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

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Faculty and Research Units

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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

19 Mar 2025

Seminar

[Cancelled] Coupled inverse and forward models in the cerebellum

19 Mar 2025

Seminar

[Seminar] "How does a neuron grow?" by Prof. Mike Fainzilber

19 Mar 2025

Lecture

TSVP Talk: "The Heisenberg Category" by Jon Brundan

24 Mar 2025

Research

[Seminar] "Renewable, Recyclable, and Remarkable Aliphatic Polyester Block Polymers as Sustainable Plastics and Elastomers" by Prof. Marc Hillmyer, University of Minnesota

25 Mar 2025

Seminar

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

25 Mar 2025

Lecture

TSVP Talk: "Towards a Structural Understanding of Consciousness" by Nao Tsuchiya

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Corporate partnerships and collaborations
Technology development and licensing
Entrepreneurship and startups

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Public Events

15 - 22 Mar 2025

Prospective Students

Science Challenge 2025

05 Apr 2025

Public Lecture

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

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

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SDGs

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

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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.

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