Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology OIST

News

Broken clocks, with shattered glass and escaping springs and pins are represented alongside cancer cells in an abstract image

Atomically-tailored single atom platforms hold promise for next-generation catalysis

With carefully designed tunable active sites, unique structure of new single atom platforms enables strong gas binding in pioneering step towards more efficient industrially-relevant catalysis.

A photograph of a white oval squid hiding by a clump of algae in a research tank.

Research Update

The ingenuity of white oval squid camouflage brought to light

New study documents the full palette of camouflaging behaviors that white oval squid selects from when hiding from predators.

Research Events

11 Dec 2025

Seminar

[Seminar] Nonreciprocal dynamics of active structures by Dr. Ariel Boiardi

12 Dec 2025

Research

StrucShare meeting: Open hour

12 Dec 2025

Seminar

【Seminar】Prof. Mathias Middelboe "The role of bacteriophages in marine ecosystems and their potential use in disease control in aquaculture"

12 Dec 2025

Seminar

"Mycorrhizal Symbioses in Forests: What do DNA and Fungal Isolation tell us?" by Dr. A. Kevin G. DJOTAN

13 Dec 2025

Symposium

OIST-Keio Showcase Talk Series Vol. 8 "Science Meets Society: Twist, Flow, and Instability"

15 Dec 2025

Seminar

[OCQT Seminar] Quantum Measurements at Particle Colliders and Their Applications to New-Physics Searches

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

Explore

Faculty and Research Units

Explore

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.

Science Without Boundaries

A university with no departments, OIST has no artificial barriers between people working in different fields, thus encouraging innovation. With a state-of-the-art research environment, OIST attracts outstanding students and faculty around the world.

Learn More

PhD and Research Internship Program

OIST offers an individualized, cross-disciplinary PhD program that funds students up to 5 years. The Research Internship program offers financial and travel support for 2 to 6 months of experience working in an OIST research lab under OIST faculty.

Student Life

OIST offers a first-class postgraduate experience – both inside and outside the classroom. A wide range of educational, recreational, social, and cultural activities provide many opportunities to explore your passions and master something new.

Learn More

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.

Corporate partnerships and collaborations
Technology development and licensing
Entrepreneurship and startups

Get Started

Outreach

OIST was established in and for Okinawa. Take advantage of local education, science, and culture programs or tour the campus.

Science outreach and cultural exchange activities for audiences in

elementary school
junior high school
high school
college
the general public

Learn more

SDGs

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) address some of the most pressing global challenges we face today. 

Learn more

Our Contribution to Okinawa

OIST is leading educational initiatives, providing employment opportunities, building and sustaining strong partnerships, and driving research and innovation to benefit Okinawa and Japan.

Learn more

Public Events

02 - 21 Dec 2025

Culture

Crafted Traditions: Artistic Forms from Onna Village

09 - 12 Dec 2025

Culture

Call for proposals - Cultural Events Program FY2026

12 Dec 2025

Prospective Students

OIST NetCafé Online Information Session in December 2025 (EN)

13 Dec 2025