2013 was a pivotal year in the history of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST). The University has fulfilled the vision of attracting faculty and students of the highest quality to Okinawa and has continued to provide them with state-of-the-art facilities and research infrastructure. World-class scientific research is now emerging and the students are immersed in a first class doctoral program. This demonstration in turn laid the platform for the Japanese Government to request detailed planning for the expansion of OIST.
The result is that the budget for the University in FY2014 has been significantly increased to initiate this phase of expansion, rising to 19.8 billion yen. The University is extremely appreciative of the confidence that has been shown by the Japanese Government. OIST now has the responsibility of proving that this confidence is well placed: a challenge that all at OIST look forward to.
2013 saw important developments on the campus. In September, the 2nd class of 21 graduate students coming from 14 countries or regions started their 5-year doctoral program and it is always a great pleasure to welcome young, talented scientists.
2013 saw very strong growth in academic and research activities. The number of academic events including workshops, seminars, lectures, symposia, doubled, increasing from 125 to over 250. There was also a steady rise in the number of publications and scientific presentations, a trend that will undoubtedly accelerate as the many new research units move from an establishment phase to full research activity.
Important steps were also taken to develop the social conditions of the OIST staff and their families. Tedako, a pre-school that accepts children from 2 months old up to six years old, opened in January 2013 and has proved to be an outstanding addition to the University. My thanks go to the staff of the Child Development Center for their enthusiasm and skill in establishing a pre-school that sets a new standard of bi-lingual education for young children.
The Resource Center, which also opened in 2013, provides the OIST community with practical help and advice on accommodating to life in Okinawa. We believe that the families of our staff are an important part of our community and the Resource Center has a specific goal of ensuring that family members feel involved in the excitement of creating a new university and have a place to go for advice and help.
We have continued to open our doors to the population of Okinawa with over 40,000 visitors touring the campus in 2013. In excess of 5,000 people enjoyed the Open Campus day in March. OIST maintained a strong cultural program with concerts, exhibitions, and other similar activities. Perhaps the highlight of 2013 was the performance by “I Musici” one of the most admired chamber orchestras in the world. All these activities bring the population of Okinawa to OIST and build a common base of purpose and pride with the University.
It is not possible to list all the developments and improvements that took place in 2013 but I would like to pay tribute to the staff of the University who, in every sector, whether research, administration, facility management, etc., have shown great commitment and competence. 2013 was a key year in the evolution of our University and the quality of our staff has been the foundation on which we have built success.