In previous years, the “National Joint Usage” system was operated by research institutes attached to national universities only, however, for the further development of academic research, it was deemed important to establish a plan for researchers to conduct joint research by utilizing the research resources of universities, whether national, public or private. Since an amendment to the Enforcement Regulations of the School Education Law in July 2008, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) established the “Joint Usage/Research Center” accreditation system for national, but also public and private universities.
The Institute of Light Metals (ILM) was newly approved as a “Joint Usage/Research Center for Light Metals and Materials” in 2022. The ILM aims to establish Japan’s first world-class international research and education center for light metals with a comprehensive research system from materials development to social application. The institute aims to contribute to the development of science, technology and industry in Japan by strengthening magnesium and aluminum research through mutual enhancement, cultivating titanium research, promoting advanced research on the synergies of magnesium, aluminum, and titanium, and fostering skilled researchers in the field of manufacturing.