Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology OIST

News

New coastal research facility “OIST Sea neXus” opens

A new hub connecting Okinawa and the world through marine science

Composite image of a satellite photo of a typhoon and a page from da Vinci’s manuscripts containing an ink sketch of turbulent eddies.

Paradox of rotating turbulence finally tamed with world-class ‘hurricane-in-a-lab’

Scientists have solved a long-standing contradiction in fluid dynamics, setting a new baseline for theoretical and practical research on turbulence.

An abstract image representing shared mechanisms. Two silhouettes are featured back-to-back with joint cog wheels in bright colors across their heads, representing the shared synaptic mechanism. A brightly colored background of yellow, blue, green red and orange evokes positivity with the news that this shared mechanism may inform potential treatment options.

Research Update

Shared synaptic mechanism for Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease unlocks new treatment possibilities

Study reveals common mechanism affecting brain signaling, identifying a shared cause for neurodegenerative disease symptoms.

The letters OIST are spelled out in glowing lights thanks to mechanoluminescence from amorphous thin films. This is a photo taken with long exposure.

Research Update

Crystal-free mechanoluminescence illuminates new possibilities for next-generation materials

Flexible films challenge long-held scientific views on the necessity of crystals for mechanoluminescence.

Institutional News

Connecting continents through innovation: OIST’s role in advancing digital agriculture

From the fields of Okinawa to the greenhouses of Spain and Cyprus, a new cross-border initiative is cultivating the future of agriculture

Research Events

07 Nov 2025

Lecture

TSVP Talk: "From Sunscreen, to Fossils and Squid Ink: What Do You Know About Melanin?" by Micaela Matta

07 Nov 2025

Seminar

Seminar ”Plant-Animal Hybrid Cells: Challenging the Creation of "Planimal" Cells”

10 - 14 Nov 2025

OIST Workshops

International Conference on Embodied Cognitive Science (ECogS 2025)

10 Nov 2025

Seminar

"Table-top Experiments Inspired by Geophysical Phenomena" by Prof. Jun Zhang from NYU & NYU-Shanghai

11 Nov 2025

Seminar

Preservation and Utilization of Quantum Correlations in Information Processing tasks

11 Nov 2025

Symposium

Greener Mobility Mid-term Workshop: Progress and Feedback

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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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.

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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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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Public Events

08 Nov 2025

Outreach

Career Talk Series by Scientists No. 1 “How I Became a Scientist – A Story That Began with Curiosity”

22 Nov 2025

Prospective Students

OIST x NAIST Café in Tokyo - Step into Graduate Schools -

24 Nov 2025

Public Lecture

ICONIP2025 Public Forum "Society of Humans and AI Agents"

24 Nov 2025