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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.

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Research at OIST
Research at OIST
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Faculty and Research Units
Faculty and Research Units
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Research Events
03 - 31 Mar 2025
Research
COI-NEXT Call for New Projects 2025
11 - 14 Mar 2025
OIST Workshops
Spinal cord formation, function, and beyond
19 Mar 2025
Seminar
Coupled inverse and forward models in the cerebellum
19 Mar 2025
Seminar
[Seminar] "How does a neuron grow?" by Prof. Mike Fainzilber
24 Mar 2025
Research
[Seminar] "Renewable, Recyclable, and Remarkable Aliphatic Polyester Block Polymers as Sustainable Plastics and Elastomers" by Prof. Marc Hillmyer, University of Minnesota
25 Mar 2025
Seminar
[Seminar] "Role of axonal importin β1 in presynaptic local translation and spatial memory" by Philip Freund
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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.

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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.
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  • Corporate partnerships and collaborations
  • Technology development and licensing
  • Entrepreneurship and startups
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Public Events
03 - 14 Mar 2025
Public
Resource Center Food Drive
15 - 22 Mar 2025
Prospective Students
Science Challenge 2025
05 Apr 2025
Public Lecture
Public Lecture: "How Do Animals Make Sound?" by Coen Elemans
19 Apr 2025
Outreach
KAGAKUJIKAN2025 (Science Week 2025)
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Outreach
OIST was established in and for Okinawa. Take advantage of local education, science, and culture programs or tour the campus.
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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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Latest Outreach Updates

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