The Institute for Matter and Systems (IMS) at Georgia Tech was established as an Interdisciplinary Research Institute (IRI) at Georgia Tech under the executive vice president for research with the goals of supporting and connecting those doing research in areas from the fundamentals of nanoscale science, through novel materials and devices, to the design, fabrication and characterization of engineered systems that improve information and communication, the built environment, and human-centric technologies. In support of these goals, IMS’s vision is to enable interdisciplinary research at Georgia Tech related to the science, technology and societal impacts of innovative materials and devices, and their incorporation into systems that solve complex global challenges.

As a top ranked engineering university in the U.S., Georgia Tech offers a unique environment for large-scale research enterprises. IMS brings together faculty from across colleges and schools, as well as the Georgia Tech Research Institute, to create a broad research program with strengths ranging from information and communication technologies that efficiently process, store, and communicate data while addressing issues related to security, privacy, and inequality; to the built environment technologies for sectors such as automotive, infrastructure and energy that enhance strength, sustainability, reliability, resiliency, and energy efficiency. IMS leverages this expertise with industry, government and non-profits to create positive economic and societal impact.

To enable state-of-the-art electronics and nanotechnology research, IMS maintains extensive micro/nanofabrication and materials characterization core facilities that are used by more than 1,000 users on an annual basis. As a partner of the Southeastern Nanotechnology Infrastructure Corridor (SENIC), one of the sites in the NSF-funded National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI), our core facilities and associated staff expertise are open to external users from academia, industry, and government labs. These facilities are open to Georgia Tech researchers as well as external customers in academia, government and industry.

Vision

The Institute for Matter and Systems will enable interdisciplinary research at Georgia Tech related to the science, technology and societal impacts of innovative materials and devices, and their incorporation into systems that solve complex challenges.

Mission

Enable inclusive and active communities of interdisciplinary researchers across all of Georgia Tech to define and communicate Georgia Tech’s vision and capabilities in areas of importance,

to take risks in developing early-stage ideas, and to build and sustain teams that create, respond to and execute on large-scale multi-investigator extramural funding opportunities.

Develop and operate world-class facilities and administrative infrastructure to enable transformative interdisciplinary research at Georgia Tech.

Champion workforce development and outreach programs to inspire the next generation and equip the workforce with the skills necessary to collaborate and communicate across multiple disciplines.

Serve as an effective focal point for interactions with external partners including coordinating visits with industry and government leaders, developing, and supporting external partnerships, and assisting faculty with commercialization and economic development.