About

Materials science and engineering at UC Santa Cruz focuses on the discovery and study of new materials for applications in future sustainable technologies. Our faculty and students engage in cutting-edge research to address the needs of today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape.

Green grass grows on top of a tetris of structures

Sustainability is at the core of our work — we are dedicated to accelerating the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and workforce training required to develop new materials for sustainable technologies, including innovations in energy-efficient electronics, efficient light-harvesting energy sources and energy storage devices.

Someone with purple medical gloves holds a petri dish and tweezer

Beyond understanding fundamental properties of complex natural systems, MSE plays a crucial role in improving lives by advancing the development of cutting-edge electronic, optical, magnetoelectronic, and bioelectronic devices.

Two people wearing white lab coats look at a computer inside a lab, one points at it

Students in our program benefit from immersive learning experiences within world-class research groups. Through collaboration with faculty and industry partners, our students gain experience and skills needed to meet real-world challenges in the field — contributing to UCSC’s legacy of environmental stewardship and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Affiliated departments

UC Santa Cruz is at the forefront of materials science, exploring new materials that pave the way for sustainable future technologies. Our program stands at the intersection of physics, chemistry, earth and planetary sciences, and electrical and computer engineering, creating a unique, interdisciplinary nexus to push the boundaries of scientific understanding.

Last modified: Aug 20, 2024