Using hybrid magnets for fields up to 31 T, superconducting magnets up to 20 T and cryogen-free magnets up to 15 T, characterization of superconductors, materials synthesis and condensed matter physics are being done in the High Field Laboratory for Superconducting Materials. We have developed thin strong superconducting wire, which enable us to construct compact magnet, cryogen-free magnet and cryogen-free hybrid magnet for the first time. We have found that polymer materials, high T-c superconductors and protein single crystals synthesized in high magnetic fields show different characters from those synthesized in normal condition. Magnetic levitation is performed to make a microgravity condition for materials processing similar to the space. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.