Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology OIST

News

Microscope close-up of a coral specimen with a teal blob of plastic.

New form of plastic pollution discovered on the shores of vulnerable coral reefs

‘Plasticorals’, coral rubble fused with plastic, are long-lasting reminders of human activity and highlight a potential threat to critical marine environments.

Dr Ryuho Kataoka stands arms spread wide under a bright starry-sky featuring a green aurora. He is next to a fence and some scientific equipment in a snowy tree-lined field.

Research Update

The man sending cameras to Mars

Meet Dr Ryuho Kataoka, an aurora expert on a mission to take pictures from other planets.

Institutional News

Four deep-tech startups selected from around the world begin new ventures in Okinawa

Working with OIST and local partners to drive innovation in agriculture, drug discovery, environmental technology, and medical devices

Graphical illustration with two silhouetted children, one reading from a book, with a squiggly line between them.

Research Update

Visual aids help school-aged children with ADHD recount stories

New study paves the way for creating supportive learning and social environments for children with ADHD-associated difficulties.

An illustration of a bird spinning around the Earth in the style of a particle with spin being controlled by a magnetic field.

Research Update

Quantum control algorithm looks to explain how birds migrate

New mathematical result in quantum optimal control theory derived to test how birds sense magnetic fields could unlock new quantum computing technology.

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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Under the Surface

Taking a deeper look at how OIST research helps answer life’s big questions

Blueface angelfish swimming among colorful coral reefs in Okinawa, Japan's underwater paradise.

How can we keep coral reefs healthy?

The Ryukyuan islands are home to stunningly beautiful coral reefs, making OIST one of the best places in the world to study these fascinating, fragile ecosystems. By understanding the scientific foundations of coral reefs, we can inform future conservation efforts. In the latest Under the Surface, we explore the threats facing coral reefs, tactics to monitor biodiversity, and many other aspects of OIST’s coral research.

Learn more about corals

Research Events

Introduction to HPC and scientific computing - Session 2

05 - 06 Oct 2026

Symposium

Workshop on "Gauge Theory and Mathematical Physics"

06 Oct 2026

Research

Speed-collaboration event (RAM 2026)

07 - 09 Oct 2026

Symposium

Mini-Workshop on Gauge Theory and Low-Dimensional Topology

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.