Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology OIST

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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Institutional News

Professor Kae Nemoto wins MEXT Minister Award in Science and Technology

The award recognizes her contributions to the development of quantum computer science.

Institutional News

OIST and Nikko sign licensing agreement to commercialize innovative wastewater treatment technology

Goal to reduce the environmental impact of a sustainable livestock industry

Molecular clock analysis Szollosi Unit Header Image

Research Update

Molecular clock analysis shows bacteria used oxygen long before widespread photosynthesis

Scientists use the Great Oxidation Event and how organisms adapted to it to map bacterial evolution.

A crowd of children around a digital microscope, their faces fixated on the small display. One of the children has put her finger under the microscope. Adults are watching on in the background.

Institutional News

OIST Science Festival 2025 inspires the next generation of researchers

Kids of all ages felt, learned, and tested what it’s like to be a scientist.

Professor Hikami standing against a white backdrop. (Taken in 2016)

Institutional News

Professor Shinobu Hikami retires from OIST

A professor of physics for more than fifty years, Professor Hikami leaves a lasting impact on both the university and the field.

Research Events

10 Apr 2025

Seminar

Seminar: Plasmonic Optical Tweezers: From Nanoparticles Trapping to Biomolecules Manipulation

10 Apr 2025

Lecture

TSVP Talk: "Is My “Red” Your “Red”?: Evaluating Correspondences Between Qualia Structures Using Unsupervised Alignment" by Nao Tsuchiya

11 Apr 2025

Colloquium

Beyond Borders: Sustainability for a Connected World

11 Apr 2025

Seminar

Seminar: Micro- and Nanomotors Driven by Optical Forces and Torques

14 Apr 2025

Workshop

World Quantum Day Commemorative Event Co-hosted by OIST and AIST

14 Apr 2025

Research

[Seminar] "Mirror Image Oligonucleotides: New Opportunities in Biotechnology" by Dr. Jonathan T. Sczepanski

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

07 - 20 Apr 2025

Culture

Polar Blues, Island Hues: Contrasting Colors of Okinawa and Antarctica

19 Apr 2025

Outreach

KAGAKUJIKAN2025 (Science Week 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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