The University of Rochester Chapter of the Materials Research Society (URCMRS) was founded in 1992, and has the distinction of being the first truly interdepartmental university chapter of the national Materials Research Society. The URCMRS is composed of students, faculty, and postdocs from the departments of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, the Institute of Optics, and the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. The objectives of the URCMRS are to “provide a forum for materials researches and students at the University of Rochester to gain knowledge and awareness of materials research and to encourage advancement of materials research by providing additional channels for scientific and social interaction among scientists of the University, local industries, and beyond.” To meet these objectives, the URCMRS has organized numerous events and projects. Our annual Symposium on Materials Research (SOMR) is the central event of our chapter, and the longest running, with the upcoming SOMR-2004 being our thirteenth symposium. The success of the URCMRS relies heavily on the efforts of the Working Committee, and we are always looking for people willing to become a part of this committee and to help in the organization of our various events. If you are interested in learning more about the URCMRS, please contact: Sean Anderson .