The National Institute of Environmental Research, or NIER, is a research agency operated by the South Korean government. Its president is Seong-Kyu Yoon. It is charged with environmental research, education, international cooperation, and setting criterion levels for various pollutants. The main building for the institute is located in Gyeongseo-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon. NIER was first established in 1978 as the National Environment Protection Institute. It gained its current name and status in 1986. See also Science in South Korea Environment of South Korea Government of South Korea External links Official site, in Korean and English Incheon Government agencies of South Korea