Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology OIST

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

Research Update

Strengthening industry-academia collaboration: Another step forward in establishing OIST as a key R&D hub and national strategic asset in Japan

The 2nd Keizai Doyukai–OIST Joint Symposium was a success.

Institutional News

OIST and Mizuho Bank sign memorandum of understanding to strengthen ties

Driving open innovation for a global future

Research Events

25 Mar 2025

Seminar

[Seminar] "Role of axonal importin β1 in presynaptic local translation and spatial memory" by Philip Freund

27 Mar 2025

Research

[Seminar] "Recyclable and Degradable Polyethylene-Like Materials Sourced from Waste or Natural Oils by Catalytic Approaches" by Prof. Stefan Mecking, University of Konstanz

27 Mar 2025

Seminar

[Seminar] Revisiting Stress Propagation in a Two-Dimensional Circular Disk and a Three-Dimensional Sphere Under Diametric Loading

29 Mar 2025

Seminar

[Seminar] Semiconductor Detectors for Imaging and Precision Timing by Dr. Jennifer Ott

02 Apr 2025

Seminar

Yin Yang of Repetitive RNAs in tissue regeneration and aging

03 Apr 2025

Seminar

OIST Representation Theory Seminar

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.

Learn More

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

Public Events

05 Apr 2025

Public Lecture

Public Lecture: "How Do Animals Make Sound?" by Coen Elemans

07 - 20 Apr 2025

Culture

Polar Blues, Island Hues: Contrasting Colors of Okinawa and Antarctica

19 Apr 2025

Outreach

KAGAKUJIKAN2025 (Science Week 2025)

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