Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology OIST

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University
Search for President and Chief Executive Officer

OIST is undertaking a global search for its next President and CEO and invites applications and nominations for this prestigious role.
The President/CEO will lead OIST’s next phase of growth and will develop strategies and diverse sources of income for the institution’s longer-term direction.

For more information about duties and responsibilities, qualifications, submission of applications, nominations, and inquiries click here

* All submitted documents and communications will be securely protected and treated with strict confidentiality.

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News

Photograph of a smartphone held above a glass of water against a natural background. A small device is attached to the bottom of the smartphone.

Research Update

A portable device for accurately and rapidly detecting PFAS in water

Inexpensive electrodes combined with new ‘synthetic antibodies’ detect trace levels of “forever chemicals” in water, opening a promising route to portable environmental monitoring.

n illustration of DNA’s double helix structure formed by schools of swimming fish.

Research Update

Japan’s largest marine DNA study detects 126 fish species further north than previously recorded

Nationwide mapping of environmental DNA reveals Japan's fish distributions in unprecedented detail, offering new insights into potential northward shifts and the challenges they could bring for coastal communities.

Shown in the classic green and black colors of old coding computers, a cell membrane with embedded BK channel is illustrated.

Research Update

More current with less calcium: computational models help solve longstanding ion channel evolution mystery

Study suggests spike timing may have been a key evolutionary pressure for our brain’s BK ion channel changes, linked to achieving advanced brain functions.

Institutional News

In Memoriam: Dr. Noriyuki Satoh, Professor of the OIST Marine Genomics Unit

A scientist devoted to pursuing the mysteries of life.

Institutional News

International External Peer Review Committee highly commends OIST’s interdisciplinary research model and scientific achievements

Third International External Peer Review report highlights OIST’s development as a world-leading research institution and expresses confidence in its future growth

Research and Faculty

OIST has no academic departments. Researchers from more than 50 countries collaborate across and combine scientific disciplines to pioneer new approaches to discovery and problem-solving.

Research at OIST

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Faculty and Research Units

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Under the Surface

Taking a deeper look at how OIST research helps answer life’s big questions

Blueface angelfish swimming among colorful coral reefs in Okinawa, Japan's underwater paradise.

How can we keep coral reefs healthy?

The Ryukyuan islands are home to stunningly beautiful coral reefs, making OIST one of the best places in the world to study these fascinating, fragile ecosystems. By understanding the scientific foundations of coral reefs, we can inform future conservation efforts. In the latest Under the Surface, we explore the threats facing coral reefs, tactics to monitor biodiversity, and many other aspects of OIST’s coral research.

Learn more about corals

Research Events

02 Nov 2026

Seminar

Seminar: "INVARIANTS IN POLARIMETRIC INTERFEROMETRY: A non-Abelian Gauge Theory" by Prof. Joseph Samuel

04 Nov 2026

Seminar

[Seminar] "The hidden world of dsDNA viruses in eukaryotes: diversity, host associations, and cryptic lifestyles" by Mr. Hongda Zhao

04 Nov 2026

Seminar

Seminar: "Random Walks in Physics : a perspective" by Prof. Supurna Sinha

04 Nov 2026

Lecture

TSVP Talk: "Finding Your Rhythm in a Complex Acoustic Environment" by Kim Hoke

05 Nov 2026

Seminar

The Art of Science Communication with Roshni Rebecca Samuel, graphic designer, artist, and illustrator

05 Nov 2026

Seminar

[Seminar] Dr. Gøran Nilsen "Collinear spin nematic phase in a breathing pyrochlore spinel "

Study at OIST

Apply for our 5-year PhD program in Science. We also offer short-term Research Internships. Both programs are competitive, cross-disciplinary, fully funded, and taught entirely in English by world-class international faculty.

"The high-trust environment lets us all be much more creative."

OIST’s high-trust environment and shared access to state-of-the-art research equipment are what inspire Alex to build new things during his PhD. Lab rotations helped him explore interdisciplinary research fields and gain valuable insights for research.

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“My incredibly supportive supervisor and the low student-to-professor ratio allowing for personalized instruction have helped me thrive at OIST”

Studying at OIST was a transition to Sarah’s adulthood and career as a scientist. The internationally competitive student support at OIST, the low student to faculty ratio and the personalized instruction by our world-class faculty helped her to thrive.

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“My project is my own, rather than something I was assigned.”

Callum appreciates the freedom to go beyond structured and pre-defined PhD projects. Explore ideas, develop questions, and take ownership of the research. An environment of constant learning—not just from the research, but from the people doing it.

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Driving Innovation Toward Impact

OIST connects world-leading research and global business to co-create solutions to society’s most pressing challenges – attracting talent to Okinawa’s emerging innovation ecosystem.