NIMS Open House 2026

“Change the World with Materials” – A Grand Exhibition of NIMS Research and Innovation
25th Anniversary Theme: “Breaking Limits”
2026.05.31

In 2026, NIMS celebrates its 25th anniversary.
This year’s Open House is held under the commemorative theme, “Breaking Limits.”
We will showcase cutting-edge research that challenges the limits of materials—such as strength, lightness, durability, and functionality.

As the world faces global challenges such as climate change and aging infrastructure, materials science has an increasingly important role to play in finding solutions.
At NIMS, researchers constantly take on challenges and pursue new possibilities through curiosity, creativity, and advanced research.

How are breakthroughs made?
At the frontlines of science, you will find stories of curiosity, inspiration, and perseverance in the face of failure.
Through direct conversations with researchers, we invite you to experience the fascination of science and discover the possibilities that advanced materials can open for the future.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Summary

Event Title	NIMS Open House 2026 “Change the World with Materials” – A Grand Exhibition of NIMS Research and Innovation 25th Anniversary Theme: “Breaking Limits”
Venue	NIMS (National Institute for Materials Science) Sengen / Namiki / Sakura sites Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
Date & Time	Sunday, May 31, 2026　 10:00 - 16:00
Registration Fee	Free
Target Audience	High school students and older (Junior high school students and younger are also welcome.)
Special Website (Pre-launch Website)	https://www.nims.go.jp/openhouse/2026/ *Japanese website

*Details about each program, as well as information on registration and reservations, will be announced on the special website scheduled to go live in early April.

Main Programs (Planned)

Open Laboratories (No Reservation Required)

Step inside cutting-edge laboratories that are normally closed to the public.
A world of materials research you have never seen before awaits you.

Open Laboratory & Research Experience Programs (For high school, technical college, university, and graduate students)

Experience world-class research up close in small groups.
Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, you can explore the reality of scientific research.
You may even meet a future collaborator or academic mentor.

NIMS 25th Anniversary Special Lectures (Four special talks)

Leading pioneers who have pushed beyond limits will share the stories behind their breakthroughs and their visions for the future.

NIMS Joint Graduate School Program & Career Information Session

Learn about opportunities to study or work at NIMS, and explore possible paths for your future.

Other Programs

Guided tours of the NIMS campus are also being planned. Please stay tuned for more details.

Featured Laboratory Programs

※ Please check the special website for detailed information and reservations.
※ Programs requiring reservations may fill up quickly once registration opens.

The Power of Materials Data to Shape the Future (Reservation Required)
Learn how AI can predict new materials through data-driven analysis, with live demonstrations.
Hands-On Experience with an Automated Synthesis Robot! (Reservation Required)
Try operating a robot yourself and experience the future of organic synthesis.
Observation Atoms with a Transmission Electron Microscope (Reservation Required)
Learn about the principles of electron microscopy and examples of atomic structures, and take a rare look inside the instrument housing, which is normally hidden from view.
Heat-Resistant Superalloys for Reducing CO₂ Emissions
Discover the secrets behind the strength of superalloys used in extremely high-temperature environments such as aircraft jet engines.
Future Photovoltaics
Learn about solar cells currently under development and next-generation technologies that expand the possibilities of solar power.