Research Institute for Material and Chemical Measurement (MCM)

NMIJ / MCM

Reliable values for everyone through standards in chemical and materials measurements

We contribute to the reliability of industry, the environment, and health through the development of national metrology standards and reference materials, as well as research and development of measurement and evaluation technologies.

About MCM Overview, greetings, organization, and members Research Groups Brief introductions of research groups Topics Press releases, publications, and outreach Contact Inquiry and contact information

Updates

  • Apr 1, 2026 Organization and members updated.
  • Mar 26, 2026 Awards and honors updated.
  • Feb 18, 2026 Press releases updated.
  • Dec 26, 2025 Website design updated.

Representative Research Themes

MCM develops and provides SI‑traceable reference materials, including pH and elemental standard solutions, biological and composition reference materials, and advanced materials reference materials, which underpin reliable chemical, materials, and biological measurements. We also conduct research on measurement and evaluation technologies and maintain highly reliable databases.
List of related research groups

  • Reference Materials (CRMs)
    Developing and providing SI‑traceable certified reference materials that support the reliability infrastructure of chemical, materials, and biological measurements.
  • Analytical and Measurement Technologies
    Developing practical and high‑performance analytical and measurement technologies, with reliability evaluation (uncertainty and validity) as a core principle.
  • Calibration and Testing Services
    Providing calibration and testing services for a wide range of quantities and properties, including humidity, particles, thermophysical properties, and nano‑scale measurements.

Social Implementation and Major Collaborations

Through partnerships with corporate alliances, including joint research laboratories, MCM promotes the social implementation of particle measurement technologies and advanced analytical solutions, while simultaneously exploring new collaborative research themes.

  • Collaborative Research Laboratory (Particle Measurement)
    Advancing and standardizing particle measurement technologies driven by industrial needs, while promoting internal and external collaboration through technical exchange and theme exploration.
    Introduction (press release)
  • Collaborative Research Laboratory (Advanced Solutions)
    Addressing practical challenges through advanced analytical and measurement technologies, and promoting the creation of new collaborative themes toward social implementation.
    Introduction (press release)