COMPASS 2026: OIST Research Support Professional Development Workshop

January 13, 2027 - January 15, 2027

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Registration

  • 2026-10-25 - 第一次応募〆切　1st Application deadline
  • 2026-11-25 - 最終応募〆切 Final Application deadline
参加申込フォームより登録 | Register through application form
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About the Independent Workshop

What is COMPASS

COMPASS is a hands-on workshop for research support professionals to reflect on their roles and the future of their organizations.

The OIST Research Support Professional Development Workshop “COMPASS” is a three-day program for individuals engaged in research support at universities, research institutions, companies, government-related organizations, and other institutions across Japan. COMPASS stands for Cultivating Organizational Mindsets and Practices for Academic and Scientific Support.

Leveraging OIST’s international and interdisciplinary research environment as a case study, the program deepens participants’ understanding of research support mindsets, organizational operations, and practical challenges. Through dialogue with fellow participants, we aim to provide perspectives and practical insights that can be applied in each participant’s own workplace.

The program centers on individual work and group discussions, encouraging participants to consider topics such as the relationship between basic and applied science, initiatives that embrace internationality and diversity, the mission of their home institutions, the role of their own work, growth as research support professionals, and connections across organizations and fields. It is a place where participants learn from one another and explore together what research support can contribute to strengthening Japan’s research capabilities.

The program is intended for people in a wide range of roles that support research activities, including URAs, technical staff, science communicators, administrative staff, and personnel responsible for professional development. Approximately 20 participants are expected to be accepted.

Overview

  • Dates: Wednesday, January 13 – Friday, January 15, 2027
  • Venue: OIST Main Campus, Lab 4 (Onna Village, Okinawa)
  • Language: Japanese (consecutive Japanese interpretation will be provided when speakers present in English)
  • Participation fee: JPY 30,000
  • Application: Registration through the application form (applications will be accepted in two separate periods)

If the number of applicants exceeds capacity, participants will be selected through a screening process. As a condition of participation, applicants must also have attended one of OIST’s online study sessions for research support professionals held separately. Eligible sessions include those held on November 20–21, 2025; May 27–28, 2026; or November 18–19, 2026.

Through COMPASS, we invite participants not only to broaden their knowledge and perspectives on research support, but also to engage with challenges at their own institutions and take a new step toward practical action together.

Program

More details to be announced. Stay tuned for updates.

Day 1 (9:00-17:30, Dinner from 18:00) | 13 January 2027

More details to be announced.

Day 2 (9:00-17:30) | 14 January 2027

More details to be announced.

Day 3 (9:00-15:00) | 15 January 2027

More details to be announced.

  1. University Management 
    • Academic affairs and university management
    • Lab management
    • Core Facilityand Research Equipment: Systems and Policy Trends
    • Professional Development at OIST
    • Approaches to Addressing Mental Health Challenges
  2. Internationalization Practices
    • Communication in a Bilingual Environment: Realities and Challenges
    • Consensus Building Across Cultural Differences
    • Effective Communication Across Different Assumptions and Perspectives
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
       
  3. Science, Technology and Research 
    • The Value of Basic Research
    • Science Communication 
    • Academic Freedom and Research Integrity 
    • Research Safety
    • Industry-Academia Collaboration and Partnerships
       

J-PEAKS

OIST is a member of the Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS), an initiative led by MEXT and JSPS to strengthen Japan’s research capacity and global competitiveness.

Through COMPASS, a new program developed under this initiative, participants will have the opportunity to experience OIST’s unique international and interdisciplinary research environment and learn about the research support practices that help enable world-class research. We hope to share these insights widely with universities and research institutions across Japan.

We also hope that COMPASS will serve as a platform for open dialogue, fostering new collaborations and further development among all participants.

J-PEAKS Logo

Organizers

Learning &  Development Section, Human Resources Division
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology

Contact: training[at]oist,jp