Even in 2020, materials research can be positioned as a key technology for cutting-edge industries that take the initiative in building a sustainable society. Namely, by 2020, it is expected that the whole world will enter into an age of grand economic competition. It is, therefore, essential for Japan to reinforce its internationally competitive industries in terms of both quality and quantity by that time. Economic globalization is promoting the rapid industrialization and economic growth of China, India and other populous countries, prompting those countries to develop and maintain their social and economic infrastructures and stimulating demand for the material industries that supply steel, cement, and petrochemical products , etc. These materials industuries are a key technology for the transportation equipment industries, such as the automotive industry. It is expected to develop the new structural materials necessary for the development of next-generation transportation e...