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

The Research System Strengthening Plan of Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), the Institute’s operational roadmap as a University for International Research Excellence, was approved by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) on February 27, 2026.

This comes approximately one month after Science Tokyo was accredited for the Universities for International Research Excellence program on January 23. With the recent approval of its plan, the Institute is now set to commence work as a University for International Research Excellence on April 1, 2026.

Efforts to enhance and transform Science Tokyo’s research and educational activities, as outlined in its Research System Strengthening Plan, are already underway. The Institute has rapidly launched a vision-driven cross-disciplinary research and education framework in the form of the Visionary Initiatives (VIs), and has also established the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME).

With the final approval of its plan, Science Tokyo can further accelerate various initiatives, including strategic university management.

It has been a long and rigorous journey — from the initial deliberation of the Research System Strengthening Plan and the application for the program, to Science Tokyo’s selection as a candidate, the formal accreditation, and now, the final approval of our plan. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who provided invaluable advice and steadfast support throughout this process.

Starting on April 1, 2026, Science Tokyo will begin a new chapter as a University for International Research Excellence. The speed with which we execute the first few steps will be of paramount importance. Through continuous dialogue, the entire Science Tokyo community will join forces to take on the challenge of these new initiatives.

Furthermore, it is important to note that Science Tokyo cannot execute its plan alone. Collaboration with partners in the community, industry, and other academic institutions is essential as we strive toward our shared vision of a Better Life, Better Society, and Better Planet. We ask for your continued support and cooperation.

I am sincerely grateful to all the relevant parties for the approval of Science Tokyo’s Research System Strengthening Plan.

As a University for International Research Excellence, Science Tokyo has begun preparations to transition to a new single graduate school system, which will apply to students entering in academic year 2028. In addition, the Institute will vigorously promote innovative research and startup creation through medical-engineering collaboration firmly rooted in clinical medicine.

This status as a University for International Research Excellence is by no means the finish, but rather a new starting line. The future is built upon the foundation of the present, and this achievement is merely a milestone. The Institute now carries an even greater responsibility. Together with Japanese and international society, the Science Tokyo community is committed to contributing to the public good through world-leading research achievements and the cultivation of exceptional talent.

Institute of Science Tokyo is a Japanese national university established on October 1, 2024, following the merger between Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) and Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech). With the mission of “advancing science and human wellbeing to create value for and with society,” Science Tokyo aims to become a new type of institution while taking advantage of the traditions and innovations of its predecessor universities.

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.

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