Business and Activities

Research and development is our core business. Flexible management and rapid top-down response is how we succeed.

The business of NIMS centers on research and development in the field of materials science. We pursue our various activities in this field according to medium-to-long-term goals and plans, all founded in the NIMS philosophy, mission, and vision.

Our core activities

1.Research and Development

Basic research and development in the field of materials science and technology is NIMS's main mission. This research and development mission is supported by the multiple research structures we have established, some of which are interdisciplinary.

Main Projects Funded Externally
Cabinet Office
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA)
JST
NEDO
AMED
JSPS

2.Collection, analysis, and dissemination of research information

Investigating and analyzing Japanese and international trends in materials research and disseminating information through analysis journals, academic journals, and a materials portal site accessible to researchers.

3. Sharing of our facilities, equipment, and data systems

We provide opportunities for external researchers to use our facilities, from general research equipment to state-of-the-art devices, large machinery, and our research-supporting data systems.

4.Fostering research personnel

We are active in fostering postdoctoral students, graduate students, and trainees through initiatives such as the NIMS Joint Graduate School Program and collaborative graduate school systems to foster creative researchers and engineers.

5.Collaboration and exchange with academic institutions in Japan and around the world

We work to enhance the academic standing of materials science research in Japan through ongoing collaboration and exchange with leading academic institutions and research talent in Japan and around the world.

6.Promotion of industry-academia-government collaboration

We develop and maintain strong ties with the industrial sector through joint research and the hosting of bilateral seminars. We also contribute to academia through collaboration research with universities.

7.Promotion of technology transfer by incubating venture companies

NIMS sees the creation of venture businesses as an effective means of technology transfer, so we actively support high-risk startups by leveraging NIMS's human resources, technology, and facilities.

8.Other related activities

As a public institution, NIMS is tasked with implementing surveys and other tasks in the field of materials science according to national policy, both in Japan and around the world.

Innovative Material Development Strengthening Program "M3 (M-cube) Program"

In October 2016, NIMS was made a Designated National Research and Development Institute. To fulfill its role as a core institution driving innovation in the materials field, both in Japan and internationally, NIMS launched the M3 Program to improve the development of innovative materials. The name M3 comes from the first letter of the three programs that make up the initiative. The synergy of these three "Ms" strengthens Japan's materials development capabilities.

Three "Ms" to enhance material development capabilities

Materials Research Bank (MRB)

Promoting data-driven materials research
Creation of a core data hub

To advance data-driven materials research throughout Japan, we operate one of the world's largest material databases and work continuously toward improvements. The database acts as a core data hub for collecting, storing, and utilizing high-quality materials data.

Materials Data Platform 　DICE

Materials Open Platform (MOP)

Promoting open innovation by connecting the industrial sector and research institutes
Forming "Open Platforms" by industry and research sector with NIMS at the core. Through this horizontal collaboration system, within which multiple participating companies can work together on common challenges, we aim to enhance the power of innovation.

MOP(NIMS Technology Transfer Consultation Service)

Materials Global Center (MGC)

Building an international talent network
research talent from within Japan and around the world – and thereby fostering our research environment and helping develop global talent.

ICYS(International Center for Young Scientists)

About NIMS