Abstract: The interface between materials science and physics,especially condensedmatter physics, has been a fruitful area of scientific research throughout the modern history of both disciplines. This paper is divided into four sections: (1)The definition materials as well as materials science and engineering are briefly introduced. (2)Selected highlights in recent history of the interaction between physics and materials science are reviewed. (3)Some lastest developments in the interaction between physics and materials science e.g. in the areas of surfaces and interfaces, defects, theory and modeling, microstructure characterization, new materials and new processes are briefly reviewed.(4)The effect of physics on the development of nanomaterials is discussed.