WELCOME TO UCONN IMS

The Mission of the Institute of Materials Science (IMS) is to promote education, research, and outreach concerning materials to students, faculty members, and especially to industries in the State of Connecticut. IMS was established by the CT Legislature in 1965 to carry out this Mission.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are among the core values of the University of Connecticut and the Institute of Materials Science. We recognize that diversity in outlook and approach, equity on all levels, and total inclusion all contribute to a vibrant intellectual environment, promote deep understanding of our society's shared challenges, and cultivate perspectives needed to solve problems of the future. Our team is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment where we value and develop employees of all backgrounds and experiences. We firmly believe collaboration among team members with varied experiences, perspectives and viewpoints generates more incisive and deeper insight that better serves our people, partners, customers, and communities.

Effective February 1, 2026, the University announced changes to travel policy and procedures. Following are highlights:

• All UConn employees—including graduate students—must obtain pre-approval except for trips that only contain car rental before departing campus for any University-related travel.
• Travelers must submit their request through UConn's Travel Management Company (TMC) or  Concur with enough lead time for review and approval by both their direct supervisor and fiscal officer. If you travel without pre-approval, review and approval by the Senior Institutional Official will be required and reimbursement is not guaranteed.
• Airfare not booked through the TMC or Concur will only be reimbursed at 50%.
• Car rentals not booked through TMC or Concur will be reimbursed at the intermediate class rate from preferred vendors.
• Business class is no longer allowed for flight segments over 8 hours in duration.
• Senior Institutional Official approval is required for reimbursements exceeding $7,500 or 21 days.
• Reconciliation of expense reports and unassigned travel card transactions should be submitted within 30 days of returning, otherwise the following will apply:
  • 60 days: Travel Card will be suspended
  • 90 days: Traveler referred to HR for possible disciplinary action and/or payroll deduction
  • 91 days or later: Concur expense reports containing only out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed at the discretion of the Dean, Director, or Department Head

👉 You can read the full policy here: Travel Policy Change Eff: 02/01/2026