Strengthen Okinawa & Beyond

Invest in the future of Okinawa through science.

OIST is deeply committed to Okinawa. Your support advances science education and outreach, protects the island's unique natural environment, and strengthens the communities we call home through research, education, and public engagement.

Science Education & Outreach         Protect Okinawa's Natural Heritage

Science Education & Outreach

Through hands-on STEM education, public science experiences, and community partnerships, OIST brings science beyond the laboratory, engaging learners of all ages, inspiring future scientists, and strengthening scientific literacy across Okinawa.

Children gathering around a sheet spread on a table

OIST Science Studio in Yomitan Village Library

Opened in October 2025, the OIST Science Studio is located within the Yomitan Village Information Center Library “Yun-Lab Miraikan.”

It is an interactive science experience space designed to make science approachable and engaging, featuring three main areas: the Exploratory Area, the Science Area, and the Event Area.

Your support will help:

  • Maintain free public access
  • Develop new exhibits and hands-on activities
  • Sustain operations and outreach to schools and community groups

Find out more

students in school uniform giving presentation

STEM Education Programs

OIST offers STEM education programs for elementary, junior high, and high school students across Okinawa. Through hands-on experiences and interactions with OIST researchers, students develop curiosity, explore scientific discovery, and gain inspiration for future careers. 

Featured Programs:

  • SEED (STEM Experience, Exploration, and Discovery)
  • SCORE! (Science in Okinawa: Research for Enterprise)
  • SHIMA (Island Sustainability)
  • HiSci Lab (Science Project for High School Girls in Okinawa)
  • OIST Children's School of Science
  • STEP OKINAWA (Science and Technology Education Program in Okinawa)

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Your donation helps introduce the excitement of science to young people across Okinawa, creating opportunities for curiosity, discovery, and lifelong learning while inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators.

Jack presenting during the science festival.

Public Science Engagement

The OIST Science Festival is OIST's flagship public engagement event, welcoming thousands of visitors each year to experience science firsthand. Through hands-on activities, demonstrations, Science Cafés, and conversations with researchers, visitors explore OIST's education and research in an engaging and accessible way.

With your donation, OIST can continue providing opportunities to learn about its education and research initiatives.

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children working at the table

Community Partnerships

OIST partners with schools, libraries, municipalities, and community organizations across Okinawa to expand access to science education and create meaningful opportunities for lifelong learning.

Your gift helps extend OIST's impact beyond campus by supporting outreach activities that strengthen communities and foster a deeper appreciation for science throughout Okinawa.

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Protect Okinawa's Natural Heritage

OIST researchers work alongside local communities to better understand, protect, and restore Okinawa's extraordinary biodiversity and ecosystems for future generations.

variety of coral

Coral Project

The OIST Coral Project aims to conserve and restore healthy coral reefs by using genome information. We use this information in planting and nurturing corals.

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2 researches working in a forest

OKEON: Okinawa Environmental Observation Network

The OKEON Churamori project is a terrestrial biodiversity monitoring effort run by the OIST. We have established 24 monitoring sites across Okinawa Island, from north to south, that record the nature of the island 24/7.

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Give today. Support science for a better future.