International Standardization Activities

As a Designated National Research and Development Institute, NIMS is tasked with a broad commitment from the creation of seeds to their implementation in society by constantly creating and nurturing technological seeds and sending them out to industry. They are stated in the mid- to long-term goals. Standardization activities, in which research achievements are reflected in standards, are an important means to implement new knowledge into society. The importance of standardization has been increasingly recognized, especially in recent years.

On May 23, 2023, the Research Commission on Intellectual Property Strategy of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan's Policy Research Council made recommendations to the government stating, “in government-supported research and development, universities and companies should be encouraged to change their attitudes and behaviors. For example, grant requirements will be established to encourage universities and companies to consider rule formation and international standardization from the initial stages.” In addition, “The government should take the necessary financial measures to vigorously promote international standardization efforts and stimulate economic growth.” (English translation of the original Japanese text by the NIMS International Standardization Committee) These recommendations refer to the importance of the government promoting international standardization.

NIMS has long been engaged in domestic and international standardization activities. In particular, we have been playing a central role in the VAMAS* project for about 40 years. In research and development activities, especially in government-funded projects, social implementation of research achievements through standardization is required more strongly than ever. We have updated the rules of the International Standardization Committee and renewed the committee structure with the aims of visualizing standardization activities and their achievements at NIMS and further activating the activities. We will continue contributing to society through standardization activities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

The NIMS International Standardization Committee will promote the following activities from a mid- to long-term perspective. 

• Promote returning our research achievements to society through standardization activities.
• Contribute to giving back to society by advancing material-related standards in terms of safety and reliability, e.g., from the perspective of national resilience.
• As the national secretariat of VAMAS*, coordinate and visualize standardization activities related to new materials.
• Disseminate the significance of standardization activities in addition to publishing papers and creating intellectual property, as a means of returning our research achievements to society.

* VAMAS

The Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS) was established following an economic summit in 1982 held at Versailles by the Heads of State of the G7 group of nations and representatives from the Commission of the European Communities. The membership has expanded over the last few years. VAMAS aims to promote world trade in advanced technology products and stimulate economic exchanges by promoting the development of new technologies related to new materials and international standardization among participating countries.