Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology OIST

News

In their investigations, the researchers trained mice in a virtual maze, teaching them the correct route to receive a reward. They then switched the route, leading to an unexpected loss of reward for the mice, and observed the effects of this disappointing change using two-photon microscopy.

Research Events

06 Jan 2026

Seminar

An AI-based holistic view of the protein universe by Prof. Rachel Kolodny

09 Jan 2026

Seminar

Toward the design of programmable sequence-specific RNA-binding proteins by Dr. Iori Morita

14 Jan 2026

Seminar

[Seminar] "Normalized solutions and limit profiles of the Gross-Pitaevskii-Poisson equation" by Prof. Vitaly Moroz

14 Jan 2026

Lecture

The Provost Lecture Series 21

20 Jan 2026

Seminar

OIST Representation Theory Seminar

21 Jan 2026

Seminar

QG Seminar (Zoom): Non-invertible Symmetries of 2d Non-Linear Sigma Models

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

20 Dec 2025

Culture

“ISLAND SONGS” Music Talk and Mini Concert

20 Dec 2025

Public Lecture

Kids Lecture: "The Evolution of Butterfly Eyespot Patterns" by Antónia Monteiro

10 Feb 2026

Public

Family and Community Orientation

08 - 14 Mar 2026