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.
Institute-wide transformation centered on the VIs to create a more desirable future
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.
