The basic goals of the Institute are to provide expert scientific and applied output in the form of processes, products and consultancy, and to produce well-trained young scientists. The Institute is closely connected with the Slovenian universities. With the modern equipment and expertise, the laboratories at the Institute are well able to tackle demanding projects. They are open to university research groups and other users. The Institute co-operates with more than 100 leading scientific research institutions world-wide. A number of projects of a multi-disciplinary nature are focused on meeting the requirements of the general national interest. The development of new technologies and products is grounded in basic research.