The ISM performs fundamental researches and science and technology developments in the following directions:

• Studies of the high pressure effect on materials, the use of high pressures in production processes.
  
• Investigation into physicochemical processes of producing monocrystalline, dispersed, polycrystalline, and film superhard materials (SHM) over wide pressure and temperature ranges; the development of new technologies for production of ceramic and composite materials and products of them.
  
• Development of fundamental principles of the elaboration of new technologies for machining metals and nonmetals with SHM tools as well as methods and technologies for SHM applications in industry.