Aiming at Development of Innovative Technology

Recent economic growth in our country has been achieved by the innovative industry based on the progress of science and technology. Japan today is known as one of the advanced nations of which economy is the most powerful in the world. However, the country has to import most of the raw materials and energy it uses, and therefore invests a great amount of effort and funds to secure natural resources and energy. On the other hand, the situation on environmental polution and resources and energy problems has become more serious as global issues. Developing of new technology to overcome these problems is an urgent subject to be performed for the coming 21 century. International contribution is also an important duty and the most-industrialized country is requested to do technical assistance to find solutions to the issues common to people throughout the world.

NIMC therefore is going to accelerate developments of innovative technology based on creative research activities. The research field in which we are concerned is of chemistry and materials. Chemical processing and a variety of materials produced by the innovative technology can play an important role not only in chemical industry but in every industry, for example, electronic, electrical, machine, food, medical, and agricultural chemicals industry.

�@The technology and/or the materials being developed, of course, must satisfy the requirements of resources and energy conservation, adaptability to the environment, safety, and so on. Recently , in accordance with such policy, R & D on new technology are being conducted at every laboratory of academic, industrial, and governmental circles. In the competitive R & D a national research institute like ours should plan strategic long-term research project to produce a possible innovation of industrial technology and promote collaborative studies with universities and industries. It is also our mission to challenge to difficult subjects which are of importance from the public, social, or international point of view. In addition we are going to be actively involved in researches related to the standard, safety, and database of chemical substances, because these are essential as the basis to conduct chemistry and materials R & D and the national institute primarily should be responsible for the systematic and continuous performance of research activities.

In order to realize great results by R & D, excellent staff, fully equipped facilities, and appropriate management system are key elements. NIMC has more than 340 specialists covering a wide region from basic chemistry to applied engineering and advanced instruments and equipment. We will fulfill our duties by organizing energitic and flexible research groups and promoting collaboration with academic and industrial laboratories.

I appreciate the support you extended to our institute in the past, and sincerely look forward to your continued cooperation and assistance in the future.