Established in 1956, VNIINM's mission was to solve materials-science and technological problems related to the production of nuclear weapons. The Institute participated in the development of the Soviet Union's nuclear weapons, nuclear naval and space technologies, and nuclear power plants.[1]

Today, VNIINM is involved in the development of fuel rods, spent fuel recycling and waste handling, superconductors, and nondestructive monitoring. Its scientific and engineering work is aimed at implementing Rosatom's fundamental and applied research goals, fulfilling state defense orders, increasing the use of nuclear materials and technologies worldwide, and the safe and effective development and use of nuclear energy.[2]

The Institute has a history of cooperation with foreign partners, including on fuel rod technologies, waste handling, fuel recycling, plutonium disposition, and materials protection, control, and accounting. VNIINM has cooperated with the IAEA, the U.S. Department of Energy and national laboratories, South Korea, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Kazakhstan.[3]

Sources:
[1] "История" [History], VNNIINM website, undated, www.bochvar.ru (accessed 18 October 2012).
[2] "Сферы деятельности" [Spheres of activity], VNNIINM website, undated, www.bochvar.ru (accessed 18 October 2012).
[3] "Международное сотрудничество" " [International cooperation], VNNIINM website, undated, www.bochvar.ru (accessed 18 October 2012).