The Solid State Sciences Committee (SSSC) continues to identify and examine issues affecting the health of the field of materials science in the United States. Over the past three years several SSSC activities have resulted in reports on specific topics. SSSC assessed the field of photonics and completed a major study of materials science and engineering. The SSSC is nearing completion of a study on diluted magnetic semiconductors. The committee continues periodically to hold a forum designed to bring together researchers and Washington policy makers. Much of the committee's efforts over the past year have focused on following up the materials study and identifying new areas for future attention. The SSSC will continue to respond to the demands of the field by completing present projects and beginning new projects with similar relevance to the health of materials science and the solid state sciences. Materials have been identified by the current administration, through OSTP, as an area for a national science and technology initiative for the country. SSSC will continue to support the development of this initiative.
