An introduction to NIMS's research fields, contents, and research system.
NIMS is a public institute specializing in materials science research. As a public entity, we strive to achieve the goals set by Japan’s National Science and Technology Basic Plan and the corresponding five-year medium-term plan that is now under way. These are government goals that take into account the future needs of society, and recently they have emphasized the importance of using materials science research to address issues, such as environmental problems and resource extraction.
NIMS is committed to a wide range of materials science research to meet these societal needs.
Our research
Our research
We operate a number of research centers for tackling specific problems. These are funded by various external organizations. We also have joint research centers that collaborate closely with industry on solving technical challenges. Our focus is very much on outcome-oriented research.
Facilities and equipment
NIMS is proud to operate world-class research facilities and equipment, including advanced materials evaluation instruments, clean rooms for material creation, unique large-scale machinery such as a 1,500-tonne press, and a specialist cloud-based platform for materials data with digital transformation (DX) and artificial intelligence (AI) functions.
We maintain a wide range of research facilities not typically found in a laboratory, ranging from general-purpose equipment to cutting-edge instruments and very large machinery. We also have advanced data systems supporting DX in materials research. We are constantly looking for opportunities to collaborate in sharing these facilities with external organizations.
Academic collaboration
Academic collaboration
We collaborate at the highest level with universities and public research institutes both in Japan and around the world. By engaging in exchanges with leading researchers as well as promising young researchers and students, NIMS aims to further enhance its academic standing and vitality, thereby contributing to the further development of Japan's materials research and industry.
Industrial collaboration
Industrial collaboration
NIMS establishes points of contact for collaboration with companies and other institutions as a way to return our research findings and the technologies we develop to society. Our collaborations include joint research, technical consultations, and contracted research.