The use of high magnetic fields as a research tool for a wide variety of physical phenomena is clearly recognized today and the subject of an International Symposium at Cambridge this fall. Another important step in promoting research with the help of large magnetic fields has been the sponsorship of the M. I. T. National Magnet Laboratory by the Air Force. This paper will review the highlights of the conference which included papers on research in plasma physics, low temperatures, solid state and the latest developments for generating high magnetic fields. The plans and objectives of the National Magnet Laboratory and description of the physical facilities will be presented. In addition, a brief review will be given of a number of experiments already performed in the existing Magnet Laboratory at M. I. T.