0. OIST Graduate University
An Introduction to the
OIST Graduate University

1. Okinawa is the location of a new graduate university in Japan
OIST
Okinawa is the site of a new graduate university, the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University.
OIST has been established in the dawning decades of the 21st century to be a different kind of institution to serve the purposes of the emerging global, knowledge-based economy and interconnected world.

2. The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST)
World-class research and education
Scientific advancement contributing to economic development
All teaching and research conducted in English
The mission of OIST is to conduct world-class research and education, and through scientific advancement to contribute to the economic development of Okinawa.
The language of instruction is English (with support for those for whom English is a second language) and environment is strongly international, with over half of OIST students and faculty coming from outside Japan.

3. OIST Executives
Executive Officers
President and CEO: Dr. Jonathan Dorfan Former Head of SLAC (Stanford)
Advisor or board member at Oxford (UK) Max Planck (Germany) Weizmann (Israel)
Provost and Vice CEO: Dr. George Iwama Former President, UNBC
Board of Governors 16 Members including 4 Nobel Laureates*
Dr. Jerome Friedman*, Dr. Tim Hunt*, Dr. Ichiro Kanazawa, former Minister Koji Omi, Dr. Hiroko Sho, Dr. Susumu Tonegawa*, Dr. Kiyoshi Kurokawa, Dr Rita Colwell, Dr Hiroshi Komiyama, Dr Cherry Murray, Dr Vijay Raghavan, Dr Takeshi Yasumoto, Dr Akito Arima, Dr Torsten Weisel*
Dr. Jonathan Dorfan, Dr. Robert Baughman　
To become a world leader in science and technology, we had to have excellent brains for the executives too.
For our first president, we welcomed Dr. Jonathan Dorfan, who was a director of Stanford Linear Accelator center AKA SLAC at Stanford University in US. The Provost has been involved since the establishment of OIST promotion corporation is Dr. Robert Baughman, who came from National Institute of Health.
In addition, our board of governors consist of worldly renowned people with 4 Novel Laureates. So we are privileged to draw on their collective wisdoms and the great experiences in setting up a kind of institution that will allow innovation to flourish and we provide an environment in which our talented students can reach their full creative potentials. 3

5. OIST: A Truly International Environment
Professors
Researchers
Students 5

6. OIST Research Achievements
48 Faculty Members (As of Jan 2014)
356 Researchers, of whom 168 are non-Japanese from about 30 countries (As of Jan 2014)
More than 49 joint research projects worldwide
（FY2011)
443 research publications in （FY2011)
18 patent applications, 8 accepted (FY2011) 6

8. OIST Non-Departmental Structure

9. Research at OIST
About 50 cutting-edge laboratories conducting research in a range of fields form the hub of the OIST Graduate University
State-of-the-art laboratory buildings provide an outstanding environment for modern day research and education
Individual laboratories are very well equipped for all research requirements
Purpose-built to promote interdisciplinary interactions
About 50 cutting-edge laboratories conducting research in a range of fields form the hub of the OIST Graduate University. Teaching is largely carried out in the laboratories where students will conduct their research. The newly completed laboratory buildings are state-of-the-art. Individual laboratories are very well equipped for all research requirements. These conditions ensure that students will have the opportunity to realize their full potential in their research project.
Presentation Venue / Date & Time

10. OIST　Laboratories 　

11. Graduate Education at OIST
5 year doctoral program
Applications for 2014 admission now open

12. Study in the OIST Graduate School
Interdisciplinary program leading to a PhD
English language for teaching and research
“OIST … established in the dawning decades of the 21st century to be a different kind of institution to serve the purposes of the emerging global, knowledge-based economy and interconnected world.”
Dr. Charles Vest,
President Emeritus of the Massachusetts Institute of Science and Technology.
Keynote Address at OIST Inauguration Ceremony
The OIST student intake will be small, focussing on the very best students who will flourish in an atmosphere of encouragement for discovery and innovation. The teaching method will be genuinely interactive with tutorial-style courses that are possible because of a high staff to student ratio. Based on a firm foundation in the basic sciences, special emphasis is given to promote education that is highly interdisciplinary. Support for those needing additional English language training.

13. OIST Program Features
Small student intake ensures an excellent staff to student ratio
Emphasis on creativity and exchange
Customized curriculum for individualized education
From the very beginning, students work side by side with world-class faculty and researchers in research units
Participation in fields outside area of specialization is encouraged by rotation system
We provide excellent conditions for thesis research. High quality advising during your thesis research is assured by low student to staff ratios. All our faculty members are leaders of cutting edge research groups. We encourage independence and excellence in research. Working with top researchers in well-funded laboratories, with state-of-the art facilities, and equipment will let you reach your full potential in research.
We treat every student as an individual. We work with you to design your individualized program of studies, taking account of your uniqueness, to make the most of the stellar opportunities for graduate study available at OIST.

14. Integrated Five-year Program
two years of pre-thesis training:
three research rotations in year 1,
thesis proposal in year 2
selected courses
three years of thesis research
students with BSc take 5 years to finish.
students with MSc may finish in less time
We provide excellent conditions for thesis research. High quality advising during your thesis research is assured by low student to staff ratios. All our faculty members are leaders of cutting edge research groups. We encourage independence and excellence in research. Working with top researchers in well-funded laboratories, with state-of-the art facilities, and equipment will let you reach your full potential in research.
We treat every student as an individual. We work with you to design your individualized program of studies, taking account of your uniqueness, to make the most of the stellar opportunities for graduate study available at OIST.

15. OIST Grad Student Financial Support
All students receive an internationally competitive support package, and on-campus housing.
Financial support
2.4 million yen per year (paid as a research assistantship)
0.54 million yen tuition (paid by OIST)
Housing at Student Rate
Travel support for conferences
. At OIST you will be able to concentrate on your research and studies without worrying about living costs, health care, and housing. We will take care of the practical needs for your life and study in Okinawa.

16. Student Career Development
Professional Development course prepares students for positions in leading academic and industrial research laboratories
Being at the hub of a global network provides visibility and opportunities to kick-start an international career in science
OIST faculty connect students with researchers from other leading universities and research institutes in Japan and worldwide
Facilitate global networking. We are at the hub of a global network. Our program is constantly enriched by visits from leading researchers from around the world, who participate as visiting faculty. We will help connect you with researchers from other leading universities and research institutes. Your visibility as an emerging researcher will help to launch your future career in science.
global citizenship and now move around the globe studying or doing business in many different countries that present opportunities to them

17. Gap Period Program
For students graduating in March (like many Japanese universities) who need to fill the gap until OIST classes begin in September
Registered as an OIST PhD Student, and receive OIST support
Residential intensive training at partner institutions
English language for Japanese and other non-English speakers
Japanese language and culture for non-Japanese speakers
Laboratory placement to reinforce language training

18. Other Student Opportunities at OIST
OIST International Workshops and Courses
Research Internship Program 18

21. Apply for Admission Email study@oist.jp for more information
Visit for general information about OIST
Visit groups.oist.jp/grad/admissions for application guide
Important dates:
Admissions now open for 2015
International applications close end November 2014
Domestic applications close end December 2014
Courses start in September
Early start “Gap Period” options from April and beyond:
Language Training
Research Experience