World Materials Research Institute Forum - WMRIF

In the 2nd WMRIF presidents’ meeting held in June 2007 in Berlin (Germany), Dr. Kishi (President, NIMS) was designated as the first director of the organization. Under his initiative, seven working groups were organized and it was decided that these groups should play the main role in looking for solutions to challenges in the study of material science and to further promote collaboration. Currently, more than 44 institutes for material science research from 21 countries are the participants of WMRIF. WMIRIF is growing into a potent organization with an influence in developing international strategies in the field of material study.

• WMRIF 2005
  Location: Tsukuba, Japan
  Participants: 8 countries (15 organizations)
• WMRIF 2007 Location: Berlin, Germany Participants: 20 countries (31 organizations)
• WMRIF 2009 Location: Washington D.C., USA Participants: 19 countries (28 organizations)
• WMRIF 2011(scheduled) Planned Location: Shenyang, China

Increased concerns about environmental and energy issues have been shown around the world in recent years. While versatile solutions are being discussed, ecological solutions based on the development of new materials and new manufacturing engineering are attracting public attention. Giving consideration to this situation, WMRIF is accelerating its efforts to introduce a mechanism that ensures timely R&D of new materials that can be a key to establishing a sustainable society. The upcoming 4th WMRIF Meeting 2011 in Shengyang, China, will consist of three events, 1) Symposium, 2) Steering Meetings of Working Groups (WGs), and 3) General Assembly (Summit Meeting of the Directors). The 2-day symposium will focus on “Materials Challenges for Safety and Reliability _____ Promoting Young Scientists”, some of well-known scientists in this area will be invited to participate in the symposium and deliver a series of invited presentations.

To promoting material strategies to address environmental and energy issues, WMRIF has determined the following items as its main emphases. WMIRF is committed to accelerating the establishment of a structure to achieve these objectives based on global networking.

• Creation of a research resources map for collaborations
• Joint creation of a technology outlook
• Education and training for young scientists
• Shared use of databases
• Collaboration in research

(44 institution from 21 countries, As of July, 2010)