The research laboratories of scientific and industrial enterprises both in our country and abroad at all stages of industrial development faced all the new problems of materials science: determination of the chemical composition, basic characteristics, structural states, physical and mechanical properties of materials which entailed the necessity of laboratory, bench and field tests. Proceeding from the results obtained, decisions are made on the prospects of the design, development and improvement of traditional structural materials and technologies, as well as on their use in various civil and defense industries. Starting from 1932 the results of these studies are systematically highlighted in the publications of the journal « Industrial Laboratory. Diagnostics of materials» throughout the 90-year history of the journal. An emphasis is made on the key problems of formation of the chemical composition and structure, complex tests and certification of new materials and technologies with the subsequent use of the results in pilot and serial industrial production. Promising scientific directions and results of the implementation of the most important national and international concepts, strategies and programs aimed at ensuring the improved safety and security of man, nature and the technosphere are considered. Still much attention will be paid in the future to the results of complex mathematical, analytical, and digital studies, methodology of physicochemical and mechanical tests, the use of multiparameter methods and diagnostic tools for analysis of materials, substances, and living organisms at nano-micro-meso-macro levels, as well as to the mathematical and physical modeling of both dangerous and effective protective processes in engineering, sociology and management.