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The Science Tokyo Way — Embracing the University for International Research Excellence challenge
Science Tokyo — Pioneering a new model to create a world-leading University for International Research Excellence
Science Tokyo — Embracing the University for International Research Excellence challenge, envisioning a better, brighter future
Accelerating world-leading research and education, heightening societal impact
The Universities for International Research Excellence program is an initiative of the Japanese government supporting universities that advance internationally outstanding research and apply the outcomes of that research to effect socioeconomic changes, bringing new value to society. After being recognized for its world-class research capabilities, highly effective operational and financial strategies, and autonomous and accountable governance structure, Science Tokyo was selected as a University for International Research Excellence in 2026. The Institute’s Research System Strengthening Plan for the program was approved in February 2026.
Science Tokyo — established in October 2024 following the merger of Tokyo Medical and Dental University and Tokyo Institute of Technology — will advance cross-disciplinary research, including collaborations between medicine and engineering, based on the outstanding intellectual achievements of its predecessor universities. Supported by the government’s JPY 10 trillion university endowment fund, Science Tokyo will serve as an international research hub that rapidly and reliably advancing the practical application of research and the development of talent, while implementing a transformation plan of up to 25 years.
A co-creation framework to connect society with knowledge while expediting the future
Science Tokyo aims to be an open-system university that connects directly to and works together with society to shape the future.
The Universities for International Research Excellence matching fund system, a key component of the program, fosters sustainable growth and provides important backing for Science Tokyo. Under this system, government subsidies increase in line with the level of support and collaboration from companies, alumni, and the local community.
When public trust in universities is tied to government funding, it creates a powerful "double driving force." This force feeds back into building cutting-edge research environments, translating research into real-world impact, and nurturing the next generation of young researchers who will lead world-class research in the future. Together, this collaborative structure creates a cycle of sustainable growth.
Science Tokyo’s Visionary Initiatives (VIs) form the engine of transformation that facilitates co-creation
In an era marked by increasing uncertainty, Science Tokyo is committed to its threefold vision of a Better Life, a Better Society, and a Better Planet, which together work toward the realization of a better, brighter future.
Science Tokyo’s Visionary Initiatives (VIs) serve as the engine of transformation that will make this future a reality. The VIs are international, multi-sectoral hubs that strive to solve critical societal issues based on visions for the future. These open, collaborative initiatives are undertaken in partnership with all stakeholders, including industry, government, local communities, alumni, researchers, and students. By working together, Science Tokyo and its partners will design and implement solutions spanning science and technology, healthcare, education, and the development of social systems.
Funding, support, and collaboration through the VIs all strengthen Science Tokyo’s foundations. By maximizing the impact of these efforts through the matching fund system, the Institute will continue to enhance its outstanding research environment while providing world-leading education to the students who will lead the next generation. The value generated by Science Tokyo will be returned to society through a continuous cycle of co-creation. The Institute invites all interested parties to join in its efforts in creating a better, brighter future.
Ways to join Science Tokyo in creating a better, brighter future
Creating a better, brighter future is not a challenge that Science Tokyo can meet on its own. Real, lasting impact will only come from bringing together co-creation with industry and the local community, strong alumni support, and the active participation of the students and researchers shaping tomorrow. The Institute welcomes diverse partnerships that will serve as the driving force behind new innovations.
For businesses and corporations looking to work with Science Tokyo
Science Tokyo leverages its outstanding research environment and collaborative cross-disciplinary research to promote the social implementation of research and the creation of innovation with business partners.
For those considering giving to Science Tokyo
Science Tokyo’s University for International Research Excellence campaign aims to build a better, brighter future together.
For those considering a career at Science Tokyo
Science Tokyo seeks talented individuals who share the vision of advancing world-leading research and education while creating a better, brighter future together.
For current and prospective students seeking financial aid
Science Tokyo offers various forms of financial aid, including tuition and enrollment fee exemptions and scholarships, so students can focus on their studies and research with peace of mind.
For alumni
Online communities and networking opportunities help alumni stay connected with the Institute and fellow graduates.
Visionary Initiatives on video
President and Chief Executive Officer Naoto Ohtake speaks about the purpose and scope of the VIs.
News
Stories
Strategic analysis and decision-making
Cross-disciplinary synergy accelerated by university merger
Through a merger of medical, dental, and engineering sciences, Science Tokyo transforms the hospital into a research hub — accelerating interdisciplinary collaboration in clinical settings and driving innovation in biomedical science to shape the future of healthcare.
lnstitute of BiomedicaI Engineering
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) provides a shared space where biomedical and engineering researchers can co-create from the initial stages of research projects. BME aims to generate synergistic outcomes through the integration and co-creation of medical and dental sciences, and the science and engineering. As a field for demonstration, co-creation, and dissemination, BME will promote innovation in medical technology by applying cutting-edge science and technology. It collaborates with research institutions and companies to implement research results in society. BME aims to realize a society where everyone can receive optimal medical and dental care at anytime.
Leading-edge biomedical-engineering synergies
Oral Oncology × AI Small-data Al for early detection of oral cancer
Geriatric medicine and gerodontology × Magnetics Using magnetism for early detection of dysphagia and heart disease
Cardiovascular surgery × Mechanical engineering Development of next-generation ECMO equipped with artificial intelligence
Pathology × Nanoengineering Development of medical nanomachines for applications from disease detection to treatment
Launch of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering Announced at press conference (Japanese)
Formation of ecosystems for co-creation in Japan and abroad
Global co-creation platforms
Science Tokyo has entered into over 350 agreements with universities and research institutions, promoting meaningful, multi-level excahanges among students, faculty, staff, and researchers. While ensuring responsible openness, the Institute takes the lead in creating ecosystems for a better, brighter future.
The Institute has signed a strategic partnership agreement with RWTH Aachen University in Germany and is building strategic relationships with MIT in the US and Imperial College London in the UK. In addition, by positioning partner universities — primarily in Asia — as hub institutions, the Institute promotes the circulation of people, knowledge, and funding through researcher recruitment, student exchange, industry-academia collaboration, and startup creation. Vision Hubs are also being established at global locations to address worldwide challenges and to foster international mobility and attract diverse talent.
Domestic co-creation platforms
The Future Leading Innovation Partnership (FLIP) — comprising Ochanomizu University, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Science Tokyo and Hitotsubashi University — brings together the wisdom of four universities. As a core platform for co-creation that connects knowledge from Tokyo to the world, FLIP contributes to the sustainable development of human society by nurturing future talent and deepening research.
- Ochanomizu University joins Union of three universities in Tokyo: Science Tokyo, TUFS, Hitotsubashi University
- Future Leading Innovation Partnership (FLIP) (Japanese)
Strengthening collaboration with overseas universities
Science Tokyo has led the Greater Tokyo Innovation Ecosystem (GTIE) — a university-based startup ecosystem in the Tokyo area — and the National Innovation Network for Entrepreneur Japan (NINEJP), which connects nine university-based startup ecosystems nationwide, thereby helping to build Japan’s startup ecosystem originating from universities.
Going forward, the Institute will connect these domestic ecosystems with overseas startup ecosystems and incorporate cutting-edge knowledge. It will also work to create opportunities for university-based startups to engage with overseas markets.
Governance for a positive cycle of growth
I4Collective
The newly established Investigation with Integrity, Innovation for Impact (I4) Collective is a unit that conducts strategic analysis, decision-making, and information-sharing activities to sow the science and technology seeds required to realize a better, brighter future, while focusing particularly on the deep tech field. The I4Collective, or I4C, also trains talent who are poised to undertake such analysis in the future, both within and outside the Institute.
Investigation with Integrity, Innovation for Impact — Science Tokyo launches I4Collective
Science Tokyo Management Committee
The Science Tokyo Management Committee ensures that Science Tokyo functions as a unified, dynamic team engaging in dialogue with various stakeholders. The committee makes resolutions on management policy matters such as the Institute’s mid-term goals, mid-term plans, budgets, and settlement of accounts, and conducts monitoring to verify that Science Tokyo is appropriately managed based on the contents of these policy matters. Together with the diverse and multifaceted Science Tokyo Management Committee, the Institute strives to create a robust structure that enables rapid and far-reaching growth, boosts the value of Science Tokyo's intellectual assets, and facilitates the creation of new research areas, while taking into account shifts in the global environment and other factors.
Town Hall Meetings
Town Hall Meetings are a key initiative that supports Science Tokyo in realizing its full potential. They provide a space for open, two-way communication within the Science Tokyo community, helping to surface pressing issues and shared needs. These meetings also reflect the vision of President and CEO Ohtake and President and CAO Tanaka, who place great importance on uniting the Science Tokyo community as a dynamic team while honoring the history and culture of its two predecessor universities.
New Town Hall Meetings encourage open dialogue across Science Tokyo community
Second series of Town Hall Meetings focuses on Science Tokyo’s vision for future
Science Tokyo’s University for International Research Excellence scheme
Science Tokyo’s accreditation as a University for International Research Excellence ensures that the Institute can pursue its mission of “advancing science and human wellbeing to create value for and with society” with greater speed and scale.