At NIES, we have determined the four priority research programs that the Institute should, with a view to ensuring the global environment's soundness and establishing a sustainable society, promote intensively and integrally in its second five-year plan (covering 2006-2010) to contribute to the environmental policies of the government with the definite vision of the environment and society ten years later. One of the four programs is "Priority Program: Sustainable Material Cycles," in whose promotion the Center plays a main role.
"Priority Program: Sustainable Material Cycles" comprises the following. In addition to these, there are associated research projects promoted chiefly by other research units within the NIES.

1. Core research projects

Four projects are undertaken to achieve the core research objectives of the priority research program. Through these projects, we will develop material cycle technology systems to underpin a science- and technology-supported nation and propose policy options to further 3Rs (waste reduction, reuse and recycling) promotion in line with international society so that we may ensure that the cyclical use of resources and the treatment and disposal of waste are subjected to appropriate management. In this way, we will show an exemplary embodiment of a sound materialcycle society required in the near future, and push the transition into such a society.

1. Designing and evaluating material cycle systems and policy/management techniques for the near future
2. Management of hazardous and valuable substances in life cycles of materials and products
3. Developing win-win resource-recycling technology for waste biomass
4. Establishing appropriate management networks and technological systems to support sound international material cycles

2. Research activity to ensure appropriate waste management practices

Following the first five-year plan, we will promote survey and research activities based on proactive/long-term standpoints so that we may ensure safe, reassuring waste management. Our activities will be responses to emerging and important issues on waste management in cooperation with related administrative organs and research institutes. We will also develop elemental technologies supporting a future sound material-cycle society.

1. Establishment of safe, reassurance, and appropriate waste treatment and disposal technology to support a sound material-cycle society
2. Integration of testing, assessment and monitoring techniques
3. Measures against negative legacies caused by inadequate waste management
4. Integration of appropriate waste treatment technology for liquid and organic waste

3. Promotion of fundamental research

We will promote fundamental research including studies on discarded asbestos risk management and the development of fundamental technologies concerning material cycles and the building of databases relating to material cycles and waste disposal.