The Federation of European Materials Societies (FEMS) and The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the joint Early Career Leaders International Scholar Programme, a new initiative designed to strengthen global collaboration in materials science and engineering.
Through this programme, early-career materials scientists will have the opportunity to apply for funding to participate in each society’s flagship conference. The TMS-selected scholar will travel to Europe to present their work at the FEMS EUROMAT Conference, while the FEMS-selected scholar will attend the TMS Annual Meeting in the United States. In addition to presenting their research, each scholar will be offered the opportunity to visit leading industrial facilities, research laboratories, or universities in the host country, coordinated by members of the host society.
This exchange marks a significant step toward deeper cooperation between FEMS and TMS. The initiative supports early-career researchers, fosters international dialogue, and contributes to addressing global challenges in the field of materials science. The respective societies will provide financial travel support: the TMS Foundation will award up to USD 5,000 for the TMS scholar travelling to EUROMAT, and FEMS will provide up to EUR 4,000 for the FEMS scholar travelling to the TMS Annual Meeting.
Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini, FEMS President, commented:
“I am delighted that we have been able to work closely with the TMS leadership over the past months to achieve this important milestone. I am confident that this joint effort will be the beginning of further cooperation between our societies to strengthen materials science and engineering on both sides of the Atlantic, with a focus on research, education, and outreach.”
The MoU represents the first step toward broader long-term collaboration between FEMS and TMS, with the shared aim of advancing innovation, supporting the next generation of researchers, and reinforcing the scientific ties between the European and American materials communities.
Further details on the application process will be announced soon on the FEMS website and through our communication channels.