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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背景（黒、青、白）に、神経伝達物質（黄色）を含む2つの脳細胞のシナプスを表現したイラスト

Research Update

Vesicle cycle model reveals inner workings of brain synapse

Advanced modeling system sheds new light on the synaptic vesicle cycle, essential in human brain function.

Research Update

Discovering the rich biodiversity of coral reefs using a comprehensive new system

A new cutting-edge eDNA system enables efficient detection of nearly all reef-building coral genera in Japan.

Abstract illustration of human-centered machine learning. A blocky representation of a human head in the foreground, followed by an illustration of a neural network, on a background of binary numbers.

Research Update

Research Events

03 Jun 2025

Seminar

Seminar "Bubble column fluid dynamics: a multi-scale perspective" by Prof. Giorgio Besagni

03 Jun 2025

Seminar

OIST Representation Theory Seminar

03 Jun 2025

Seminar

[Seminar] "Active materials and reactive fluids" by Prof. Chun Liu

04 Jun 2025

Research

CityUHK x OIST Online Workshop

04 Jun 2025

Seminar

[Seminar] "Why presynaptic inhibition?" by Henning Sprekeler

04 Jun 2025

Seminar

Analysis on Metric Spaces Seminar 2025 | Topological regularity of Busemann spaces, Professor Tadashi Fujioka, Kyoto University

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.

Corporate partnerships and collaborations
Technology development and licensing
Entrepreneurship and startups

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Public Events

17 Jun 2025

Culture

Okinawa Memorial Day Lecture 2025

25 Jun 2025

Culture

Japan in the Age of Emperor Meiji (1868-1912) – Shaping a future in a turbulent world

15 - 29 Aug 2025

Culture

CDC Art Exhibition "OCEAN"

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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