Shaping Our Future
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Shaping Our Future
What should the Materials Research Society plan to achieve in the years ahead? How should the Society itseĂ– and its agenda of activities look 5 to 10 years from now? What positive Steps can we be taking now and in the immediate future to make sure that these visions become reality? The Long Range Planning Committee is asked to grapple with such far-reaching questions of critical significance for MRS. Its special mission is to look beyond the excitement and details of the next meeting, and "think big." This Committee is asked to gather the information needed and assemble responsible recommendations on major growth strategies. These recommendations can form the basis for the MRS Council to set policies for the future and to implement them in a coordinated way. It is this Committee, more than any, whose focus should be on the "big picrure" of materials research, in which MRS provides increasingly effective support and Stimulus for the materials research Community of the future, and continues to earn its position of high respect as a leader among technical and professional organizations. A good try for lofty goals, but how can this Committee of well-intentioned scientists actually generate plans of real practical value to the Society? This question was addressed clearly by the Long Range Planning Committee during the 1988 MRS Spring Meeting in Reno. Among other business, the Committee began to prepare an up-to-date 5-year and 10-year Society plan for discussion at the upcoming MRS Fall Meeting in Boston. Representatives of our activities in meeting planning, technical programs, publica-
tions, education, corporate interactions, external affairs, international liaison, member Services and headquarters Operations have been asked to prepare projections and proposals for future MRS development. Bob Chang is now assembling the initial responses, so that the overall balance of the proposed MRS evolution can be srudied. Then will come the most exciting and difficult step—coordinating those plans in greater detail so that, together, they make a strong, integrated plan which could become the guideline for future policy and action. Note my use of the word "guideline." It is nobody's intention that this exercise generate inflexible constraints for the Society. I am convinced that a special spark of spontaneity and innovation has been the key to MRS's dynamic growth and professional success. Our readiness to try new ideas, adapt to new circumstances, and Start fresh projects has, without doubt, been the hallmark of MRS's development. Our new Long Range Plan must recognize the value of this unique flexibility and spirit of enterprise, and make room for them; it must be subtly prepared to nurture such qualities, not inhibit them. Now for the punch line. I want your interest and participation in this Society project. The Materials Research Society exists, after all, to serve individual members and associates such as you, besides addressing the broader global aims. It is extremely important that your individual vo
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