The state and prospects of the field of metallurgy and of MIT's Department at the time of the outbreak of war in Europe can be summarized by quoting statements by President Compton: "Metallurgy as a profession is coming of age, and the promise of its maturity will best be fulfilled by the highest degree of scientific training. The metallurgist now requires not only a thorough training in the processes and physics of metallurgy, but a knowledge of physical chemistry, electrochemistry and ceramics. What metallurgy has accomplished in recent years in the development of innumerable alloys of steel and lighter metals, thus opening a new era in transportation and comfortable living, forecasts a future rich in prospect" (Technology Review, Vol. 39, May 1937, p. 286/Karl T. Compton announcement at Institute Faculty Meeting, April 14, 1937).
--Bever
In the twentieth century, Course III researchers assisted in the Manhattan Project and in many others areas of military manufacturing and development. Also at that time, Department personnel began to study ceramics and polymers, though many of their potential applications were not immediately apparent.