nies

Nies is a proper noun with two common uses in English-language contexts: as a surname and as an acronym. As a surname, Nies is of Germanic origin and is found in Germany, Poland, and in North American communities with German heritage. Variants include Nieß, reflecting the German ligature ß, which is sometimes transliterated as "Nies" in English. The surname may derive from given names or from place names; regional origins differ among families.

As an acronym, NIES is used by several organizations; the most prominent is the National Institute for Environmental Studies in Japan, a government research institute specializing in environmental science and policy. The acronym is also used by other organizations in different countries, depending on local naming conventions. In academic and policy discussions, NIES may thus refer to different bodies, so context is required to identify the intended institution.

In other contexts, "nies" in lowercase is not a recognized English word; it tends to appear only as a plural or possessive form within longer terms or as part of surnames. The term does not have a single, universally accepted meaning.