The International Materials Institute (IMI) at the University of California-Santa Barbara, named the International Center for Materials Science, builds upon the extensive materials expertise at UCSB and the various materials-related Centers at the University, such as the MRSEC, the Institute for Theoretical Physics and the California NanoSystems Institute. The IMI covers a broad spectrum of materials science, including photonic and electronic materials, self-assembled materials, nanomaterials and multifunctional materials. The IMI serves as umbrella for existing and to be developed world-wide networks of collaborations, both at the individual and institutional levels. The IMI international activities focus on Asia and the Americas, with a special emphasis on developing countries in those regions, but the IMI includes participants from across the world. The IMI supports an annual visitors program that convenes leading scientists from the US and abroad for a 3-month period and includes substantial participation from scientists from developing countries in Asia and Latin America. The visitors program focuses on a central materials research theme that changes from year to year and comprises seminars, discussions and active research with UCSB faculty. In addition, the IMI provides fellowships for students, postdoctoral associates and young faculty for overseas research visits. The IMI also supports annual international workshops and an annual international summer school aimed at graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and junior researchers. This award is co-funded by the Division of Materials Research and the Office of International Science and Engineering.
