The Materials Science and Engineering Research Centre - CICIMA is a pioneer in the development of new materials and nanotechnology in Costa Rica. It is a multi- and interdisciplinary scientific and technological research unit dedicated to the study of the physical and chemical properties of materials, for their development and adaptation in industrial processes.

It seeks to investigate through the promotion of multi- and interdisciplinary groups the science and engineering of materials, seeking their technological application and the construction of knowledge at a fundamental level, covering mainly the fields of nanomaterials, biomaterials and materials applied to clean energies.

It grew out of the Solid State Physics Laboratory in the Physics and Mathematics Building, established by Prof. Neville Clarck in 1970. On 10 October 1990, CICIMA was founded as a research unit attached to the Vice-Rectory of Research of the University of Costa Rica and thanks to funds obtained by borrowing from foreign entities, the university was able to provide CICIMA with a building in 2019.