The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is a scientific-technological institute under the authority of the Federal Ministry of Economics. In accordance with a decree of the Federal Minister of Economics dates October 1, 1995 BAM promotes the development of German industry by carrying out research on materials and by further developing testing techniques and chemical safety engineering. The institute collects and makes the results of its own and others scientific work available to the general public in suitable form.

BAM's services are available upon request to associations, industry, consumer's associations as well as private applicants. It also advises ministries, courts and other authorities. The institute is obliged to be absolutely impartial and objective.

Currently BAM employs almost 1500 people of whom at least 520 are scientists from various technical disciplines and fields of natural science. They work in research and development, testing and investigation, in the field of consulting and information, and contribute to the different national and international standardisation institutions.