MRS sponsors two major annual Meetings offering approximately 75 topical symposia. The Society recognizes professional and technical excellence, conducts symposium tutorials, and encourages technical interaction among college students through University Chapters, and among materials professionals through regional Sections.

MRS also promotes communication exchange through publication of symposium proceedings, MRS Bulletin, Journal of Materials Research, and other publications, databases and videotapes related to current research activities. MRS works closely with other materials organizations around the world, and is an Adhering Body of the International Union of Materials Research Societies (IUMRS).