Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology OIST

OIST is a pioneering graduate university. We conduct research that bridges disciplines to explore new frontiers of scientific knowledge. We educate a new generation of scientific leaders. We are a catalyst for an innovation hub in Okinawa.

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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Open Faculty Positions

We are inviting applications for tenure-track and tenured faculty positions. Experience a new model of scientific freedom in an innovative university.

Sustained funding for your scientific vision
Fully funded PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, lab techs, and staff scientists
No faculty hierarchies or departments
An international environment with a global reach
World-class core facilities and expert support staff

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Latest News

Institutional News

Okinawa to Present Lessons Learned on COVID-19 Control in Remote Islands at the Science Summit at the UN General Assembly

OIST and the Ryukyu Shimpo will co-host a panel discussion at the 78th UN General Assembly Science Summit. Viewing is free upon registration.

Nonno Hasegawa’s bee virus research featured on PNAS journal cover

Research Update

Next-Generation of Brain Scientists Interact: First Joint Symposium by OIST and RIKEN CBS

Research Events

25 Sep 2023

Seminar

[Seminar] "Single-cell RNAseq approaches of shell-bearing foraminifers provide new insights into understanding marine ecology and evolution" by Prof. Yurika Ujiie

25 Sep 2023

Seminar

Seminar: Venture Finance for Future Entrepreneurs

26 Sep - 05 Oct 2023

OIST Workshops

Okinawa School in Physics 2023: Coherent Quantum Dynamics (CQD)

26 Sep 2023

Seminar

Seminar: "Genealogies and ages of cultural traits: An application of the theory of duality to the research on cultural evolution" by Prof. Joe Yuichi Wakano (Meiji University)

26 Sep 2023

Seminar

Seminar: "Indirect reciprocity under private observation" by Prof. Hisashi Ohtsuki (SOKENDAI)

29 Sep 2023

Seminar

Special Talk - "How the notion of harassment emerged in modern societies" by Dr. Claudine Haroche

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

07 Oct 2023

Outreach

Nobel Prize Season Special Public Lecture by Prof. Svante Pääbo

09 Oct 2023

Outreach

Nobel Prize Season Special Public Lecture by Prof. Svante Pääbo

27 Oct 2023

Prospective Students

OIST NetCafé Online Information Session in Oct 2023

02 Nov 2023

Prospective Students

OIST Café in Tokyo (2nd November 2023)

11 Nov 2023

Outreach

OIST Science Festival 2023

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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