In the framework of the rapidly evolving field of Information and Communication Technology, ISM has a long tradition in the design and production of advanced functional materials for next generation data storage media and spintronic devices. Indeed, to respond to the ever-growing need for higher data processing speeds and larger storage capabilities, new materials and advanced technologies exploiting electron spin rather than (or in addition to) the charge, are necessary. In this contest, ISM is involved in the design of advanced alloys and multilayers with controlled magnetic and transport properties, magnetic coupled composites and hybrid/multifunctional systems in the form of nanoparticles, thin films, and nano-patterned systems, complex heterostructures with tunable functionalities on both rigid and flexible substrates. In the security field, ISM is involved in the study, development and practical fabrication of materials and active devices for monitoring of ionizing radiation and neutron beams to be installed in relevant environments (e.g., fusion reactors, radiological stations, etc.).

Automotive and Aerospace are very challenging technological sectors that include a huge network of counterparts involving not only the companies producing land and space vehicles, but also enterprises and research institutes developing innovative technologies and materials as well as multidisciplinary methodologies which are of fundamental importance for a sustainable and competitive growth of both their manufacturing processes and goods. The ISM-CNR activities within these research frameworks are strongly supporting not only fundamental and applied research which spans from the R&D of solar fuels, supercapacitors, sensors, photovoltaic systems’ integration, design of new cathodic systems for micro- and nano-batteries, thermoelectric and optoelectronic devices, etc. but also cross-cutting technological and service transfer processes. With this regard ISM-CNR shares with the national and international production system and the Basilicata Region Automotive Cluster, its expertise on KETs (Key Enabling Technologies) such as advanced materials, photonics, nanotechnology, micro and nanoelectronics and advanced manufacturing technologies, for addressing the issues of Industry 4.0 and S3 (Smart Specialization Strategy) concepts and to pursue the new paradigm of the Industry 5.0.
In recent partnerships with leading companies in the Automotive and Aerospace sectors, the ISM-CNR replies to the most common innovation and technology requests. In particular, in collaboration with benchmarking companies of the Automotive sector, the CNR-ISM designs and develops smart and innovative materials also for 3D printing, employs laser based processes for designing new devices and for either functionalizing or varying the surface properties of materials, supports both processes optimization, including approaches for recycling and re-use materials, and technologies to be included in automotive production in order to increase efficiency, reliability, maintainability, sustainability, processability, durability and safety within the Industry 4.0 framework.
Moreover, in collaboration with leader Aerospace companies, the activities of the ISM-CNR concern the development of nanostructured materials able to improve radiofrequency devices which find application in modern fixed, mobile and avionics radars and in terrestrial and satellite, civil and military telecommunications systems. Remote power supply technology for lighter and more compact aerospace systems such as satellites and rovers are under development at ISM-CNR. Finally, the ISM-CNR activities within the more specific Aerospace/Astrophysics sector cooperates with INAF in the integration of international efforts in high-energy astrophysics, keeping the reference community at the forefront of science and technology and ensuring that national astronomical observatories remain at the state-of-the-art level.

The mission of ISM-CNR towards new advanced technologies in daily life could not be accomplished without being solidly rooted on a fundamental understanding and control of physical and chemical processes. Blue sky research is thus encouraged and nourished as an essential ingredient to unveil novel properties of matter and its interaction with radiation, opening new perspectives for emerging technologies. Fundamental research at ISM is carried on at the top international level in well-established networks with world-leader Institutions and research groups, funded by EU and other international and national agencies.
Working at the forefront of knowledge, ISM has also developed a long standing tradition in the design and construction of unique instrumentation as well as in the development of new experimental and theoretical methods. Among others, also the synthesis of new materials is carried out by seeking methods and procedures that obey the principles of "green chemistry. The study of physical and chemical properties of solid, liquid, and gas phase systems is pursued through the synergy of theoretical/computational approaches and experimental methods, with the use of cutting-edge instrumentation at large scale facilities as well as in laboratory throughout the four branches of the institute.

ISM is involved in different Research Infrastructure Consortia for Heritage Science, at local, national and european level, offering its high-tech research facilities and competences for the complete characterization of archaeological items, in particular its composition, identification of starting materials, geographical provenance and age. ISM contributes with its advanced magnetometric investigations and complementary spectroscopic, diffractometric and microscopic diagnostics, providing good practices and relevant information for Cultural Heritage stakeholders and specialists in the safeguarding, restoration and conservation of archaeological and monumental heritage.
ISM is also developing sensitive and selective low-cost sensors to control and prevent the degradation of cultural heritage objects in museums, which are often stored in unsuitable climatic conditions or, according to their relevance, are exposed in hi-tech display cases needing accurate environmental monitoring.