The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) was established in 1974 as a focal point for environmental research in Japan. NIES is organised into eight centers, each of which is subdivided into a further number of sections responsible for different specializations, such as physics, chemistry, engineering, agriculture, fisheries, medicine, pharmacology, law/politics and economics.

NIES strives to contribute to society through research that fosters and protects a healthy environment for present and future generations.