SINCE 2004

Inter-University Research Institute Corporation
National Institutes of Natural Sciences

https://www.nins.jp/en/As an international Center of Excellence (COE), the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) promotes
cutting edge academic fundamental research in diverse fields such as astronomy and astrophysics, plasma physics
and fusion energy, basic biology, physiology and molecular science, by carrying out joint use and joint researchwith universities and research institutes around the world. NINS consists of five research institutes; the National
Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), the National
Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB), the National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), and the Institute for
Molecular Science (IMS). In addition, NINS has four research centers: the International Research Collaboration
Center (IRCC), the Center for Novel Science Initiatives (CNSI), the Astrobiology Center (ABC), and the Exploratory
Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCeLLS), as interdisciplinary organizations directly operated by
NINS. A point to note is that NINS possesses some of the world’s largest experimental equipment such as the
Subaru Telescope of NAOJ, the Large Helical Device (LHD) of NIFS, and the Ultra Violet Synchrotron Orbital
Radiation (UVSOR) of IMS. NINS makes these facilities available for joint use and joint research performed byresearchers and graduate students from Japan and abroad to promote the most advanced research in the world.
In FY 2019, NINS welcomed 12,000 researchers and graduate students as joint users and collaborative
researchers. Approximately 1,000 of them consist of researchers and graduate students from abroad. As aninternational COE, NINS implements several big international research projects and various international
collaborative research programs. This enhances the exchange of human resources, and thus NINS functions as a
hub to connect researchers and graduate students both in Japan and overseas. Moreover, NINS conducts
postgraduate education, and accepts internship graduate students from abroad to guide their research.
Through these efforts, NINS promotes cutting edge research, and would like to create new fields which aresuitable for the 21st century, and thus contribute to the international society.

Messagefrom the President

Akio KOMORICONTENTS
Message from the President

2

National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS)Management of Institutes by a Community of Researchers

4

Collaborative Research

6

What NINS aims for“On the Relationship with other Universities through Joint Use and Joint Research”
Relationship with universities through joint use and joint research
Promotion of International Collaborative Research

8
10
12

Introduction of the Institutes
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
National Institute for Fusion Science
National Institute for Basic Biology
National Institute for Physiological Sciences
Institute for Molecular Science

16
18
20
22
24

Introduction of the Centers
Center for Novel Science Initiatives / Astrobiology Center /Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems /International Research Collaboration Center

Organization Chart / History
List
Data
Facilities

02

National Institutes of Natural Sciences

26
28
29
30
31

03

National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS)Inter-university research instituteNational
Astronomical
Observatory ofJapan

National
Institute for
Basic Biology

Center for
Novel Science
Initiatives(Example: National Institute for Fusion Science)

National
Institute for
Fusion Science

National
Institute forPhysiological
Sciences

Astrobiology
Center

Exploratory
ResearchCenter on Life andLiving Systems

Institute for
Molecular
Science

International
Research
Collaboration
CenterAdvisory committee

National Astronomical
Observatory of Japan
National Institute for
Basic Biology

Half areexternal
committee
members

National Institute forPhysiological Sciences
Institute for
Molecular Science

Joint research committee

Personnel committee

Molecularscience field

University
University

Physiological sciences andmedical fields

The National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) consists of five inter-university
research institutes: the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), the National

04

University

University

Plasma andfusion fields

Management of Institutes by a Community of Researchers

Institute for Fusion Sciences (NIFS), the National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB), theEach Institute constituting NINS conducts the management supported by the community

National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), and the Institute for Molecularby being a member representing each researcher community in universities, etc. to the

Science (IMS). As a global research center in the field of natural science promoting

advisory committee, joint research committee, faculty personnel committee, and otherinternational and advanced research, we provide joint research and collaborative researchcommittees. In addition, all members of the conference for selecting the President offor universities and other researchers all over the country. The result of our collaborative

NINS consist of external committee members. Approximately half of the Management

research contributes to strengthening Japanese research capabilities.

Council and Education Research Council consists of external committee members.

National Institutes of Natural Sciences05Collaborative Research
NINS contributes to strengthening the research capabilities of Japanese universities as one of theinter-university research institutes. In order to contribute to strengthening the research capacity ofJapanese universities, as an inter-university research institute, NINS is developing three types ofcollaborative researches while taking advantage of the characteristics of their academic field, as below.

Hub
Function① Joint use and joint researchacross universities
We are consolidating large-scale, state-of-the-art
research facilities that are difficult to set up at each
university and gathering research materials that are
difficult to collect or store, and leading cutting-edge
research. As a result, joint use and joint research areconducted by researchers from other universities
and research institutions going beyond the limits ofindividual universities.

③ International
collaborative
research
As a base for internationa lresearch, we have become a hub
to connect persons belonging touniversit ies a nd resea rch
i n s t it u t i on s , r e g a rd l e s s ofwhether it is inside or outside of Japan. And we aredeveloping active exchange among researchers bypromoting international research projects andinternational collaborative research.

② Network type collaborative research tocontribute to universities directly
Utilizing the characteristics of each research
field, we are building networks created bymultiple universities and research institutes,
and promoting collaborative research andhuman resource development.

06

National Institutes of Natural Sciences07

What NINS aims for“On the Relationship with other Universities
through Joint Use and Joint Research”
NINS actively accepts researchers from universities nationwide, and is promoting joint research.

Achievements of Collaborative Research (2019)NINS accepts collaborative researchers from national, public, and private universities and research institutions regardless of national,
private, and public universities. In particular, researchers from national universities accounted for 90%, and recently, researchers frompublic, private and overseas universities and research institutions are increasing.
Number ofacceptanceMoreover, we provide graduate school education as SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced
Studies), and regardless of national, private and public universities, we accept graduate students from other

Others29

Others3

universities as "special inter-university researchers" to instruct research. Supporting research activities ofOverseas
institutes

Number ofjoint-use
RESEARCHERS

National
universities

4,131 11,630 4,645
In order to visualize the contribution to other universities and research institutions, we are analyzing thenumber of citations of research papers resulting from joint use and joint research. From the results of thecollaborative research of NINS and other universities over the past five years, the proportion of articles,
which were cited in articles with high impact falling within the top 10% of all research papers was 11.9%.
This ratio is higher than that of all the articles published from Japan (8.3%) adopted in the papers located in
the top 10% of the world's papers. It means that we are contributing to a certain extent to the strengtheningof the research capacity of universities in Japan.

○ Proportion of research
papers in the top 10%:118

Public institutes

554

Private universities

975

11.9%

Target period of investigation at InCites: 2015-2019

Name of research instituteNational Astronomical
Observatory of Japan

Center, Etc.

National Institutes of Natural Sciences

Public universities

851

321

Private institutes

59Inter-university
research institutes

857

Total researchers

5,384
1,592
608
869
2,839
338

Number of international researchers
※

400
217
31
72
290
17

（2018）※ No new data updates from 2019

Graduate Education
NINS conducts postgraduate education as the foundation of SOKENDAI(The Graduate University for Advanced Studies). In addition, as a special
inter-university researcher, we accept graduate students from national, public,
and private universities nationwide.

08

122

Number of researchers accepted by each research institute (2019)

Institute for
Molecular Science○ Proportion of research
papers in the top 10%: 8.3%

26

73

National Institute forPhysiological Sciences○ Total number of research
papers in Japan: 513,454

478

Number of
INSTITUTES

Private institutes

National Institute for
Basic Biology

8,564

Overseas
institutes

Public universities
Privateuniversities

Public institutes

National Institute for
Fusion Science○ Joint use and joint research
papers between NINS anduniversities, etc. in Japan:

1278capacity of universities in Japan.

number of
86 Totalnational universities

Inter-university
research institutes
National
universities

researchers belonging to other universities through these systems will result in strengthening the research

Visualize the contribution to universities

78

Other than SOKENDAI(The Graduate University for
Advanced Studies)

Number of institutes

460
245
109
180
208
113

SOKENDAI(The Graduate University for
Advanced Studies)109 14409

What NINS aims for• The number of research papers covers the total from 2015 to 2019 and it is counted based on the research papers reported by joint users and joint researchers
and research papers from NINS researchers which were searched by InCites, a research analysis tool of Clarivate Analytics.
• *For institutes with no registration on InCites, research papers are searched and counted with Scopus, a database of peer-reviewed literature by Elsevier.

Relationship with universities through joint use andjoint research
NINS accepts a wide range of researchers from public and private universities as well as national
universities nationwide and promotes joint use and joint research. As a result of joint use and joint
research, a great deal of findings has been published from each university.

Number of Researchers and Articles(National Universities: 78 Universities in Total)

10

University

Researchers(2019)

PapersHokkaido University
Hokkaido University of Education
Muroran Institute of Technology
Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
Kitami Institute of Technology
Asahikawa Medical University
Hirosaki University
Iwate University
Tohoku University
Miyagi University of Education
Akita University
Yamagata University
Fukushima University
Ibaraki University
University of Tsukuba
Tsukuba University of Technology
Utsunomiya University
Gunma University
Saitama University
Chiba University
The University of Tokyo
Tohoku Medical and Dental University
Tokyo Gakugei University
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
Tokyo Institute of Technology
Ochanomizu University
The University of Electro-Communications
Hitotsubashi University
Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
Yokohama National University
SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies)
Niigata University
Nagaoka University of Technology
Joetsu University of Education
University of Toyama
Kanazawa University
Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
University of Fukui
University of Yamanashi

180
1
11
2
6
1
33
5
340
2
17
95
2
48
145
1
12
35
26
107
640
5
4
18
140
19
19
1
2
34
49
48
19
5
45
22
6
59
7

431
6*
12
1
28
5
61
20
617
21
11
55
4
105
312
5
34
44
97
173
2,178
28
49
54
491
35
94
15
9
44
1,758
76
20
18
340
90
18
44
33

National Institutes of Natural Sciences

Number of Researchers and Articles(Public Universities: 26 Universities in Total)
University
Sapporo Medical University
Future University Hakodate
Miyagi University
Fukushima Medical University
Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences
Maebashi Institute of Technology
Tokyo Metropolitan University
Yokohama City University
Kanagawa University of Human Services

Researchers Papers( 2019 )

1
1
1
3
1
1
29
24
1

9
–
–
30
–
–
76
74
–

University
Niigata College of Nursing
Toyama Prefectural University
Ishikawa Prefectural University
Gifu Pharmaceutical University
University of Shizuoka
Nagoya City University
Kyoto Prefectural University
Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
Osaka City University

Researchers Papers

University( 2019 )

1
2
1
1
9
33
15
4
29

–
4
1
2
19
143
9
24
63

Researchers Papers(2019 )

Osaka Prefecture University
University of Hyogo
Nara Medical University
Wakayama Medical University
Hiroshima City University
Sanyo-Onoda City University
Kochi University of Technology
The University of Kitakyushu

101
39
9
3
3
3
1
2

Total

318

165
102
4
9
–
3*
6
–

Number of Researchers and Articles(Private Universities: 122 Universities in Total)
University

Shinshu University
Gifu University
Shizuoka University
Nagoya University
Aichi University of Education
Nagoya Institute of Technology
Toyohashi University of Technology
Mie University
Shiga University
Shiga University of Medical Science
Kyoto University
Kyoto University of Education
Kyoto Institute of Technology
Osaka University
Kobe University
Nara University of Education
Nara Women's University
Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Wakayama University
Tottori University
Shimane University
Okayama University
Hiroshima University
Yamaguchi University
Tokushima University
Naruto University of Education
Kagawa University
Ehime University
Kochi University
University of Teacher Education Fukuoka
Kyushu University
Kyushu Institute of Technology
Saga University
Nagasaki University
Kumamoto University
Oita University
University of Miyazaki
Kagoshima University
University of the Ryukyus
Total

Researchers

Papers

University

43
37
84
540
11
59
18
17
2
5
421
1
40
395
104
1
25
27
6
18
12
52
92
29
13
1
5
40
7
1
187
9
12
6
16
10
3
67
18
4,645

72
51
82
1,066
15
45
18
42
4
8
1,147
1
15
730
182
2
43
65
4
32
47
107
313
65
38
–
30
217
38
1
388
13
18
19
60
7
20
190
51

Hokkaido University of Science
Rakuno Gakuen University
Hokkaido Information University
Seisa University
Hachinohe Institute of Technology
Iwate Medical University
Tohoku Gakuin University
Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University
Sendai Shirayuri Women's College
Ashikaga University
Jichi Medical University
Dokkyo Medical University
International University of Health and Welfare
Kiryu University
Josai University
Nippon Institute of Technology
Bunkyo University
Saitama Medical University
Saitama Institute of Technology
Bunkyo Gakuin University
University of Human Arts and Sciences
Nihon Pharmaceutical University
Chiba Institute of Technology
The Open University of Japan
Aoyama Gakuin University
Otsuma Women's University
Gakushuin University
Kitasato University
Kyorin University
Keio University
Kogakuin University
International Christian University
Komazawa University
Shibaura Institute of Technology
Juntendo University
Sophia University
Showa University
Seikei University
Takachiho University
Tamagawa University
Chuo University(2019 )

Researchers Papers( 2019 )

2
2
1
1
1
1
4
2
1
1
21
1
6
1
1
2
1
1
10
1
1
1
7
5
7
2
14
32
6
92
11
3
1
4
2
11
2
1
1
12
11

1
1
1*
–
2
15
–
3
–
–
36
7
1
1*
4
–
4*
7
1
–
–
2*
38
38*
49
4*
11
53
12
129
74
19
1*
7
22
34
4
3
–
12*
36

University
Teikyo University
Tokai University
Tokyo Keizai University
The Jikei University School of Medicine
Tokyo Women's Medical University
Tokyo Denki University
Tokyo University of Agriculture
Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
Tokyo University of Science
Toho University
Toyo University
Nihon University
Japan Women's University
Hosei University
Hoshi University
Tokyo City University
Musashino University
Meiji University
Meiji Gakuin University
Meisei University
Rikkyo University
Waseda University
Tokyo University of Technology
Azabu University
Kanagawa University
St. Marianna University School of Medicine
Kanagawa Institute of Technology
Yokohama University of Pharmacy
Niigata Institute of Technology
Niigata University of Health and Welfare
Kanazawa Medical University
Fukui University of Technology
Health Science University
Tokai Gakuin University
Gifu University of Medical Science
Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology
The Graduate School for the Creationof New Photonics Industries

Aichi Gakuin University
Aichi Institute of Technology
Daido University
Chukyo University

Researchers Papers

University( 2019 )

2
17
1
10
2
20
3
1
76
15
4
42
12
12
5
1
1
9
2
4
27
74
1
3
13
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
2
5
3
1

19
46
–
5
6
8
11
13
82
68
13
92
24
49
6
2
–
18
–
31
39
147
9
1
18
4
1
1
–
–
8
19*
–
–
1*
1*
–
1
4*
3*
2

Researchers Papers(2019 )

Nagasaki Women's Junior College

35
13
24
5
2
1
1
7
4
2
26
42
3
2
8
14
1
7
3
10
2
1
17
12
1
8
2
7
2
2
1
1
4
14
3
3
2
1
6
1

Total

975

Chubu University
Fujita Health University
Meijo University
Aichi Medical University
Toyota Technological Institute
Nagoya Bunri University
Japanese Red Cross Toyota College of Nursing
Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology
Kyoto Sangyo University
Kyoto Women’s University
Doshisha University
Ritsumeikan University
Meiji University of Integrative Medicine
Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University
Osaka Institute of Technology
Osaka Sangyo University
Otemon Gakuin University
Kansai University
Kansai Medical University
Kindai University
Setsunan University
Osaka Yukioka College of Health Science
Kwansei Gakuin University
Konan University
Kobe Pharmaceutical University
Hyogo College of Medicine
Hyogo University of Health Sciences
Okayama University of Science
Kawasaki Medical School
Hiroshima Institute of Technology
Fukuyama University
Tokushima Bunri University
Kurume University
Fukuoka University
Fukuoka Institute of Technology
Fukuoka Dental College
University of Occupational andEnvironmental Health, Japan

Sojo University
Okinawa Institute of Science andTechnology Graduate University

61
49
32
15
12
–
–
20
160
3
44
50
–
5
14
38*
–
7
16
68
6
–
61
105
4
13
–
36
9
7
1
15
21
58
7
9
8
1
25
–

11

What NINS aims for
Promotion of International Collaborative Research
NINS is carrying out the following four large international projects in the Promoting Large Scientific
Frontier Projects of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Maintaining andmanaging these state-of-the-art devices not only provides a base for research activities but also leads
academic research around the world and functions as an international base.

Large-scale international projects

Management of the Research University Consortium( Program for Promoting the Enhancement of Research Universities)
NINS is conducting various activities to contribute to the improvement ofresearch capability of universities, with the support of the Program for
Promoting the Enhancement of Research Universities of the Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). As a part ofthese activities, NINS became an organizing institute of the "Research
University Consortium" which is a group of universities that are taking aproactive stance for the enhancement of their research capability.
For the "Research University Consortium", executive directors for researchfrom 36 universities are serving as constituent members, at present anddiscussing common issues (such as the utilization of highly professional
human resources like URAs, analysis of research capability, and delivering
information to the world) along with sharing best practices, through thewebsite, symposium, and task forces of experts.

Four Task Forces
Task Force

Subaru Telescope

ALMA Telescope

Large Optical Infrared Telescope. It can observe the universe

Large Interferometer. It is operated by the National Astronomicalwith super high vision and super high resolution.

Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) as an international project.

of highly professional human resources
1: Utilization
and research administrators

NINS is gathering best practices and evidences, communicating and discussing
necessary measures, in order to establish the utilization of highly professional
human resources and research administrators such as URAs in actual researchsites in Japan.

Task Force

2: Research Analysis

In order to keep track of the features of research capability at each university
from multiple perspectives, NINS is gathering and sharing best practices andevidences with regard to research capability analysis, research IR (Institutional
Research) and strategies, by utilizing a research capability analysis index.

Task ForceTMT Project

Large Helical Device

Thirty-meter class Optical Infrared Telescope.

The National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) leads thefield of study of ultra-high temperature plasma in the world.

Project

12

Total Users

Foreign Users

Institutes

Countries

Subaru Telescope

711

386

40

10

ALMA Telescope

4,194

3,580

348

43

Large Helical Device

824

44

132

15

National Institutes of Natural Sciences**

In order to improve the ability to deliver information to the world of each
university, along with sorting out tasks, NINS is enhancing its ability to deliver
information by utilizing international information transmission platforms suchas EurekAlert! of AAAS.

Task Force

Project related numerical data (FY 2019)

3: Delivering Information to the World

4: Interdisciplinary Task Force

For the “promotion of interdisciplinary research,” NINS shares best practices forinterdisciplinary initiatives through discussions with URAs (University Research
Administrators) and IRers (Institutional Researchers) and implementsinterdisciplinary IR (Institutional Research), visualization, review of evaluation
technique, preparation of interdisciplinary research theme list, and other initiatives.

Institutes
Hokkaido University
Tohoku University
University of Tsukuba
Chiba University
The University of Tokyo
Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
Tokyo Institute of Technology
The University of Electro-Communications
Niigata University
Kanazawa University
University of Fukui
Shinshu University
Nagoya University
Nagoya Institute of Technology
Toyohashi University of Technology
Kyoto University
Osaka University
Kobe University
Okayama University
Hiroshima University
Yamaguchi University
Kyushu University
Kyushu Institute of Technology
Kumamoto University
Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Tokyo Metropolitan University
Waseda University
Keio University
National Institutes of Natural Sciences
High Energy Accelerator Research Organization
Research Organization of Information and Systems
Yokohama National University
Tokushima University
Nagasaki University
Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Symposium** Including Japanese researchers who areaffiliated with overseas institutes

All universities participating in the Research University Consortium converge
and hold the symposium once a year. They discuss common issues aboutmeasures and systems on research capability enhancement which confront all
RUC members, including sharing leading initiatives and best practices in a crosssectoral manner.

13

What NINS aims for
Promotion of International Collaborative Research
Europe and Russia

33 partner institutes

Asia● European Southern Laboratory (ESO)

25 partner institutes● Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science● Academia Sinica● International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER),
and other institutes● Chinese Academy of Sciences● European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

●
●

●
● ●
●
●●

●

●
●
●

●
●
●

●

● Korea Basic Science Institute,and other institutes●

North America andSouth America

25 partner institutes●●● Princeton University

●
●
●

●

●

● National Institute of Neurological Disorders andStroke, National Institutes of Health, andother institutes●●●● National Science Foundation

●

●

●
●
●
●

●

●
● ●
●

●

●

●
●

●●

“Promote diverse exchanges as a base forcirculating excellent human resources internationally”●

NINS has concluded academic agreements with universities
and research institutes overseas, promoted international

Oceania

collaborative research and exchange by researchers, and carried

2 partner institutes

out diverse international exchanges. NINS contributes to the●● Australian National University●● University of New South Wales

exchange of excellent researchers and research institutions bothin Japan and abroad as a hub for circulating excellent talent●internationally.

As of June 2021

Formation of international academic base

International Collaboration with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

International collaboration with Princeton University.
NINS and Princeton University signed an academic exchange agreement in March 2010. Based on

EMBL is a European-led international research institution funded and operated by 19 countries with headquarters inthis agreement, various exchanges are carried out by participating in mutual support for joint

Heidelberg, Germany. Based on the academic agreement concluded in 2005 (re-extended in 2019) between NINS andresearch, educational activities support, conference, and symposium. In order to strengthen the

EMBL, NINS has adopted exchanges on 3 fronts such as academic exchanges, personnel exchanges, and technicalframework for promoting international joint projects, NINS North America base was installed in theexchanges. For NINS, joint research is being promoted mainly by the National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB) that isuniversity and staffed with an overseas URA in 2015.

14

National Institutes of Natural Sciences

Princeton University
NINS President receiving acourtesy call from P. Debenedettiin charge of the area of research nearest to EMBL.

15

Introduction of
the Institutes

Astronomy is one of the oldest and yet most active sciences.
This means that human beings possess the fundamental
desire to seek our origin and the reason for our existence
through an understanding of the Universe. NAOJ utilizes
our full strength to play a key role in establishing a newparadigm for understanding the Universe, the Earth, andlife as a whole. For this purpose, we observe various objects,
from the Earth to the most distant objects in the Universe,
and we consider the fundamental theoretical laws behind theobserved phenomena. We also develop new technology tosupport these activities.

A black hole shadow at the center of Messier 87
NAOJ also joined this observation through ALMA
(Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array).

ALMA Telescope(Clem & Adri Bacri-Normier (wingsforscience.com) /ESO)

Gravitational lens phenomena the“Eye of Horus”

X-ray image of the Sun taken with “Hinode”
The Solar Observing Satellite Hinode has observed solar activity for more than ten years

The Subaru Telescope is undertaking a massive survey with Hyper Suprime-Cam

since its launch in 2006. The Sun is a typical star, but as our parent star it dominates theto image a large area of the sky at an unprecedented depth. The Eye of Horus was

Solar System and facilitates life on the Earth. The Sun influences all of our surroundings

discovered in images taken as part of this survey. A close inspection reveals two

and activities. The images and data obtained with Hinode are released as soon as they are

distinct arcs/rings of light with different colors. This strongly suggests that two

acquired and are used by solar and space weather researchers all over the world.

16

National Institutes of Natural Sciences

A huge solar flare (right edge) imaged
by Hinode on September 11, 2017 (JST ).
(NAOJ/JAXA / MSU)

distinct background galaxies are being lensed by the foreground galaxy. This
extremely rare lens system offers a unique opportunity to probe the fundamental
physics of galaxies and add to our understanding of cosmology.

Eye of Horus (false color image) discoveredby Subaru Telescope.
(NAOJ )

17

Introduction of
the Institutes

One of the world’s top priorities is undoubtedly to obtain anenergy source that is eco-friendly and inexhaustible. If we canachieve on Earth the nuclear fusion that has powered the sun
and the stars, human beings will gain that never-ending
energy. Deuterium and tritium are currently expected to be
the most favorable fuels for fusion. Deuterium and the lithiumthat is necessary for tritium production are found in seawater.
Aiming at the early achievement of fusion energy, theNational Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) is advancing its
research activities in fusion plasma and other targets in fields
of experimental research using the Large Helical Device(LHD), theory and simulation, and fusion engineering. NIFS
is also playing an active role in mutual cooperation with
universities and research organizations in Japan and abroad,and is producing excellent researchers.

The inside of the LHD plasma vacuum vessel.

Research for high-temperaturesteady-state plasma in the LHD
The Large Helical Device (LHD) is the world’s largest class of superconducting experiment

A fusion plasma is a typical complex system controlled by multi-physics and multi-time/spacedevices for confining plasma. Using deuterium gas, the LHD achieves the ion temperature of morenonlinear processes, from macroscopic phenomena, such as plasma transport, to microscopic

than 120 million degrees that is necessary for the fusion reaction. Helical devices have theelectron dynamics. In order to understand and systematize physical mechanisms in fusion

advantages of controllability and steady state operation. The LHD project is advancing research inplasmas, large-scale numerical simulation research has been carried out by utilizing the fullthe physics of high-temperature steady-state plasma for achieving the future fusion reactor and in
related fields of science and engineering. In addition to fusion research, the plasma generated by the
LHD provides a platform for research in many fields from astrophysics to industrial applications.

18

Computer simulation of plasma

National Institutes of Natural Sciences

The LHD as seen from above. The LHD is 13.5m
in diameter and 9.1m high. Many plasma heating
systems and plasma measurement devices areattached to the LHD.

capabilities of supercomputers. Based on this research and development, we promote large-scale
simulation science, aiming at the ultimate realization of a helical numerical test reactor, which will
be based on an integrated predictive model for plasma behavior over the whole machine range.

Simulation of the hydrogen diffusion behavior
inside the divertor material receiving heat flux
and particles from plasma.

19

Introduction of
the Institutes
Exploring the environmental
adaptation strategies of living things
Living organisms have flexibly adapted to various environments on Earthand have acquired various forms and abilities. Therefore, NIBB conducts
research to ascertain the environmental adaptation strategies used byanimals and plants, such as the mechanism of photosynthesis regulation that
corresponds to constantly changing light intensity dependent on the weather,
adaptation mechanisms for seasonal changes in living organisms andevolutionary mechanisms utilized by carnivorous plants in order to adapt toenvironments lacking nutritionalsustenance. In addition to this, we
also work on the development of
new model organisms to decipher
unknown phenomena such as theestabl ish ment of sy mbiot ic
relations among living organisms.

Environmental control system for plants

Promotion of integrated bioimaging
At NIBB, we advance observation technology via the use of cutting edge
microscopes such as light sheet fluorescence microscopes, multiphoton
excitation fluorescence microscopes and IR-LEGO, as well as develop newtechnologies for image processing andstatistical processing to analyze acquired
images. We also conduct activities to support
experimental design, image acquisition anddata analysis in an integrated manner for
researchers through collaborative research.

Among the innumerable celestial bodies in our universe, the earth appears unique in that it is filled with aAmoeba's movement captured
by light sheet fluorescence microscopy

variety of living organisms. Over the course of 4 billion years of evolution, animals and plants have acquired
diverse forms as well as astonishing abilities, and continue to survive on this remarkable planet through the

Exploring the relationship between
light and living organism using the
Okazaki Large Spectrographpropagation of their offspring. The National Institute for Basic Biology promotes research to find the basic
principles common to all creatures, and the mechanisms that enable diversity and allow life to adapt tochanging environments.

The Okazaki Large Spectrograph projects a wavelength spectrum ranging
from 250 nm (ultraviolet) to 1,000 nm (infrared) onto its 10 m focal curvewith an intensity of monochromatic light at each wavelength which is morethan twice as much as that of the corresponding monochromatic componentof tropical sunlight at noon. The spectrograph is designed for action spectra
analyses of various light-controlled biological processes.

Various organisms to be studied at NIBB

20

National Institutes of Natural Sciences

Okazaki
Large Spectrograph21

Introduction of
the Institutes

The mission of NIPS is to conduct research at the forefront of physiological science by examining the living body at
various levels of organization, leading to a holistic understanding of the functional mechanisms of the human body.
Recent progress in life sciences has been truly remarkable, and there have been notably marked developments inmolecular biology and genetic engineering. Non-invasive imaging techniques have also become very useful forclarifying the physiological functions of the human body. Recently, NIPS has been focusing on higher brain
functions as one of the most important research targets, and it is now considered to be one of the best brain research
institutes not only in Japan but also in the world. With the key phrase“Elucidation of the Functioning of the Human Body,” NIPS is
performing cutting-edge research in multiple fields, involving not
only physiology but also biochemistry, molecular biology,
morphology, cognitive science, information science, and medical
7 Tesla3 Teslaengineering. NIPS offers its facilities and expert staff to domestic andforeign scientists for collaborative studies.

Bundles of nerve fibers in the human brain.

Cross-sectional view of human brain imaged with 7T MRI.
Vessels and nerves are depicted in units of 100 micrometers.

2-photon fluorescence lifetime
imaging microscopy

Phase Contrast
Electron Cryomicroscope

Two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (2pFLIM) can be used toPhase contrast electron cryomicroscopy is an electron microscope developed

measure and image the fluorophore-fluorophore interaction. This method enables

for observing close-to-life-state biological samples with a combination of rapid

us to monitor protein-protein interactions in tiny subcellular compartments offreezing and ice embedding sample preparation methods. Biological specimens

living cells in deep tissues, such as in brain slices.
The right image is a fluorescence lifetime image of GFP-actin in a neuron of

Ultra-high-field 7-Tesla
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ( MRI ) system.

(Left) 2-photon fluorescence image.
(Right) 2-photon fluorescence lifetime image.

up to 20 0 nm t hick nesses ca n be obser ved w it h hig h-resolut ion a nd
high-contrast. Ultrastructure analyses of protein molecules, viruses, bacteria,

cultured hippocampal slices. GFP-actin and YFP mutant (YFPm) fused to actin

cultured cells and frozen tissue sections are performed with this microscopic

were expressed and imaged by 2pFLIM. In the image, warmer color indicates actin polymerization. This data clearly shows that actin issystem.

Phase Contrast Electron Cryomicroscope and image of
Sapovirus capsid.

highly polymerized in the dendritic spines, but not in the dendritic shaft.

22

National Institutes of Natural Sciences

23

Introduction of
the Institutes
Creating novel molecular systems
with analyzing logic which connects“molecules” and “molecular systems”
The Research Center of Integrative Molecular Systems (CIMoS) is dedicatedto the important and interdisciplinary subject of “how the characteristics ofeach molecule are integrated into excellent functions of the molecularsystems with higher-order structures.” We learn the interlayer logic thatlinks “individuals” and “assemblies” from life systems. We then aim at
elucidating the principle of how the molecular systems develop theirfunctions such as energy conversion, material conversion and life activities
by exchanging energy or information in a concerted manner. CIMoS has a
mission to be a base of common utilization of facilities and joint researches
to create “molecular systems having flexible, robust and excellent functions.”
With the mission, CIMoS contributes to the society and advancement ofscience.

Cyanobacterial Circadian Clock System

Capturing the behavior of moleculeswith light
The unique functions of molecules are realized in such a condition as avariety of molecules, not as single molecules, exist with the manner thatmolecular characteristics and macroscopic features of assemblies interact
with each other. The Center for Mesoscopic Sciences has been founded on

Molecular science is a field of science that aims at elucidating the essentials of intermolecular

April 2017. In the center, novel mesoscopic measurement methods have beendeveloped and applied to various systems. This is indispensable ininteractions and chemical reactions in which molecules change their shapes from both theoretical andunderstanding, controlling and developing the functions in the mesoscopic

experimental standpoints. The Institute for Molecular Science continues to provide opportunities ofspace-time domain in which microscopic and macroscopic natures interact

joint researches, in which the most advanced technology and instruments are accessible, for thewith each other. We work to aim at providing foundations of basic researcheson theoretical analysis, development of light sources and novel measurement

researchers all over the world. To update our system continuously, we have established the Researchmethods and their applications.

Center of Integrative Molecular Systems and the Center for Mesoscopic Sciences, in addition to the four
core departments of Theoretical and Computational, Photo, Materials, Life and Coordination-Complex

Transmitted light intensity
image

Circular dichroism image

Molecular Sciences. Collaborating with the 72 national university corporations all over Japan, weorganize the Inter-University Network for Common Utilization of Research Equipments. In the network,
researchers in universities, public research institutes and private enterprises can share the researchequipment in participating institutions at reasonable cost.
The UVSOR synchrotron facility.

24

National Institutes of Natural Sciences

Image of chiral gold nano-structured samples by a newly developed high-precision circulardichroism microscope. (Achieving the apparent resolution over the diffraction limit.)

25

Introduction of
the Centers

26

Center for Novel Science Initiatives (CNSI)

Astrobiology Center (ABC)In the fields of natural science, the development of newtechniques and productive interaction among different genresof research fields not only leads to further development of theown research fields, but also promotes to create novel research
fields. The Center for Novel Science Initiatives (CNSI) has
promoted the three research fields of "Brain Science", "Imaging
Science", and "Astrobiology". In FY2018, we have launched thetwo new fields of "Advanced Optical Science" and "Plasma Bio
Science". The former searches for wider use and application of
the cutting-edge optical science, and the latter, which is a
fused field of plasma science and life science, aims to elucidate
the molecular and cellular mechanisms of interesting effectsof plasma on living organisms. In addition, the “Office ofNovel Science Exploration” of CNSI watches and studies
current world-wide trends of natural sciences to discover seeds
that may evolve to a new research field of the next generation.

As a result of developments in extrasolar planet observations, astrobiology research to explore “life in
the Universe” and uncover its mysteries has become a pressing subject. Astrobiology Center (ABC),established in 2015, advances this field by combining disciplines, promotes research into extrasolar
planets and life both outside and within the Solar System, and develops observational instruments forthese purposes.

Instruments for habitable exoplanet
search; Infrared Doppler spectrometer
IRD (up) and multi-color optical imager
MuSCAT2 (middle).

Low-temperature atmospheric pressure helium plasma jetthat can be directly irradiated to the living body.

Direct image of a super-Jupiter
exoplanet GJ504b (right).

Exploratory Research Center on Life andLiving Systems (ExCELLS)International Research Collaboration Center

What is life? The Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS) was established in
April 2018 to address this fundamental question. ExCELLS aims to achieve an integrative understandingof living systems by observing biological entities (“Observe”), deciphering the hidden information(“Read”), and creating living systems (“Create”) utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and novel
constructive approaches.
M o r e o v e r, E x C E L L S
promotes collaborative,
interdisciplinary research
involving investigators who
explore organisms living ine x t reme env i ron ment s
based on “Observe, Read,and Create” approach to
By using high-speed AFM (atomic force microscopy)
Tardigrade image with electron microscope
combined with optical microscopy, we can visualize theexplore the design principles
dynamics of various biomolecules from proteins to cells.
Combination with optical microscopy is also possible.
of living systems.

The five NINS Institutes are actively conducting international exchange activities in their respective

National Institutes of Natural Sciences(IRCC)

research fields. Based on these activities, the IRCC was established in August 2018 to strengtheninternational exchange activities, particularly across the boundaries of research fields and institutions,and through organizational collaboration with overseas research institutes. In October 2018, the“Research Unit for Astro-fusion Plasma Physics” (AFP), which is the integrated research field ofastrophysics and fusion science, was established in IRCC. The division conducts the research project of
the three-party collaborations among NINS, Max-Planck Institutes in Germany, and Princeton
University in the USA, and further progress of the international collaborations is anticipated.

27

President Selection Committee

Auditors

President

Vice Presidents

Executive Directors

Administrative Council

As of July 2021

President

Education and Research Council

Board of Directors

Name

Executive Meeting

Research Enhancement Strategy Committee

Research Base Strategy Meeting

Research Enhancement Promotion Headquarters

Administrative Bureau

Research Cooperation and Liaison Committee

Auditing OfficeInternational Cooperation Committee

Internal Control Promotion OfficePublic Relations Committee

Akio KOMORI

AuditorYuichi OGAWA
Hiromasa NINOMIYA Auditor

Information Security Committee

NIFS
National Institute for
Fusion Science

NIBB
National Institute for
Basic Biology

NIPS
National Institute forPhysiological Sciences

President

Name

Industry-Academia Collaboration Committee
Information Security Promotion Office

Job Title

Auditors

Gender Equality Promotion Committee

NAOJ
National Astronomical
Observatory of Japan

Executive Directors / Vice Presidents

IMS
Institute for
Molecular Science

CNSI Center for Novel Science Initiatives

Okazaki Research Facilities

ABC Astrobiology Center

Okazaki Administration Center

Job Title

Name

Job Title

Tsugio TOKUTA
Osamu KANEKO

Executive Director and Secretary General

Maki KAWAI

Executive Director, Vice President, andDirector General of IMS

Keiji IMOTO

Executive Director and Director of CNSI and
IRCC
Executive Director

Takashi SAITO
Saku TSUNETA
Zensyo YOSHIDA
Kiyokazu AGATA
Junichi NABEKURA

Executive Director

Vice President and Director General of NAOJ
Vice President and Director General of NIFS
Vice President and Director General of NIBB
Vice President and Director General of NIPSExCELLS Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems
IRCC International Research Collaboration Center

NIFS

NAOJ

NIBB

NIPS

IMS

1888

Founding of the Tokyo
Astronomical Observatory in the
School of Science of The Universityof Tokyo

NINS Professor Emeritus Yoshinori Ohsumi, the Honorary Professor of NINS, won a Nobel

1924

1975

Move to Mitaka from Iikura, Azabu

1977

Founding of the National Institute for
Basic Biology

1977Founding of the National Institute forPhysiological Sciences

Founding of the Institute for
Molecular Science

1977

Founding of the National Center for Biological Sciences

1988

Founding of the National
Astronomical Observatory of Japan

Nobel Prize and Monument ofProfessor Emeritus Yoshinori OHSUMI
Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2016 for his findings on “autophagy” including research
lasting 13 years in the National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB). As a memorial of hisachievement, the monument is installed in NIBB in the motif of "autophagy in yeast cells".

1981

1989

Founding of the Okazaki National Research Institutes (ONRI)

Founding of the National Institute for
Fusion Science

1997

Move to Toki City from Nagoya City

2000

Establishment of the Okazaki Research Facilities (Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, Research Center for
Computational Science, Center for Experimental Animals, and Center for Radioisotope Facilities)

2004 Establishment of the National Institutes of Natural Sciences

N
I
N
S

2009 Establishment of the Center for Novel Science Initiatives
2013 Installation of the Research Enhancement Promotion Headquarters and Research Enhancement Strategy Office2015 Establishment of the Astrobiology Center2018 Establishment of the Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems
2018 Establishment of the International Research Collaboration Center
2020

Establishment of the Center for Animal Resources and Collaborative Study(Reorganization of the Center for Experimental Animals)

28

National Institutes of Natural Sciences

29Facilities
URA employees

27

Number of employees

Nobeyama Radio Observatory, NAOJ
National Institute for Fusion Science

As of March 1, 2021

Administrative
employees

National Institute for Basic Biology

Total

1,141
employees

223

National Institute forPhysiological Sciences
Institute for Molecular Science

Research andeducation employees

Technical
employees

657

234

【Annual Budget for FY 2021 (Unit of 1,000 yen)】

Mizusawa VLBI Observatory, NAOJ

Hawaii9%

Subaru Telescope, NAOJ

1,906,965

OthersSubaru Telescope

5%

7,661,874
21%

National Astronomical Observatory of Japan(NAOJ)

Facility
maintenance expenses

Amount ofbudgeted income

6%36,110,791
Management
expenses grants

Total of36,110,791

General andadministrative expenses

28,448,917

4,411,996

79%

24,205,982

Breakdown of external funds【Annual closing of accounts for FY 2020 (Unit of 1,000 yen)】
Total ofDelegatedresearch

1,319,093

4,599,924 (1,056 cases)
Other
subsidies

Grants-in-Aid for
Scientific Research (KAKENHI)( 15 cases )( 671 cases )501,856( 87 cases )Contributions
Delegatedprojects

20,696

432,586( 212 cases )2,205,739

National Institutes of Natural Sciences(NINS)

Education andresearch expenses

12%

Hilo Office

Astrobiology Center

Amount ofbudgeted expenditure

2,237,521

Total of( 63 cases )Exploratory Research Center on Life andLiving Systems

3,348,327

Subsidies, etc.

119,954

Department of Helical Plasma Research
Rokkasho Research Center, NIFS

Research expenses foracademic-industrial collaborations,contribution operating expenses, etc.

Income and expenses (Budget)

Joint
research

Okazaki Research Facilities

Center for Novel Science Initiatives
International Research Collaboration Center

67%

Chile
NAOJ Chile Observatory
ALMA Array
Operations Site
Santiago Office

National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS)

National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB)

2F 4-3-13 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
Phone +81-3-5425-1300 FAX +81-3-5425-2049
URL https://www.nins.jp/en/

38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
Phone +81-564-55-7652 FAX +81-564-53-7400
URL https://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/

National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)

National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS)

2-21-1 Osawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588, Japan
Phone +81-422-34-3600 FAX +81-422-34-3690
URL https://www.nao.ac.jp/en/

38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
Phone +81-564-55-7700 FAX +81-564-52-7913
URL https://www.nips.ac.jp/eng/

National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS)

Institute for Molecular Science (IMS)

322-6 Oroshi-cho, Toki, Gifu 509-5292,
Japan Phone +81-572-58-2222 FAX +81-572-58-2601
URL https://www.nifs.ac.jp/en/

38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
Phone +81-564-55-7418 FAX +81-564-54-2254
URL https://www.ims.ac.jp/en/( 8 cases )30

National Institutes of Natural Sciences31