Last year, an opinion piece entitled “Unleashing the power of materials science for a sustainable future” was published in the journal Matter. The title perfectly summarizes the pivotal role of materials science in the transition towards a more sustainable economy and society. Therefore, there is a growing need to raise awareness among students and young researchers of the fact that materials science will be instrumental in achieving the ambitious targets related to the climate crisis and sustainable development.

Materials science is nothing but a fusion of basic sciences such as physics and chemistry with an eye to targeted applications. It is the synergy between fundamental notions that allows materials scientists to design tailor-made materials with desired properties and functions. The scientific lectures of the MATES school, ranging from batteries to plant-derived materials, perfectly reflect this multidisciplinary spirit, and the school aims to help to broaden the scientific horizons of future leaders in materials science.

The MATES school is focussed on materials for energy applications and is usually organized by the University of Bordeaux (last year’s edition), Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials (QCAM) being a partner of this initiative. This year, QCAM has taken over the organization of the school and expanded the scope of the school to include materials for sustainability.

Not only does this choice reflect two research priorities at QCAM, but it also aims to emphasize the role played by novel materials in achieving two of UN’s SDG: 7 and 12

The school programme will feature two types of activities: lectures and a group activity. The latter will focus on science policy. The reason behind this choice is the awareness that scientists must be able to communicate with (and influence) policymakers to ensure that scientific advances translate into an actual impact on public policy. The school participants will work in groups to draw up a policy brief on energy and sustainability.

Please note that the current deadline mentioned in the attached flyer is 15 May but may be extended again if needed.