Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology OIST

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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Dr. Fabienne Ziadi-Künzli collects shark samples for life history studies at OIST

Research Update

Podcast: Okinawa’s hidden shark hotspots have a vital role as shark sanctuaries

Marine biologist Dr. Fabienne Ziadi-Künzli explains why Okinawa's diverse shark populations are crucial for ocean health.

Prof. Vincent Laudet joins prestigious international research project with new HFSP grant

Institutional News

OIST professor joins prestigious international research project with new HFSP grant

Professor Vincent Laudet has been selected to join a groundbreaking international research team through a newly established grant from the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP).

Research Events

A Textbook Example of Enzyme Regulation, Revisited by Prof. Nozomi Ando from Cornell University

21 Apr 2025

Seminar

"Exploring Intracellular Symbiosis Through Cockroach Bacteriocytes: Histology, Vertical Transmission, and Single-cell Transcriptomics" by Mr. Tomohito Noda from Tokyo University

22 Apr 2025

Seminar

Dr. Kim Palacios-Flores "DYNAMIC COGNITIVE REPRESENTATIONS IN THE ADULT ZEBRAFISH TELENCEPHALON"

22 Apr 2025

Seminar

[Seminar] "The uncharted territory: the extreme evolutionary processes in planthopper symbioses" by Prof. Piotr Łukasik

22 Apr 2025

Seminar

The Microbe-Mineral Atlas and Biomining for Metals for the Sustainable Energy Infrastructure, by Prof. Buz Barstow from Cornell University

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.

Corporate partnerships and collaborations
Technology development and licensing
Entrepreneurship and startups

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Public Events

07 - 20 Apr 2025

Culture

Polar Blues, Island Hues: Contrasting Colors of Okinawa and Antarctica

19 Apr 2025

Outreach

Earth Day Beach Clean

19 Apr 2025

Outreach

KAGAKUJIKAN2025 (Science Week 2025)

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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