Materials

UConn is at the cutting edge of innovative research into the fundamental building blocks of the universe and is applying that knowledge to reshape the makeup of our world.

Utilizing state-of-the art equipment, UConn researchers are redefining our understanding of the material world, including atomic structures, crystalline structures and advanced materials, and the essence of matter. Established in 1965, UConn's Institute of Materials Science (IMS) is a leader in advanced materials research, providing superior graduate research education in the interdisciplinary fields of materials science and engineering. Faculty from 20 departments, including UConn Health, are affiliated with IMS and contribute to the Institute’s interdisciplinary research programs and outreach.

Focused on meeting industry and the world’s demands, IMS is also home to the Industrial Affiliates Program, an industry outreach program that provides materials characterization and analysis services to Connecticut companies.

A woman in a blue lab coat and safety glasses operating a sophisticated machine labeled "Gleeble." The woman is intently focused as she interacts with the touchscreen interface of the machine, which displays various controls and real-time data, such as force, temperature, and stress measurements.

Center for Materials Processing Data (CMPD)

Provides transient materials data to a multi-university consortium to improve materials modeling and process design.

Learn more about CMPD

A man using a computer to work on a project

Center for Science of Heterogeneous Additive Printing of 3D Materials (SHAP3D)

Develops critical insight into fundamental structure-processing-property relationships to predict and control the integration of diverse materials for 3D printing.

Learn more about SHAP3D

Mustafa Yavuz, Institute for Material Science clean room manager, looks though a microscope in a clean room at the Science1 Research Center on June 26, 2023. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

Institute of Materials Science (IMS)

Provides superior graduate research education in the interdisciplinary fields of materials science and engineering.

Learn more about IMS

a female engineer working with a sophisticated piece of machinery in a lab.

Pratt & Whitney Additive Manufacturing Center (PW AMC)

Utilizes a unique suite of thermophysical property measurement instruments to research fundamental aspects of additive manufacturing.

Learn more about PW AMC

A researcher works intently on a high-precision scientific instrument in a laboratory setting.

Reverse Engineering, Fabrication, Inspection and Non-Destructive Analysis (REFINE)

Uses state-of-the-art equipment to research failure analysis, forensic analysis, hardware security, hardware hacking, and reverse engineering of electrical components.

Learn more about REFINE

A researcher carefully working with a piece of advanced scientific equipment labeled 'DENS solutions' and 'climate GAS SUPPLY SYSTEM.'

UConn DENSsolutions Center for IN-siTu/Operando Electron Microscopy (InToEM)

Transforms transmission electron microscopes from imaging instruments into a comprehensive research laboratory, at the frontier of materials dynamics research.

Learn more about InToEM

Two researchers are working with a large, complex piece of scientific equipment

UConn-Thermo Fisher Scientific Center for Advanced Microscopy and Materials Analysis (CAMMA)

Uses Thermo Fisher Scientific instrumentation, including nine state-of-the-art electron microscopes, to analyze various materials.

Learn more about CAMMA