% sales tax on most goods, but clothing and footwear priced under $175 per item are exempt. For clothing priced above $175, only the amount exceeding $175 is taxable. Boston offers a range of shopping options from Newbury Street boutiques to the Prudential Center and Copley Place.
Public Transit: The 'T'
Boston's subway system, known locally as the 'T,' is operated by the MBTA. A one-way subway fare is $2.40 with a CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, contactless payment, or cash. A 1-day LinkPass costs approximately $11.00, and a 7-day pass is $22.50. The subway runs from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily. The Hynes Convention Center is steps away from Hynes Convention Center, Copley, and Prudential stations on the Green Line, and Back Bay station on the Orange Line.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: BOS
Boston Logan International Airport offers nonstop service to 88 domestic and 59 international destinations. Book flights early for the best rates, especially for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend (November 26, 2026). The Back Bay Logan Express shuttle provides direct service to the Hynes area.
Visa
Most international attendees need either a B-1 business visitor visa or an approved ESTA (if eligible for the Visa Waiver Program). Citizens of 42 VWP countries can travel without a visa for business purposes for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA. All others should apply for a B-1 visa at a U.S. consulate. MRS provides visa invitation letters upon request to support applications
Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed
Processing: Varies by consular post; average global wait time is approximately 30 days, but can exceed 12 months at some posts. An optional $750 expedited interview fee is available July 1 – December 31, 2026 at select consular sections. Apply at least 3–6 months in advance
MRS is pleased to supply a visa invitation letter. Visit the MRS Contact Us page and select 'Visa Letter Requests' from the drop-down menu. Request your letter as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for the visa application process.
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Areas to stay
Back Bay — central, walkable to Hynes, shopping and dining · Copley Square — adjacent to Back Bay, MBTA access, official hotels · Prudential Center — connected to Hynes via indoor walkway · Fenway — budget-friendly, accessible via Green Line · Cambridge — quieter, academic atmosphere, MBTA Red Line access
Budget
$150–$280/night
Mid-Range
$245–$320/night
Premium / Luxury
$380–$650+/night
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: From Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): Take the Back Bay Logan Express shuttle (recommended) — free from Logan to Back Bay, $3 from. Back Bay to Logan, every 20 minutes. Taxi/rideshare takes approximately 10–15 minutes and costs approximately $22–$45. Public transit via the MBTA takes about 30–35 minutes (Silver Line SL1 to South Station, then Red Line to Park Street, then Green Line to Hynes Convention Center).
Hotel → venue: Most official MRS hotels are within walking distance of the Hynes Convention Center. The Sheraton Boston Hotel is directly adjacent and connected via indoor walkways. The Prudential Center and Copley Place are connected to the Hynes via enclosed pedestrian bridges. Back Bay Station is a 10-minute indoor walk through Copley Place and Prudential Center.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout Boston. Estimated fare from Logan Airport to Back Bay/Hynes area: $20–$35 depending on traffic and demand. Taxis are metered; estimated fare from Logan to Back Bay: $30–$45. A taxi stand is located across the street from the Prudential Center, just outside the Boylston Street entrance to the Hynes.
Public transit: The MBTA subway (known as 'the T') is the fastest and cheapest way to get around Boston. One-way subway fare: $2.40 with CharlieCard, CharlieTicket, contactless payment, or cash. 7-day pass: $22.50. The Hynes is steps from four stations: Hynes Convention Center, Copley, and Prudential on the Green Line, and Back Bay on the Orange Line. Commuter Rail and Amtrak also serve. Back Bay Station.
Parking: The Hynes Convention Center does not operate its own public parking garage. Nearby garages include Hynes Auditorium Garage (50 Dalton Street), Prudential Center Garage (800 Boylston Street, 2,999 spaces), Copley Place Garage (100 Huntington Avenue, 2,999 spaces), and Sheraton Boston Hotel Valet (39 Dalton Street). Event parking rates near the Hynes typically range from $25–$48. Overnight parking $40–$90. Street parking in Back Bay is very limited, mostly metered with 2-hour limits.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November-December
Temperature: High: 6-11°C (43-52°F); Low: to 2°C (30-36°F)
Seasonality: Cold and humid with frequent snowfall possible. Higher rainfall in December and January
Packing: Bring a warm, insulated, waterproof coat with a hood, thermal base layers, fleece or wool mid-layers, waterproof insulated boots with grip soles, insulated gloves, a beanie, a scarf, and an umbrella. The Hynes is connected to the Prudential Center and Sheraton Boston Hotel, so indoor access reduces outdoor exposure
Itinerary builder
Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.
Add side trips
Default day plan
7:00 AMBreakfast at hotel
8:00 AMAttend morning technical sessions
10:00 AMCoffee break and networking
12:00 PMLunch
1:30 PMVisit the exhibit hall
3:30 PMAttend poster session
6:00 PMNetworking reception
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Wednesday, December 2
The Exhibit Hall is open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. with coffee and refreshment breaks, and the technical programme is in full swing. Wednesday offers the widest overlap of exhibit hours and symposia, maximising both networking and content opportunities.
T
Book registration and hotel — Register by September 24, 2026 for Early Bird rates. Book official MRS hotel before the November 6, 2026 deadline. (Guidance based on official deadlines: https://www.mrs.org/meetings-events/annual-meetings/2026-mrs-fall-meeting/registration
T
Apply for visa (if international) — If traveling internationally, apply for B-1 visa or ESTA as early as possible. Request MRS visa invitation letter through the Contact Us page. (Guidance:
T
Book flights and airport transfers — Book flights to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Reserve Back Bay Logan Express shuttle or arrange taxi/rideshare. (Guidance:
T
Download MRS Meeting App — The Official MRS Meeting App will be available in November 2026. Use it to plan your schedule, search sessions, and network with attendees. (Guidance based on official FAQ:
T
Review program and build personal schedule — Browse the technical program of 50+ symposia and mark sessions of interest. Check for any schedule updates. (Guidance:
T
Pack appropriately and confirm travel documents — Boston in late November/early December is cold (highs 6-11°C, lows to 2°C). Bring warm layers, waterproof boots, gloves, and scarf. Confirm passport, visa/ESTA, and meeting registration. (Guidance:
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
09:00 to 10:30
Keynote Address and Opening Ceremony
Main Auditorium
10:45 to 12:30
Exhibition Hall Floor Tour and B2B Meetings
Exhibition Halls
13:30 to 15:00
Technical Innovation Stream and Case Studies
Conference Room A
15:30 to 17:00
Industry Networking Reception
Networking Lounge
1:30 PM
Visit the exhibit hall
Exhibit Halls A-D
3:30 PM
Attend poster session
Poster session area
6:00 PM
Networking reception
Exhibit Hall
Side trips
6
Boston Public Library
Historic Library and Cultural Landmark
A National Historic Landmark with stunning architecture, art, and a tranquil courtyard. Free to enter. A peaceful retreat between sessions
5-minute walk from Hynes
Prudential Center & View Boston
Shopping, Dining, and Observation Deck
Connected to the Hynes via the Prudential Center. View Boston offers panoramic views of the city from the 50th floor. Shopping and dining options on multiple levels
2-minute walk (connected via indoor walkway)
Newbury Street
Shopping and Dining District
One block from the Hynes, this iconic Boston street features boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants in a historic. Back Bay setting. Great for a stroll between sessions
1-minute walk from Hynes
Commonwealth Avenue Mall
Linear Park
A 32-acre tree-lined mall with statues and monuments, ideal for a walk between sessions. Accessible via Hynes Convention Center and Copley MBTA stations
5-minute walk from Hynes
Freedom Trail
Historic Walking Trail
A 2.5-mile walking trail connecting 16 significant historical sites including the Massachusetts State House, Old State House, and Faneuil Hall. A must-do for first-time visitors to Boston
20-minute walk to trail start at Boston Common
Fenway Park
Historic Baseball Stadium
Home of the Boston Red Sox, one of the most iconic ballparks in America. Tours available on non-game days
15-minute walk via Brookline Avenue
Networking spots
4
Exhibit Hall Networking Reception
Official Networking Event
Tuesday, December 1, 5:00–6:00 pm in the Exhibit Hall
Poster Session Areas
Informal Networking
Interactive poster sessions throughout the week provide opportunities to connect with researchers
Sheraton Boston Hotel Lobby Bar
Hotel Bar
Conveniently adjacent to the Hynes and a common gathering spot for attendees
Prudential Center Restaurants
Dining and Drinks
Connected to the Hynes; a range of restaurants and bars suitable for informal meetings
Budget
Costs & budget
Exhibit space pricing for the 2026 MRS Fall Meeting is not published on the official event website. Interested exhibitors are directed to contact MRS Exhibit & Sponsorship Sales at mrs@heiexpo.com or 800.752.6312 for space reservation and rate information. The official Exhibit & Sponsorship Prospectus and Online Exhibit Application are referenced but pricing is not publicly posted as of the current edition. (2026 data official page)
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
Hotel × 5 nights$750.00
Per diem × 5$375.00
Visa$185.00
Flight — Domestic (e.g., New York to Boston)$300.00
Estimated total$1,610.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Meeting Registration (Early Bird)
visitor · Standard
USD 1130 / per person
official
Meeting Registration (Early Bird, Member)
visitor · Member
USD 975 / per person
official
Student Registration (Early Bird)
visitor · Student
USD 360 / per person
official
Meeting Registration (Preregistration)
visitor · Standard
USD 1240 / per person
official
Meeting Registration (Regular)
visitor · Standard
USD 1360 / per person
official
Hotel (Official MRS Block Budget)
visitor · Budget
USD 194 / per night
official
Hotel (Official MRS Block Mid-Range)
visitor · Mid-Range
USD 245–256 / per night
official
Per Diem (Meals & Incidentals)
visitor · Standard
USD 75–120 / per day
estimate
Visa Application Fee (B-1)
visitor · Standard
USD 185 / per person
official
Exhibit Booth (10x10, 2024 benchmark)
exhibitor · Standard
USD 3050 / per booth
estimate
Exhibit Booth (10x10, 2025 inline)
exhibitor · Standard
USD 3150 / per booth
estimate
Item
For
Tier
Estimated range
Status
As of
Meeting Registration (Early Bird)
visitor
Standard
USD 1130 / per person
official
Meeting Registration (Early Bird, Member)
visitor
Member
USD 975 / per person
official
Student Registration (Early Bird)
visitor
Student
USD 360 / per person
official
Meeting Registration (Preregistration)
visitor
Standard
USD 1240 / per person
official
Meeting Registration (Regular)
visitor
Standard
USD 1360 / per person
official
Hotel (Official MRS Block Budget)
visitor
Budget
USD 194 / per night
official
Hotel (Official MRS Block Mid-Range)
visitor
Mid-Range
USD 245–256 / per night
official
Per Diem (Meals & Incidentals)
visitor
Standard
USD 75–120 / per day
estimate
Visa Application Fee (B-1)
visitor
Standard
USD 185 / per person
official
Exhibit Booth (10x10, 2024 benchmark)
exhibitor
Standard
USD 3050 / per booth
estimate
Exhibit Booth (10x10, 2025 inline)
exhibitor
Standard
USD 3150 / per booth
estimate
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
MRS Fall Meeting 2026 is the premier international gathering for materials research, featuring 50+ symposia across nine topical clusters and ~6,000 attendees from 49+ countries. Use this short assessment to determine whether to attend, exhibit, or skip
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary objective for attending or participating in MRS Fall Meeting 2026?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your work or interests align with at least one of the nine topical clusters, you have budget for registration ($975–$1,360) plus travel and accommodation, and you can commit to attending in person for all or part of November 29–December 4, 2026
Best for
Researchers, scientists, engineers, and procurement professionals who want to learn about cutting-edge materials science, present their work, and source new instrumentation, processing technologies, data tools, or services
Min. budget
$1,500.00
Timeline
Register by September 24, 2026 for Early Bird rates. Book hotel by November 6, 2026 to secure the MRS room block. Apply for a visa 3–6 months in advance if traveling internationally
Risks
Early Bird registration ends September 24, 2026 — waiting increases cost by $110–$230
No virtual component — all sessions are in-person; travel is mandatory
Boston in late November/early December is cold with possible snow; plan for travel delays
Hotel demand is high during the meeting; the official room block deadline is November 6, 2026
exhibit
Your product portfolio directly serves materials researchers, you have a clear lead-generation or brand-visibility goal, and you are prepared to invest in booth design, staffing, and follow-up to maximize ROI
Best for
Companies selling instrumentation, processing technologies, data tools, or services to materials researchers; organizations seeking to generate qualified leads from academia, industry, national labs, and government
Min. budget
$5,000.00
Timeline
Contact MRS Exhibit & Sponsorship Sales (mrs@heiexpo.com) well in advance to reserve space. Exhibitor materials, including the Exhibitor Manual, will be available in August 2026. Booth setup is November 30–December 1, 2026; exhibit dates are December 1–3, 2026
Risks
Booth pricing is not published publicly — contact MRS for current rates (2023 standard 10x10 booth was $3,050)
Exhibit hall is open only 3 days (Dec 1–3), shorter than some trade shows
Travel and logistics costs for booth materials, staff, and freight add significantly to total investment
Lead capture and follow-up require advance planning; the official MRS Meeting App is the primary event tool
skip
Your target audience does not overlap with materials science, travel to Boston is impractical or too costly, or the registration and travel investment is not justified by your current objectives
Best for
Organizations or individuals whose work is not aligned with materials science, who cannot travel to Boston in late November/early December, or who have budget constraints that make the total cost prohibitive
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
No action required. Consider MRS Spring Meeting (Seattle, April 2027) or other materials science events if your needs change
Risks
Missing opportunities to connect with 6,000+ materials researchers from 49+ countries
Falling behind on emerging trends in AI-driven materials discovery, quantum materials, and sustainable materials
Competitors may gain visibility and leads that could have been yours
Book with
Partners
Freeman — Official Service Contractor
Exhibitor Services
Freeman provides the Exhibitor Manual, booth services, shipping, and lead retrieval services for the 2026 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit. Exhibitor materials, including the Exhibitor Manual and Exhibitor Newsletters, will be available in August 2026.
Official MRS Exhibitor & Sponsor Resources page directs exhibitors to the Freeman portal for the Exhibitor Manual
Official MRS Meeting Hotels
Housing
MRS encourages attendees to book through the official MRS housing links to access the Official Meeting Hotels and receive the lowest available rates. Official Meeting Hotels include: Sheraton Boston Hotel (39 Dalton Street), Boston Marriott Copley Place (110 Huntingdon Avenue), The Westin Copley Place, Boston (10 Huntingdon Avenue), Hilton Boston Back Bay (40 Dalton Street), and Hilton Boston Park Plaza (50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street).
Official MRS Hotels page for the 2026 Fall Meeting
Official MRS Meeting App
Event Technology
The Official MRS Meeting App will be available to download in November 2026. It provides access to event information, schedules, and networking features.
Official MRS FAQ page confirms the app availability timeline for the 2026 edition
Hynes Convention Center — Venue
Venue
The 2026 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit will be held at the Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, with the Exhibit located in Level 2, Hall C. The venue is connected to the Prudential Center and adjacent to the Sheraton Boston Hotel.
Official venue operator page for the Hynes Convention Center
MRS Symposium Support Program
Sponsorship / Support
The Symposium Support Program for the 2026 MRS Fall Meeting offers four support levels—Platinum ($10,000), Gold ($5,000), Silver ($3,000), and Bronze ($1,000). Application must be received by October 7, 2026 to receive Signature Benefits. Contact: SymposiumSupport@mrs.org.
Official MRS Symposium Support Program page for the 2026 Fall Meeting
MRS Corporate Partner Program
Sponsorship / Partnership
MRS Corporate Partners gain visibility and access to exclusive benefits, including opportunities for brand recognition, networking, and recruitment of MRS members and meeting attendees. Contact Jennifer Ibe or Dawn Kerrigan (800.752.6312; 630.434.7779).
The professional society that organizes the MRS Fall Meeting; its meetings portfolio serves as an international stage for the examination and dissemination of current and emerging materials research.
2
Symposia
Focused technical sessions organized around specific materials research topics; the 2026 MRS Fall Meeting features more than 50 symposia across nine topical clusters.
3
Topical Clusters
The nine thematic groupings that organize the 2026 Fall Meeting technical program: Broader Impact; Characterization; Electronics, Optics and Photonics; Energy and Sustainability; Materials Theory—AI for Materials Science; Nanomaterials; Quantum Materials, Interfaces and Topological Systems; Soft Materials and Biomaterials; and Structural and Functional Materials.
4
Exhibit Hall
The venue where companies from around the world present innovative products and services to the scientific community, showcasing instrumentation, processing technologies, data tools, and services.
5
Poster Session
Interactive presentations where researchers display and discuss their work; the 2026 Fall Meeting includes technical poster sessions and poster award judging.
6
Hynes Convention Center
The Boston venue hosting the 2026 MRS Fall Meeting technical sessions and the exhibit hall, located on Level 2, Hall C.
7
Sheraton Boston Hotel
The hotel adjacent to the Hynes Convention Center that provides additional meeting space and official housing for the 2026 MRS Fall Meeting.
8
Quantum Materials
An emerging class of materials highlighted in the 2026 MRS Fall Meeting program, reflecting the meeting's scope from quantum materials to energy and sustainability.
