The interdisciplinary field of materials science seeks to develop the science and technology of advanced materials. It plays a pivotal role in tackling some of the most pressing global challenges, such as the increasing demand for sustainable products. To accelerate progress in this important research field, NUS has designated it as one of eight research focus areas.

Novel and advanced materials are the foundation to develop many technological innovations underpinning key industries. These include new and hybrid nanomaterials for use in consumer electronics, semiconductors, sustainable energy production, and the biotechnology and infocommunication sectors, to name a few.

The Faculty of Science has built up leading expertise in fundamental and applied research in the advanced materials domain, such as two-dimensional (2D) materials, graphene and nanocarbons, optoelectronic materials, organic semiconductors, oxides, etc. We also work with our local and international scientific and industry collaborators to address real-life issues and translate the scientific innovations into commercial applications.

For instance, our scientists together with researchers from other faculties, partnered with Applied Materials Inc. to establish the Applied Materials-NUS Advanced Materials Corporate Lab to develop new semiconductor processes and materials  for the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing.

In the prestigious Nature Index 2021 Materials Science journal (June 2021), NUS was placed 7th in the world for our materials science research output, the only university in Singapore in the Top 10 of the Index.