Since the establishment in January 1988, ISTEC has engaged in the superconductivity --related survey, the basic research, and the R&D toward practical applications, as well as the promotion of international relationship, with receiving the active support and cooperation from our partners. In terms of the survey and the international relationship, we have received high recognition from domestic and international researchers, and other related persons for our information disclosure of search reports, hosting of symposia and the international superconductivity summit, and for our reception of foreign visiting research scientists. In terms of research and development, we began with the characterization of superconductor materials’ fundamental property and search for new materials, then shifted emphasis to pursue fundamental technologies with our focus fixed upon its practical applications. In the area of bulk production, these materials have already been turned into products, and devices that use these materials are in their final stages of preproduction. We have also achieved solid advances toward practical applications in the areas of YBCO coated conductors and electronic devices development, and have largely contributed to the global development of superconductor technology. Today, Japan, the U.S. and Europe are vigorously competing in the field of R&D for high temperature superconductor technology applications. Building upon our research accomplishments, and by cooperating with industries, universities and research institutions, ISTEC will further promote R&D that will lead to early practical applications of YBCO coated conductors and electronic devices. The superconductor technology is expected to contribute to the prevention of global warming. In a wide variety of fields, such as energy, electronics, transportation, medicine and environmental improvement, the superconductor technology enables the realization of equipments that were unachievable with any conventional technologies as well as their significant performance enhancement compared with conventional equipments. The superconductor technology, therefore, bears great anticipation as a technology that will sustain society in the 21st century. In order to address the societal requirements, we, ISTEC, will vigorously engage in the development of superconductor technology and contribute to the advancement of superconductor-related industry, and thus contribute to growth of the world economy and realization of a bright and prosperous society. We sincerely hope that we may continuingly receive still greater support from our partners.