Science Tokyo — University for International Research Excellence

Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo) has commenced operations as Japan’s second University for International Research Excellence.

In line with its plan to transform its education, research, and governance, Science Tokyo officially established eight Visionary Initiatives (VIs) on April 1, 2026. The VIs, which form a vision-driven, cross-disciplinary research and education framework that aims to shape future society through the power of science, have been incorporated into the Institute’s organizational structure. The VIs constitute the core of a new university model that seeks to seamlessly integrate education, research, and social implementation.

In addition to the six VIs launched in 2025, Science Tokyo recently established two more VIs — the Future Intelligence Visionary Initiative and the Materials-Positive Society Visionary Initiative — bringing the total to eight.

Science Tokyo is accelerating transformations across the board to realize a threefold vision — a Better Life, a Better Society, and a Better Planet. With eight VIs now established as official research organizations at the heart of these changes, the VI framework unites Science Tokyo’s knowledge and resources with off-campus experts and the broader public, creating a dynamic cycle driven by this threefold vision.

• Science Tokyo’s eight VIs explore and define key topics that will drive future society.
• The VIs form an Institute-wide, vision-driven, cross-disciplinary research and education framework that integrates the design and implementation of research and graduate-level education.
• The VIs foster a co-creation ecosystem that connects all Science Tokyo units, the Institute of Science Tokyo Hospital, domestic and international universities, businesses, local governments, and citizens to facilitate the circulation of knowledge and foster collaboration across organizations.
• With the establishment of the VIs, Science Tokyo has laid the organizational groundwork to operate an Institute-wide, cross-disciplinary research and education system on a long-term and autonomous basis. Going forward, the Institute will continue to expand these operations and aims to launch new graduate-level VI courses in academic year 2028.

In addition to the six VIs launched in academic year 2025, two more VIs have been established in academic year 2026. The Future Intelligence Visionary Initiative is led by Program Director Hiroshi Asahara, while the Materials-Positive Society Visionary Initiative is led by Program Director Masanao Inokoshi.

• Visionary Initiatives ― Shaping the future with science

Science Tokyo has established four core commitments as part of its University for International Research Excellence scheme.

1. Vision-driven research and education
2. The hospital as an innovation hub
3. Global co-creation ecosystem
4. Governance for a positive cycle of growth

Together, the VIs serve as the engine for executing these commitments. In addition to its vision-driven research and education model, Science Tokyo is creating mechanisms for cross-disciplinary and international collaboration, and developing these efforts together with diverse stakeholders across society.

• Science Tokyo established the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) in July 2025 to advance medical-engineering collaboration and offer a new model for hospitals to serve as hubs for medical innovation. Science Tokyo will also actively promote the creation of startups that contribute to healthcare innovation.
• Science Tokyo will gradually implement operational procedures that clearly define clinical practice, research, and education duties to ensure that clinical faculty members have sufficient time for research, and to enhance transparency in effort management.
• Science Tokyo will expand its partnerships with universities, research institutions, and companies around the world to lead the development of an international co-creation ecosystem centered on the VIs.
• Science Tokyo will firmly establish a self-sustaining financial foundation that fosters a virtuous cycle of continuous growth. While gradually constructing an environment that creates more time for research and ensures the continuity of operations, the Institute will enhance the management of its endowment fund and expand independent revenue streams, including through campus redevelopment projects at Tamachi Campus and other locations.

• Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME)

As a university open to society and committed to serving it with a strong sense of responsibility, Science Tokyo aims to foster innovation while strengthening its research and talent development capabilities in partnership with the global community. The Universities for International Research Excellence program employs a matching fund system whereby grants are provided based on the amount of external funding secured. While always seeking to return the fruits of its efforts to society, the Institute will advance diverse forms of collaboration — including industry-academia partnerships, donations, and co-creation projects — to accelerate solutions to societal challenges and open paths to a better, brighter future. Interested parties are encouraged to join Science Tokyo in these team endeavors.

Based on the Act on Strengthening Systems for Leveraging Research and Research Results of Universities for International Research Excellence (Act No. 51, 2022), the Japanese government recognizes universities that are considerably expected to advance internationally outstanding research and to apply the outcomes of that research to effect socioeconomic changes as Universities for International Research Excellence. The Universities for International Research Excellence program provides subsidies through the government’s University Endowment Fund for Research System Strengthening Plans prepared by these universities.

• The Science Tokyo Way
• Science Tokyo’s organizational units
• Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME)
• Science Tokyo Fund

• Science Tokyo’s Research System Strengthening Plan for Universities for International Research Excellence program approved | Science Tokyo News