MONET CCI is transforming polymer and materials chemistry by developing the knowledge and methods to enable molecular-level, chemical control of polymer network properties for the betterment of humankind. We treat networks as complex chemical systems so that the full power of synthetic, physical, and theoretical chemistry is rationally directed toward overarching challenges in de novo molecular network design. Welcome to MONET Center for the Chemistry of M olecularly O ptimized NET works The National Science Foundation ABOUT RESEARCH Impacts MONET's overarching goal is to advance the field of polymer science through innovative research while actively engaging and inspiring the public . MONET's polymer scientists advance interconnected, adaptive molecular networks. The chemistry of the future is driven by: DEVELOPMENT PARTICIPATION COMMUNICATION INNOVATION Through our research programs and broader impacts, we aim to enhance retention in the sciences, increase interest in pursuing a Ph.D., and expand participation. We are dedicated to promoting STEM : We aim to provide opportunities for as many people as possible to engage meaningfully with STEM. We partner with a range of organizations to broaden participation widely. If you would like to propose a partnership to broaden participation in STEM, please contact us. MONET's polymer scientists drive interconnected , adaptive societal networks, broadening impact! Impact Gallery

Collaborating with the American Chemical Society, Science Olympiad, "for the CURIOUS" and others to bring our messages to the broadest audience possible. Broader Impacts Informal Science Communication Outreach Partners Previous Next

CRIPT is a partnership between MIT, Citrine Informatics, Dow Chemical, NIST, and the University of Chicago in which a community database for polymer science is developed through an NSF Phase I Convergence Accelerator project. Broader Impacts Innovation CRIPT Previous Next

Signature Professional Development Experiences (or SPDEs, pronounced "speedies") are student-driven, center-supported deep-dives aligned with one of the four broader impacts areas. Broader Impacts Higher Education and Professional Development Signature Professional Development Experiences Previous Next

Exploring models for research and student training that extend beyond R1 institutions. Broader Impacts Broadening Participation PUI Partnerships Previous Next

Exchanging resources and ideas in monthly Developing Innovation, Service, Community, and Outreach (DISCO) moments. Broader Impacts Broadening Participation DISCO Moments Previous Next

Engaging, content-rich events for the public, through the Art of Polymers Concert Series—a collaboration between the performing arts and physical sciences with our partners at Multiverse. Broader Impacts Informal Science Communication Art of Polymers The Art of Polymers concert series has transformed how society engages with polymer science and chemistry, creating unprecedented bridges between cutting-edge research and public understanding through immersive musical experiences. The journey began with the Virtual Premiere of Art of Polymers , celebrating the 100th anniversary of artificial polymers while reaching 971 people through both live and recorded formats. Interactive Presentation Building on this momentum, the Art of Polymers Concert Live at MIT brought together 115 in-person attendees and 187 YouTube viewers for an evening of original classical and electronic compositions interwoven with live science demonstrations. The series gained remarkable visibility through national media coverage. Art of Polymers on WGBH Public Radio extended the concert's reach to over 100,000 listeners, with an additional 9,685 YouTube views amplifying the message. Media recognition was further amplified when Art of Polymers was published in Advanced Science News , introducing the innovative fusion of polymer research and musical composition to an international readership and legitimizing artistic science communication in mainstream scientific media. The Climate HOPE Concert exponentially expanded the series' impact, reaching over 800,000 people through NPR's WBUR Boston broadcast and engaging 300 live attendees. This multimedia performance wove together research on sustainable polymers with coral reef restoration, urban regeneration projects, and space exploration, demonstrating how polymer science connects to society's most pressing environmental challenges. The initiative's continued evolution is embodied in Planning and Delivering a New Art of Polymer Compositions & Performances , which charts an ambitious roadmap extending through 2027. This planning phase has produced new compositions based on cutting-edge research, including pieces on sacrificial bonds that challenge assumptions about material strength. The Earthrise Concerto at the Christa McAuliffe Center, featuring 10^4 Rays of Hope from Art of Polymers as the finale, brought the Art of Polymers message to planetarium audiences, featuring "10^4 Rays of Hope" as the grand finale in a program exploring the "one earth" perspective and collective responsibility for global challenges. Most recently, piloting the new Musical Mechanophores Outreach Kit at the Cambridge Science Festival engaged over 250 participants in hands-on exploration of polymer networks. Using the innovative Multiverse app, participants "played" chemical structures as music before testing physical models with beads, fishing line, and Velcro to discover the counterintuitive principle that weak molecular crosslinkers can create stronger polymer networks. Featured on the Science with Impact Podcast , Prof. David Ibbett was interviewed by MONET's Director of Broader Impacts, Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D. to discuss the the process and future of their collaborations. Together, these initiatives have created a scalable, research-grounded model for science communication that has reached over one million people across live performances, broadcasts, digital platforms, and hands-on outreach. The Art of Polymers series proves that when scientists and artists collaborate authentically, they can transform abstract molecular concepts into experiences that resonate emotionally, intellectually, and culturally—ultimately strengthening society's relationship with scientific innovation and inspiring the next generation of STEAM thinkers. Previous Next

Expanding access to laboratory research projects through the MONET Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) program. Broader Impacts Broadening Participation Undergraduate Research Experiences Previous Next

Professional development events that leverage MONET resources to provide unique training opportunities. Broader Impacts Higher Education and Professional Development Training Events Previous Next

Research translation and transition efforts resulting in patent filings and new sponsored research endeavors. Broader Impacts Innovation Research Translations Previous Next

Recorded skill exchanges relevant to difference aspects of researching polymers. Broader Impacts Higher Education and Professional Development Technique Tutorials Previous Next

Trainees collaborate with and visit another MONET-affiliated lab for cross-disciplinary research exposure. Broader Impacts Higher Education and Professional Development Lab Exchanges Previous Next