Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology OIST

OIST is a pioneering graduate university. We conduct research that bridges disciplines to explore new frontiers of scientific knowledge. We educate a new generation of scientific leaders. We are a catalyst for an innovation hub in Okinawa.

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Open Faculty Positions

Experience a new model of scientific freedom in an innovative university.

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology is an English-speaking and dynamic doctoral program-only university in Japan. We are inviting applications for tenure-track and tenured faculty positions. The deadline has been extended to increase applications from women and underrepresented groups.

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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.

Research at OIST

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Faculty and Research Units

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Research Update

Physics and emote design: Quantifying clarity in digital images

OIST researchers continue to bridge art and science with a novel image analysis technique.

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Research Update

Robots give scientists unprecedented access to study coral reef biodiversity

Study confirms accurateness of underwater robot eDNA samplers to track corals.

Institutional News

Developing glowing sentinel plants to monitor crops in real time to help tackle food shortages

OIST research proposal has been selected for the ASPIRE 2024 “Japan-UK Engineering Biology” grant.

Institutional News

The 6th Japan SciCom Forum (JSF) 2024: Bridging the Future of Science and Communication

Advancing new initiatives to strengthen science outreach and networking.

Institutional News

The future at the intersection of science, art, and technology

Join OIST visiting artist Sputniko! for a special lecture at OIST on December 7

Research Events

18 Dec 2024

Seminar

Seminar: Academic Collaborations with Startups and Big Pharma

19 Dec 2024

Seminar

"Skill Acquisition and Transfer Systems with AI and XR for Augmented Human" by Prof. Hideki Koike

19 Dec 2024

Seminar

"How the new and old modulate hippocampal function" Thomas McHugh, Ph. D.

19 Dec 2024

Lecture

TSVP Talk: "Excitonic Bose Einstein Condensation in Flat Bands" by Feng Liu

20 Dec 2024

Seminar

Seminar: The Human Phenotype Project | Professor Eran Segal

20 Dec 2024

Workshop

Nikon Day @ OIST

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.

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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.

Corporate partnerships and collaborations
Technology development and licensing
Entrepreneurship and startups

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Public Events

01 Feb 2025

Outreach

OIST Science Festival 2025

16 Feb 2025

Culture

Sounds of the Ryukyu 2025

15 - 22 Mar 2025

Prospective Students

Science Challenge 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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