This is IMMS
Our mission, values, and history
IMMS is an interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to advancing a new paradigm in materials research. By integrating fundamental science, multiscale analysis, AI-driven experimentation, and system-level implementation, IMMS connects the entire research cycle from the discovery of matter to real-world technological applications.
About IMMS
We integrate knowledge and technologies across multiple scales to conduct problem-driven, interdisciplinary research.
IMMS (Institute for Multiscale Matter and Systems) is a National Research Laboratory (NRL 2.0) established with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Education of Korea. IMMS aims to present a new paradigm in materials research by advancing interdisciplinary studies that integrate knowledge and technologies across multiple research scales.
By connecting fundamental understanding of matter with system-level performance and functionality, IMMS pursues problem-driven research that goes beyond conventional, fragmented research approaches.
ORGANIZATION & GOVERNANCE
IMMS governance connects institute leadership, advisory functions, administrative operations, executive committees, and research platforms into one operating system for multiscale matter and systems research.
The core research structure of IMMS is based on the organic integration of Technical Groups (TG) and Core Projects (CP). The Technical Groups serve as the foundation for building and sustaining the institute's core research capabilities, encompassing frontier materials discovery, multiscale computation, advanced characterization, device-level solutions, and autonomous experimentation infrastructure.
Core Projects, in turn, bring together these capabilities to address complex scientific, technological, and societal challenges through problem-oriented, interdisciplinary research.
Core Infrastructure
A defining feature of IMMS is the establishment of an AI- and robotics-enabled Self-Driving Laboratory, which functions as a central research platform of the institute. This autonomous laboratory connects hypothesis generation, experimental design, synthesis, characterization, data learning, and prediction so researchers can accelerate the discovery and optimization of complex materials.
Strategic Focus
IMMS focuses on the development of core technologies for national strategic materials, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), superionic conductors, chiral supramolecular systems, conductive polymers, and advanced functional nanoparticles. By conducting end-to-end research that spans from fundamental materials discovery to device- and system-level implementation, IMMS aims to establish a sustainable research ecosystem in which basic scientific insights are translated into practical technological innovations.
OUR HISTORY
IMMS was established as a National Research Laboratory (NRL 2.0) to pioneer a new paradigm in materials research, integrating fundamental science, multiscale analysis, and AI-driven experimentation under a single platform.
From its founding, the institute has organized its work around Technical Groups and Core Projects, ensuring that discovery, computation, characterization, and device-level implementation advance together rather than in isolation.
Today IMMS operates an Open Access Self-Driving Laboratory and continues to grow as a platform-based, interdisciplinary research hub connecting academia, industry, and research institutes.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Everyone at IMMS — researchers, administrators, and students alike — is an essential part of our scientific mission.
We pursue rigor and impact across every part of our work.
We aim to nurture a community where people are proud to work.
Members of the IMMS community include faculty, professional scientists, early-career researchers, and students, all working closely together to advance the institute's mission.
See how IMMS opens its autonomous laboratory facility for collaborative research across academia, industry, and research institutes.
