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

Heterogeneity in Host Populations Drives the Evolution of More Virulent Pathogens

Using a metapopulation model, the researchers examine how host heterogeneities, such as uneven movement patterns and local productivities, affect the evolution of pathogen virulence.

Physics and emote design header image Fried Unit

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.

Research Events

09 Jan 2025

Seminar

Seminar: “PhyloG2P: the new science of connecting genomes to phenotypes via phylogenies” by Prof. Scott V. Edwards

09 Jan 2025

Lecture

TSVP TALK: "Towards Understanding How Animals Hide (From Themselves and Others)" by Johnatan (Yonatan) Aljadeff

15 Jan 2025

Seminar

Metrological usefulness of entanglement and nonlinear Hamiltonians

21 Jan 2025

Lecture

TSVP Talk: "Persistence of Working Memory Computation Without Continuous Attractors" by Il Memming Park

27 - 31 Jan 2025

Workshop

2025 Cryo-Electron Microscopy Course

27 Jan 2025

Symposium

OIST x JST Act-X joint mini-symposium "Life and Chemistry"

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 Ryukyu 2025

08 Mar 2025

Outreach

OIST Science Talk 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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