Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology OIST

OIST Campus Closed

Due to the approach of typhoon #18 (Saudel), the OIST campus will be closed to the general public
from 12 noon Tuesday, August 25 through Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

Open Faculty Positions

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology is an international, interdisciplinary graduate university in Japan, operating entirely in English and committed to empowering world-class researchers with the freedom, resources, and support they need to drive transformational discoveries. We are inviting applications for tenure-track assistant professor positions in two broad areas:

Chemistry & Materials Science: broadly defined as including the physical sciences
Life Sciences & Neuroscience: including theoretical and AI approaches

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News

In the foreground, a fly sniffs at an airborne scent. Abstract circuitry can be seen in the background

Research Update

How to decipher smells like a fruit fly

A new fly-brain-inspired algorithm enables energy-efficient scent classification, with potential applications from monitoring air pollution to detecting explosives.

Six people stood outside a building and a sign saying ‘OIST Innovation Core 2’.

Research Update

New startup Surzen Biotherapeutics aims to innovate pain management

Biotherapeutics startup targets recently discovered pain mechanisms with peptide therapeutics.

An illustration of the inner workings of a mouse brain

Research Update

Artificial hibernation reveals secrets of long-term memory

Challenging long-held assumptions on how memory works, scientists uncover the importance of engram architecture to long-term memory retention.

A light switch sits in front of a background composed of two different chemicals, one fluorescent and one not.

Research Update

Light-controlled switches get a glow up

Bistable molecular switches with turn-ON fluorescence and other controllable properties bring exciting possibilities for future molecular electronics, data storage, and more.

A shoal of striped fish swim amongst a coral reef

Research Update

Hidden hormone–habitat relationship revealed in reef fish

Multi-omics study shows biology behind the dramatic differences in fish raised in different habitats

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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Under the Surface

Taking a deeper look at how OIST research helps answer life’s big questions

Blueface angelfish swimming among colorful coral reefs in Okinawa, Japan's underwater paradise.

How can we keep coral reefs healthy?

The Ryukyuan islands are home to stunningly beautiful coral reefs, making OIST one of the best places in the world to study these fascinating, fragile ecosystems. By understanding the scientific foundations of coral reefs, we can inform future conservation efforts. In the latest Under the Surface, we explore the threats facing coral reefs, tactics to monitor biodiversity, and many other aspects of OIST’s coral research.

Learn more about corals

Research Events

24 Aug - 12 Sep 2026

Symposium

[Call for Registration] Ryudai-OIST Joint Symposium

27 Aug 2026

Seminar

Seminar "Pumping Single Electrons in Cape Town" by Prof. Mark Blumenthal, University of Cape Town

27 Aug 2026

Seminar

Seminar "Survival of Localized Turbulence in Wall-Bounded Flows" by Prof. Takahiro Tsukahara

28 Aug 2026

Lecture

TSVP Talk: Machine Learning Guided Discovery of Stereoselective Polymerization Catalysts by Rong Tong

28 Aug 2026

Seminar

OIST Representation Theory Seminar

31 Aug - 03 Sep 2026

Symposium

Autumn School on "Gauge Theory, Topology, and Physics" (TSVP-TP26GT)

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.