# IRES: Materials Innovation Collaborative

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of California-Santa Barbara (CA) · $750,000

## Abstract

This IRES project provides U.S. undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to engage in materials science research at the Okinawa Institute for Science (OIST) in Japan. The students spend 5 weeks (graduates) or 10 weeks (undergraduates) at OIST participating in collaborative research topics, working broadly in materials for sustainability and quantum information. This initiative is important in furthering the education of U.S. students by cultivating their interests in different scientific disciplines, academic institutions, and international venues to develop global awareness and an appreciation for different cultural perspectives.

The Materials Innovation Collaborative IRES project promotes the design, creation, and understanding of novel materials and systems that address global challenges in sustainability and quantum science. To address these national priorities, synergistic expertise in state-of-the-art synthesis, simulation, characterization, and testing is leveraged at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and OIST. IRES students participate in collaborative research between UCSB and OIST through international research visits focused on sustainable polymers, soft and conducting materials, bio-based polymers for advanced manufacturing, pyrochlore magnets, and Kagome metals. Every year, the project supports 4 undergraduate students and 4 graduate students who travel to Okinawa, Japan for the research experiences. UCSB graduate students taking par

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2505254
- **Awardee organization:** University of California-Santa Barbara (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** G9QBQDH39DF4
- **PI:** Christopher Bates
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** JAPAN, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
- **Estimated total:** $750,000
- **Funds obligated:** $750,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2505254

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2505254, IRES: Materials Innovation Collaborative. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2505254. Licensed CC0.

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