CEREM addresses problems of technological significance with a concept driven approach. Interdisciplinary research groups will not be delineated by the specific type of materials investigated, but the conceptual work they address. This enables the Center to explore synergistic connections and to exploit fundamental principles driving the behavior of many materials. The Center provides synergistic and interactive programs in research and launch new initiatives to address the changing needs of our society. The Center unique multidisciplinary environment allows its members to work closely with industry, national labs and academic institutes to make significant advances in materials research which will ultimately improve the quality of lives.