1. Grants
The Sponsored Research Section (SRS) was strengthened from only one staff to four staffs, including a new section leader.
SRS established its internal Website to provide both basic and timely information about research grant opportunities. Announcements of new grant application calls were made through OIST's internal website, TIDA. Information about center grants, such as the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) and Leading Graduate School Program, was announced at the faculty assembly and strategic meetings held by relevant faculty members.
SRS held seminars on basic information about kakenhi grant opportunities and also practical skills in writing competitive grant proposals. SRS also held a writing workshop and draft polishing services for applicants who desired them.
SRS translated application documents that were provided only in Japanese into English for non-Japanese researchers.
Applications for institutional grants, such as the WPI and Leading Graduate School Program, were submitted, though not accepted.
2. Donations
The status of Specified Public Service Corporation for tax-deductible contributions has been received from MEXT in May. This status has made possible first donations in FY2012 for a total amount of 8,473,000 JPY. In addition, preparation of accepting donations through designated donation program operated by the Promotion and Mutual Aid Corporation for Private Schools of Japan was completed in August. These information were displayed on OIST website, with an encouragement for donations.
The Budget and Accounting Section has established a procedure for communication with donors and will transfer this procedure to the fund raising office when established.