What: Scientists will gather in Huntsville, Ala., beginning Tuesday, June 25, to discuss hot topics in their field -- from materials for advanced spaceships to biomaterials used in medicine.

But you dont have to be in Huntsville to catch up on the latest materials science news.

News media are invited to learn about existing and future research by attending the conference or watching a webcast Tuesday and Wednesday of NASAs Microgravity Materials Science Conference. The conference is sponsored by the Office of Biological and Physical Research and hosted by NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville and NASAs Materials Science Discipline Working Group.

When: Webcast: Tuesday, June 25, 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. CDT
Webcast: Wednesday, June 26, 8:15 a.m.-1 p.m. CDT

Who: Watch the webcast and hear experts talk about the latest research on materials science issues such as radiation shielding, novel materials for advanced spacecraft, and studying materials on Mars. Experts from across the nation -- the lead scientists for NASA experiments -- will be available for face-to-face or telephone interviews.

Where: Conference sessions will be at the Von Braun Center, North Hall, Huntsville, Ala.

To attend or listen to webcast: News media interested in covering the event should contact Steve Roy of the Marshall Media Relations Department at 256-544-0034.

To find out more about the conference and learn how to participate in the webcast, visit: http://msad.msfc.nasa.gov/Matsc2002