2014
National Astronomical
Observatory of Japan
National Institute for
Fusion Science
National Institute for
Basic Biology

National Institute forPhysiological Sciences
Institute for Molecular Science

Okazaki Research Facilities
Center for Novel Science Initiatives

Inter-University Research Institute Corporation

National Institutes of Natural Sciences
http://www.nins.jp/

CONTENTS
Message from the President .............................................................. 1
What is an Inter-University Research Institute?.................................. 2
History & Organization....................................................................... 3
Institutes............................................................................................ 4
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) ............ 6
National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) . ...................... 8
National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB) ......................... 10
National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS) ........... 12
Institute for Molecular Science (IMS) ................................. 14International Hubs for Natural Sciences Research ........................... 16

Message from the PresidentInter-University Research Institute Corporation

National Institutes of Natural Sciences
President

Katsuhiko SATO

Aiming for Further Progress in the Natural Sciences
The National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) is an inter-university research institute corporation
comprised of 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). An inter-university research institute is a type of world-classorganization unique to Japan. In response to the research community, it has been organized as a core base toprovide a center for collaboration and external use by researchers across Japan. In addition, NINS has been
advancing leading-edge and interdisciplinary research as a center of excellence and has been active in promoting
activities which develop new research fields, and construct new fields in the investigation of nature. As its core,
the Center for Novel Science Initiatives has been established. Along with the Department of Brain Sciences andDepartment of Imaging Science which have been already underway, the new Department of Astrobiology was
set up last fiscal year. Presently, many planets outside our solar system have been identified, and these include
many potential terrestrial planets. NINS has NIBB, NIPS, and IMS which promote research on biological subjects
and NAOJ which promote research on the universe. Taking advantage of this, NINS has decided to promote andsupport the new interdisciplinary research on“Astrobiology”. Fortunately, we have been provided with a major
increase in the special management expense grant of the Center for Novel Science Initiatives associated withthe establishment of this new department since this fiscal year. With this, we look forward to the expansion ofthis research field community in Japan and to the further development of research.
NINS applied for the research university enhancement promotion program of the Ministry of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science and Technology last summer and was adopted. Recently, the number of scientific andtechnical articles from Japan and the number of their citations are sluggish and the pace of increase remains
stagnant compared to the increase in the West as well as compared to the sudden increase in China and South
Korea. Despite the sustained development of the high standards of Japanese research, its bearing in the world is
declining and it may be said that to enhance the research capabilities of Japanese universities even further is apressing issue. NINS expect to contribute to the enhancement of the research capabilities of universities, etc. bymaking further advances in natural science research at the highest global standards as a world-class researchhub, building the world’s most advanced research facilities and research environment as a primary responsibilityof an inter-university research institute corporation, and making these available for joint use with this promotion
program.
Now and in the future, NINS would like to further develop the results of our research endeavors, tocreate new sciences in the 21st century by carrying out cutting-edge academic research in various fields ofthe natural sciences including astronomy, energy science, life science, and material science, and by developing
advanced new fields which overcame the barriers that exist between different fields, and to contribute to society.
We are grateful for your continuous support of our vision.

・1

What is an Inter-University
Research Institute?
The World’s Leading Research Institutes in JapanThe National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) consists of five inter-university research institutes: the National
Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), the National Institutefor Basic Biology (NIBB), the National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), and the Institute for Molecular
Science (IMS). In addition to playing a leading role in its respective research field, each institute has a collaborative
relationship with NINS with the common goal of creating an interdisciplinary and international research base.
An inter-university research institute is a“research institute operated by the research community,”a type of worldclass organization unique to Japan. The inter-university research institute was organized as a core base to provide
a place for joint research and extramural use by researchers across Japan. One such institution originated as the
Research Institute for Fundamental Physics (Yukawa Hall) in Kyoto University, which was opened to the community in
1953 in response to requests from theoretical physicists throughout Japan.
An inter-university research institute not only promotes pioneering studies on important research issues, but also
provides opportunities for cutting-edge researchers throughout Japan to gather and engage in activities aimed at
exploring future academic fields and creating new principles. New concepts of extramural use such as“joint usage oflarge-scale facilities”and“improvement of the intellectual foundation of academic materials”were later added to theoriginal concept. While the research community’s own management policy has been firmly maintained, many interuniversity research institutes that do not belong to a specific university have been created.
While maintaining its uniqueness and diversity, each institute makes a great contribution to the development of
academic research in Japan as a Center of Excellence in its respective research field. Together, they also serve as aninternational core base to promote cooperation and exchange with research institutes and researchers abroad.

Research Communities
UniversitiesA ffiliated research
institutes
Graduate courses

Extramural use
Joint researchG raduate school
educationF ostering advanced
researchers

Research facilitiesU ndergraduate
school departments

Independent administrative
agencies for R&D
Private research
institutes
Research institutes
within companies
Universities and research
institutes abroad

2・National Institutes of
Natural Sciences
National Astronomical
Observatory of Japan
National Institute for
Fusion Science
National Institute for
Basic Biology

Extramural use
Joint researchInternational
exchange

National Institute forPhysiological Sciences
Institute for
Molecular Science

History & Organization
History
2004

NINS

2009

NINS wasThe Center forestablished. Novel Science
Initiatives(CNSI) wasestablished.

NAOJ

1888

1924

1988

The Tokyo Astronomical Facilities
Observatory was
relocated fromestablished in the
Azabu Iikura toFaculty of Science,
Mitaka.
The University of Tokyo.

NAOJ wasestablished.

1989

NIFS

1997

2013
The Research
Enhancement
Promotion
Headquarters
and Research
Enhancement
Strategy
Office were
established.

1998

NIFS wasNIFS was
NIFS
established. relocatedstarted tofrom Nagoya perform LHD
to Toki.
experiments.

1977

NIBB

1977

NIBB wasThe National Centerestablished. for Biological Sciences
was established.

1977

NIPS

NIPS wasestablished.

IMS

IMS wasestablished.

1981
The Okazaki National
Research Institutes
was established.

2000
The Okazaki Research Facilities(Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience,
Research Center for Computational Science,Center for Experimental Animals, Center forRadioisotope Facilities) were established.

1975

Organization
President

NAOJ

National Astronomical
Observatory of JapanNIFS

National Institutefor Fusion Science

NIBB

National Institutefor Basic Biology

NIPS

National Institute forPhysiological Sciences

IMS

Institute for
Molecular Science

Center for Novel Science Initiatives (CNSI)・3

［Institutes］

NAOJ

National Astronomical Observatoryof JapanThe 4 Jupiter mass planet GJ504b
taken with Subaru telescope

NIFS

National Institute for
Fusion Science

The LHD maintains high temperatureplasmas in steady state.

NIBB

NIFS conducts collaborative
research into the basic scienceof high-temperature plasmas
and fusion engineering. Our
collaborators from all over theworld use computer simulations
and experiments on the Large
Helical Device (LHD) as theirleading projects in order torealize“a sun on the earth,”
controlled fusion, which is anew, safe, and environmentallyfriendly energy source.

National Institute for
Basic Biology

The Medaka Bioresource Facility
provides various strains and mutantsof medaka to researchers worldwide.

4・

NAOJ is the national centerof astronomical research inJapan. It aims at developinga s tr onomy and r ela t ed
sciences by promoting theopen use of its state-of-theart observation facilities suchas the Subaru Telescope,organizing various jointresearch programs, andencouraging versatileinternational cooperation.

The earth is filled with livingorganisms exhibiting various
forms and demonstrating
shapes and behaviors adapted
to diverse environments.
NIBB, in collaboration withoutside researchers, studies
the essential phenomena
underlying the characteristics
and abilities that animals andplants have acquired over thelong course of evolution.

National Institute forPhysiological Sciences

NIPS

NIPS’goals are to uncover the mechanisms by which the humanbody functions. This is the basis of medical science and links
to clarifying the pathophysiology of various diseases. Presently
our focus is on brain scienceas the main part of“body andmind”research. Furthermore,a s a n a t ion a l c e n t er o fphysiological research, theinstitute provides facilities andresearch staff for collaborative
studies to scientists from
The reconstructed 3D image of the universities and researchhuman brain from fMRI data, colorinstitutes.
coded according to function

Institute for Molecular Science

Stacked column-like polymer withnovel functions

Center for Novel Science Initiatives(CNSI)A neuronal network of the cerebral V i s u a l i z a t i o n o f c o m p u t e r
cortex, as observed in a living simulation of colliding galaxies
mouse, visualized under two- (Simulation data: Takayuki Saitoh)
photon microscopy

IMS
The aim of IMS is toinvestigate fundamental
properties of moleculesand molecular assemblies
through both experimental
and theoretical methods.
Since its inception, IMS has
made its facilities available
to the worldwide scientificcommunity, with a policy
which has fostered many
joint programs involving
IMS scientists.

OkazakiResearch Facilities

Infrared Picture of the planet
forming region (ProtoplanetaryDisk) taken by Subaru
Telescope. In such a disk the lifein the universe may be born.

Expanding research methods and inter-disciplinary exchange in natural sciences
research is on the cusp of giving birth to new fields of research. NINS established theCenter for Novel Science Initiatives (CNSI) and has been promoting research in thefollowing three departments: the Department of Brain Sciences, Department of Imaging
Science, and Department of Astrobiology. CNSI is promoting the expansion of new
creative research communities and research that is linked to academic development.

The Okazaki Research Facilities consists of four
centers: the Okazaki Institute for Integrative
Bioscience, the Research Center for Computational
Science, the Center for Experimental Animals, and theCenter for Radioisotope Facilities. These facilities areintended for the common use of NIBB, NIPS, and IMS.

・5

Spiral Galaxy NGC 6946

National Astronomical Observatoryof Japan

Director General

Masahiko HAYASHI

Astronomy is one of the oldest yet most active sciences. This fact
alone means that humans possess the fundamental desire to seek their
origins and the reason for their existence through the understandingof the universe. Since the establishment of the Big Bang Theory of theuniverse in the 20th century, astronomers have been striving to describe
the dynamics of the evolution of the universe from material production,
the generation of stars and planets, and the creation of life forms up to
the birth of human beings. The 21st century will be the era for us tosearch the planets and for life outside the solar system.
NAOJ continuously seeks to develop new methods of observations
to gain a deeper understanding of the objects and phenomena in theuniverse such as the Earth, solar system objects, stars, galaxies, clustersof galaxies, and the expanding universe. We hope to play a key role inestablishing a new paradigm of nature.

6・

NAOJ
ALMA
ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array)
is a partnership project among Europe, North America,
and East Asia (Japan and Taiwan) in cooperation
with the Republic of Chile to operate an international
radio astronomical facility on the 5,000-meter Chilean
plateau. By combining signals obtained by 66 antennas,
ALMA will unveil mysteries in the universe such as
the formation of galaxies that are 13 billion light years
away from us, the formation of stars and planets, andthe synthesis of organic molecules. Science observations
started in FY2012 and ALMA’s unparalleled sensitivity
has provided us with new insights into mysteries ofplanet formation and galaxy evolution.

Parabola antennas located at the ALMA-Array Operations Site (5,000-meters above
sea level) in Chile (Copyright ALMA(ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), W.Garnier(ALMA)）

Subaru Telescope
The Subaru Telescope is our flagshipobservation facility. It is an 8.2-meter optical/
infrared telescope located at the top of Mauna
Kea of Hawai’i Island in the U.S. Its open use
since 2000 has produced a number of excellent
achievements from the discovery of the farthest
galaxies and the observation of proto- and baby
galaxies up to the mechanisms of proto-planetarysystems.
The uniquely shaped enclosure of the Subaru Telescope located at the top of Mauna
Kea of Hawai’i Island (Altitude: 4,200-meters)

Nobeyama Radio Observatory (NRO)The NRO boasts a 45-meter antenna with thehighest sensitivity in the millimeter wavelength.
The radio telescopes excel in discoveringinterstellar molecules and black holes as well
as revealing the evolution and structure of theuniverse.

45-meter antenna

Hinode , a solar observational satellite
The Hinode (Solar-B), launched on September
22, 2006, is a highly sophisticated observational
satellite. Its optical and x-ray telescopes andextreme-UV imaging spectrometer can obtain
detailed images and spectra of the sun from thephotosphere to the upper corona. NAOJ aims
to uncover the formation of the corona andthe origin of solar magnetic fields and coronal
activities as well as to understand the processesof stellar plasma.
Artistic impression of the solar physics satellite Hinode and an image of a dynamic chromospheretaken by the Solar Optical Telescope on Hinode (Copyright NAOJ/JAXA)・7

Large Helical Device (LHD)

National Institute for Fusion Science
NIFS considers its research to actualize fusion energy as one of the“big sciences”inJapan and strongly promotes academic research in this critical area.

Director General

Akio KOMORI

By consuming fossil fuels, human beings have established an industrial world withhighly-advanced technology and science. But it turns out the effort has generated ahuge amount of carbon dioxide and begun imposing a serious impact on the global
environment. Besides, the reserves of these fuels are not unlimited. The current
power generation system using the reactions of nuclear fission still faces challenges
such as the high-level of radioactive wastes and the doubtful safety of the system,
which came to light after the March 11th disaster in Japan. On the other hand,as the global population continues to grow, energy consumption also increases
proportionately. Under such circumstances, the research of safe, eco-friendly energy
for the future is placed at the top of the agenda in the modern world. Supposing that
we would actualize a fusion reaction, an energy source of the sun and stars, on theearth, it would mean that humans will have secured a perpetual source of energy,
since deuterium and lithium, the fuel for a fusion reaction, is abundantly available inseawater. Also, utilizing low-activation materials will make the materials of reactors
reusable, leading to the realization of a“Recycling Society”in its truest sense.
NIFS carries out active collaborative research with domestic and international
universities, as well as research organizations. While fostering the next generationof excellent human resources, NIFS will continue to actively promote fundamental
research in fusion plasmas with a view to the actualization of safe, eco-friendly
fusion energy in the near future.

8・

NIFS
Research on high-temperature steadystate plasma utilizing the Large Helical
DeviceLarge Helical Device (LHD) project employs the world’slargest superconducting helical coils based on the heliotron
magnetic configuration that was originally developed inJapan. The objectives are to conduct research into thephysics of high-temperature steady-state plasmas and theirrelated science and engineering, and to promote academic
research aimed at the future actualization of a fusion reactor.
Plasmas with temperatures of 100 million degrees have been
produced several thousand times a year, providing many
opportunities for a variety of scientific collaboration.

LHD vacuum vessel

Numerical simulation research projectComputer simulation research is indispensable instudying high-temperature plasmas that have strong
nonlinearities causing a variety of complexities. Usinga large-scale computer simulation system, this project
aims at systematizing plasma physics, clarifying
the physical mechanisms of various phenomena infusion and related plasmas. Complexity science is also
explored to support such systematization. The ultimate
goal of the project is to numerically simulate fusion
reactors.
MHD simulation of LHD plasma

Fusion engineering research project
The project carries out both the conceptual
design of an LHD-type fusion energy reactor
and various engineering experiments to make itpossible to construct the fusion reactor. Research
is focused on key components in fusion reactors,
such as the superconducting coil system, long-life
blanket, low-activation materials, first wall anddivertor, while maintaining consistency with thereactor designs.
Helical-type fusion reactor FFHR-d1

Cooperative Research with Universities
The cooperative relationship between NIFS anduniversities allows us to make good use of plasma
devices. By effectively sharing our LHD and otheruniversity-owned experimental facilities, we investigate
the physics of steady-state ultra-high-temperatureplasmas, and also work to meet engineering
requirements for the realization of a fusion reactor.
Providing plenty of interactive opportunities at theforefront of fusion study, collaborative activities also
help yield excellent young researchers including
graduate students.

High temperature plasmas in bilateral collaboration (Kyoto Univ., NIFS, Tsukuba Univ., Kyushu Univ.)・9National Institute for Basic Biology

Director General

Masayuki YAMAMOTO

Among the innumerable celestial bodies in our universe, the earth appears unique inthat it is filled with a variety of living organisms. Over the course of 4 billion yearsof evolution, animals and plants have acquired diverse forms as well as astonishingabilities and continue to survive on this remarkable planet through the propagationof their offspring. Living organisms are believed to have evolved by increasing thegenetic information inherited from their ancestors and by changing the functions of
those genes. We believe increased knowledge of the intricate processes of life andthe adaptation mechanisms of living organisms will lead to solutions to many of the
problems facing us, such as our planet’s worsening environment.
To understand the survival strategies of organisms we study the basic principles
common to all creatures, and the mechanisms that enable diversity and allow life
to adapt to changing environments, by using model organisms in collaboration
with worldwide researchers. In order to grow high quality experimental organisms
and to enable state of the art data analyses we maintain the“NIBB Bioresource
Center”and the“NIBB Core Research Facilities”, and work to continually improve
our collaborative facilities. Also, in order to prevent the loss of important biologicalresources during natural disasters, we operate as the core center of the“Interuniversity Bio-Backup Project”. As an inter-university research institute NIBB
supports the progress of diverse fields of biological research in collaboration with
universities and institutes throughout the world.

10・

NIBB
Understanding the shape of life
All the organisms on Earth, including all the multitudes ofvarious plants and animals, have specific shapes based on their
species. How is it that from the simple single celled ovum all ofthese complicated forms can arise? We focus on the functions ofgenes, the movement of cells, and intracellular signaling to study
development, using arabidopsis, moss, frogs, and mice. We also
study how the cells that create new life in future generations,eggs and sperm, are formed using drosophila, medaka, and mice.

Cell differentiation in a mouse blastocyst

Mechanisms for adapting to a changing environment
Living creatures have the ability to accurately sense changes in theirsurrounding environment and adapt appropriately. We focus our researchon proteins that act as sensors for detecting environmental changes, like
photo-receptors and hormone receptors. We are also engaged in exploring
the interactions between organisms known as‘symbiosis’. We use Next
Generation Sequencers that can examine changes in vast numbers ofgenes, and mass spectrometry equipment that can comprehensively
analyze proteins. In addition we have introduced environmental control
systems that allow precise control over levels of light, humidity, CO2, andtemperature. This equipment is used in collaborative research by both
Japanese and international scientists from around the world.

The NIBB Bioresource Center’s plant environmental control
systemDiscovering the form and functions of the brain
The brain and nervous system act as the control tower of ananimal. We study the functions of the brain using a variety
of methods such as examining the composition of the nerves
involved in sight, the actions of the neurons involved in memory,the neuronal circuits that determine behavior, etc. We also study
the evolution of the brain to understand how we ourselves,
humans, came to possess our higher brain functions.

Primary cultured neurons from mouse brain

Research resources and education
In recent years the field of biology has advanced quickly through focusedresearch on model organisms that are well-suited to study. As the core
institution for the National Bioresource Project Medaka, as well as a subcenter for morning glory research, NIBB collects, preserves, and provides
important biological resources to other institutes. In order to achieve
wider, greater understanding of fundamental biological phenomena, NIBB
is constantly working towards the development of new model organisms,
as well as holding International Practical Courses to promote anddisseminate advanced experimental techniques. Furthermore, NIBB is also
actively involved in education through our Ph.D program, striving to givequality education to those students who will become the next generationof researchers.

International Practical Courses for research on Medaka andPhyscomitrella patens

・11Specialized equipments and large-scale facilities for joint researches to promote brain science

National Institute forPhysiological Sciences

Director General

Keiji IMOTO

NIPS’mission is to conduct research at the forefront of physiologicalscience by examining the living body at various levels of organization,
thus leading to a holistic understanding of the functioning of the humanbody. Recent progress in life sciences has been truly remarkable, andthere have been tremendous developments especially in molecularbiology and genetic engineering. Non-invasive imaging techniques havealso become very useful for clarifying the physiological functions of thehuman body. Recently, NIPS has been mainly focusing on brain science,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, and medical engineering. NIPS provides
its facilities and expert staff to domestic and foreign scientists forcollaborative studies.

12・

NIPS
Exploring the higher functions of
the human brain
NIPS is promoting research on the higher functions of the humanbrain including language functions and value judgments, andinterpersonal relationships, as well as perception, cognition, andmotion. To measure brain activity, we utilize functional brain
imaging instruments including functional MRI (fMRI) scannerand near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) scanner for detecting local
circulation and energetic metabolic changes in the brain, andmagnetoencephalography (MEG) for detecting higher temporal
resolution of brain electrical activity, with the goal of attaining
a dynamic and comprehensive understanding of the higher
functions of the human brain.

Activity of the striatum subjected to monetary reward (green) and social reward (red)When being praised by other people, the brain’s reward system (striatum) reacts
as when making money.

Investigating neural circuit activities
in the brain
The direct recording/imaging of neuronal activity in vivo isa powerful technique to understand how neuronal circuitry
functions in brain. Recently, we applied various geneticallymodified techniques for manipulating specific neural circuit
activities of mice and macaque monkeys to elucidate theirfunctions. In addition, we are working to determine thepathological condition of the neurological disorder by means ofdisease-model animals with Parkinson disease or epilepsy.
Bioimaging of the brain cortex of a mouse expressing DsRed(red fluorescence protein) on nerve cells and GFP (green) on
microglia

Clarifying the mechanisms underlying body
homeostasis and its development
We are studying the mechanisms underlying body homeostasis and its
development. Various molecules, complicated cellular and organ functions,and interaction with neural activities are key factors of the homeostasis
such as maintenance of cell size, body temperature, and body balance.
The basic research provides the scientific basis of health guidelines aswell as evidences for better understanding of the disease.

Painless expressing cultured cells respond to higher temperature(40 degree Celsius, in right panel) to increase intracellular calcium
concentration (light color)

Developing and applying novel research techniques
for medicine, physiology, and neuroscience
To study medicine, physiology, and neuroscience in a systematicmanner from molecules to individuals, we are developing novel
research techniques for collaborative researches. For example, wedeveloped dual fMRI system for simultaneous recordings of thebrains of two individuals when the individuals are communicatingwith each other. We provide advanced electromicroscopy andlaser microscopy for collaborative researches. We also provide
valuable research resources such as virus vector, transgenic
mouse and rat, and macaque monkeys to domestic researchers inJapan.

We successfully created a 3D reconstructed image of neural dendrites byusing medical/biological high-voltage electromicroscopy.

・13Institute for Molecular Science

Director General

Iwao OHMINE

Almost all substances—including water, air, and living bodies—are made up of molecules,
and their natures are closely related to the structures and functions of molecules constituting
the materials. Molecular science is a fundamental discipline that gains, via experimental andtheoretical investigations, deeper insights into the interactions between molecules and into
chemical reactions that cause transformation of molecules. By finding novel characteristics ofmolecules and molecular assemblies, and by synthesizing new materials with desired properties
and functionalities, molecular science provides invaluable clues to resolving future energy andenvironmental crises. By doing so, the research field will contribute to building new scientificand technological tools which are indispensable for realizing a sustainable society.
IMS’main research areas are theoretical and computational molecular science, photo-molecularscience, materials molecular science, and life and coordination-complex molecular science. In
addition to these fundamental areas, IMS has started to commit itself to an understanding ofmolecular systems that can transform energy, materials, and information with spatiotemporalhierarchical architectures, those examples of which can be widely seen in bio-molecularsystems. For this purpose, CIMoS was established on April 1, 2013, opening as a research
center to promote the integration of life science and material science disciplines into a thriving
interdisciplinary area of fundamental research. In each area, the frontiers of science are being
explored by independent research groups led by professors or associate professors who take fullinitiative in original research activities. IMS has also been continuing efforts to further promotemolecular science all over the world by supporting various collaborative research programs.

14・

IMS
Designing intelligent molecular systems on the basis oflessons learnt from bio-molecular systems.
Motivated researchers at the Research Center of Integrative Molecular Systems (CIMoS)
have come together to tackle the theme: "How do the characteristics of individual
molecules lead to the expression of remarkable function and/or reactivity upon theirassembly into molecular systems?" One course of action is to learn about the biomolecular systems functioning over multiple layers of hierarchies. It is important toclarify the mechanism by which the sharing and control of information between the
different spatiotemporal-hierarchies occurs, and to create novel molecular systems on
the basis of the findings. The creation of such a flexible-but-robust molecular systemwith excellent functionality has the potential for improving efficiencies of materialtransformations and energy conversions to an ideal stage, thus, becoming a source ofinnovative technologies.

Bio-molecular systems functioning over multiple layers ofhierarchies, and an official logo of CIMoS.

Drawing vivid figures of molecules by theory and computation
Behaviors of molecules and molecular assemblies are governed by thefundamental laws of physics, i.e., quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.
In the area of theoretical and computational molecular science, new theories andconcepts are constructed on the basis of these fundamentals in physics. Largescale calculations are carried out utilizing high-performance computers to achieve
truly microscopic descriptions of various phenomena appearing in the real world
and to predict the novel properties and functionalities of materials. In addition,
IMS has been contributing to national projects on development and applicationof next-generation supercomputers, as a core center to elucidate the microscopic
mechanisms of self-organization and functionalities in bio-molecules and nanoscale assemblies.

Molecular-level mechanism of ice melting
unveiled by supercomputer simulation

Using light to capture lively figures of molecules
Light is one of the most valuable tools for detailed experimental
examination of the characters of molecules and molecularassemblies. No field―from material science to bioscience―canproceed without utilizing light. In the area of photo-molecularscience, highly active investigations are performed to develop lightsources with unsurpassed performance such as the synchrotron
radiation facility, which generates intense light in a wide frequency
region from X-ray to terahertz, and microchip lasers, which arequite compact but still have surprisingly high output. These light
Direct measurement of the waveform of the world-shortest lightsources are utilized for studies on the properties, functionalities,
pulse in the infrared region
and reactivities of materials. This research area establishes thefoundation for a wide range of fields in science through cutting-edge research on photo-molecular science, including the realtime probing of ultrafast structural changes of molecules, direct optical microscopic imaging of nanometer-scale assemblies,
and precise quantum control of molecular motion and reactions.

Designing molecules at nanometer scale
For synthesizing valuable compounds without undesirable byproducts and creating new materials with novel functionalities,
it is necessary to take precise control of molecules and molecularassemblies. In the area of material molecular science, active
researches are in progress to develop synthetic technologies forvarious chemical compounds with atomic-scale precision andto construct methods for well-designed molecular assemblies.
These researches are expected to lead to findings of heretofore
undiscovered chemical and physical phenomena at the nanometerscale and contribute to other fields in science and technology suchas information, communication, and energy-conversion processes.

Formation of oxygen bubbles (right panel) from water catalyzed by aruthenium complex (center)・15

International Hubs forInternational Strategy
In response to diversification of research and accelerated scientificprogress in natural science, it is getting more essential to promote researchthrough a new type of cooperation that crosses both national borders andacademic fields.
NINS consists of the five institutes: NAOJ, NIFS, NIBB, NIPS, and IMS.
NINS has not only been supporting international efforts that they aremaking to become hubs in their own fields, but also been trying to establish
a cross-disciplinary hub that connects researchers on different fields in aninternational framework.
With an eye toward“the formation of an international hub for naturalsciences researchers”, and helped by researchers' communities, NINS
is managing the members' international activities in a matrix manner —organizing them both horizontally and hierarchically, to bring about ascientific innovation.   In 2012, the“NINS International Strategy Action
Plan”was carried out and we have strengthened NINS’functions as aninternational hub for natural science research.

Opening ceremony of the ALMA telescope built
through international cooperation

NINS’International Strategies
Information transmissionP ublishing research resultsR aising NINS’international
profileB uilding international research
networks

Visit by Prof. A.J. Stewart Smith, Dean for
Research and Prof. Edwin L. Turner of Princeton
University

Promotion of interdisciplinary
research cooperationC reating new academic fields
P artnering with domestic andoverseas research institutes

Development of humanresourcesN urturing young researchersR ecruiting human resources from abroadS tudying solutions for systematic careerpaths

Formation of
an International Hub forCommunities of Natural
Sciences

Improvement in NINS StructureInternational Cooperation
Committee― Comprehensive grasp of international
activities and unification of decisionmaking
International Cooperation Office― Promotion of interorganizational
cooperation

Promoting new developments in the naturalscience field through international cooperation
Contributing to social development

Improvement in research
environmentImproving research facilitiesE nsuring a welcoming environment
for foreign researchersE nhancing the ability ofadministrative staff

Main contracting research institutions with NINSE uropean Southern Observatory (ESO)E
 uropean Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)
M ax Planck Institute [Germany]W erner Reichardt Centre for Integrative
Neuroscience, Tübingen University[Germany]C entro de Investigaciones Energéticas,
Medioambientales y Tecnológicas(CIEMAT) [Spain]D utch Institute for Fundamental Energy
ResearchK urchatov Institute [Russia]K harkov Institute of Physics andTechnology [Ukraine]N ational University of Uzbekistan
Institute of Physiology and Biophysics,
Academy of Sciences of UzbekistanU niversities, ResearchInstitutesC hinese Academy of SciencesK orea Basic Science Institute (KBSI)
Academia Sinica [Taiwan]T emasek Life Sciences
Laboratory [Singapore]K orea University [Korea]Y onsei University [Korea]
Indian Association forA ustralian National University
the Cultivation of Science[Australia]

16・N ational Science Foundation [USA]P rinceton University [USA]N ational Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke, the National
Institutes of Health [USA]T he University of Texas at Austin [USA]

University of Hawai’iA tacama Large Millimeter/
submillimeter Array (ALMA) [Chile]Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)Natural Sciences Research
Research Cooperation
NAOJ, NIFS, NIBB, NIPS, and IMS are Japan’s Centers of Excellence in academic research in their respective fields.
Since its inception, NINS has aimed at creating new research fields through the coordination of the inter-disciplinary
activities among these five research institutes and promotion of collaborations with universities for the formation of new
research communities.
NINS established CNSI in 2009 with the two fields of Imaging Science, created from interdisciplinary collaborative
activities among the five institutions, and Brain Science, for the promotion of a national inter-university network in thefield of brain science. In addition, CNSI established a new research field in 2013 with an eye toward the creation of a
new field in astrobiology which is drawing increasing attention with the advances in astronomy these days and a flurryof new discoveries which indicate the possible presence of life. NINS has been extending the community of creative
researchers, and continues to support the promotion of research that facilitates the further development of academic
field with CNSI at the core.
Furthermore, under the leadership of the president, NINS is deploying various efforts including the fostering ofyoung researchers, the strengthening of international cooperation, the program for cross-disciplinary study by young
researchers with an eye toward the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the program for international
research collaborator exchange aimed at research promotion and interdisciplinary exchange through the implementationof flexible collaborative research with overseas research institutes, etc.

NINS Program for Promoting the Enhancement of Research Universities
We will conduct a research enhancement project to achieve our two goals by the following four approaches.

1 institutes

Collaboration with overseas universities and research

Promotion of joint utilization and joint research
Recruitment of brilliant researchers from other countries

Collaboration with universities and research institutes
2 Promotionof joint utilization and joint research

Support for the Promotionof International Advanced
Research

Support for the Promotionof Joint Utilization and Joint
Research in Japan

Universities
NINS
Companies

Research Institutes

Enhancement of Research Capabilities of NINS
Goal 1:

Encourage cutting-edge academic research in the field of natural sciences through international joint research- strengthen joint research with world’s most advanced research institutes in the world developing the world’smost advanced research instruments -Goal 2:Contribute to the enhancement of research capabilities of universities, etc. in Japan using the world’s mostadvanced research environment for joint utilization and joint research

Dissemination of Informationand Enhancement of Public
Relations in Japan and Abroadof interaction with public
3 Encouragement
Dissemination of information in English and international
announcements

Support for Researchers(for young, female orforeign researchers)

4

Improvement of support system for diversified research
environment

Building of a Research Capabilities Enhancement Network of Universities (University Research Enhancement Network)
We will build a“research capabilities enhancement network of universities”(University Research Enhancement Network)
which will contribute to the enhancement of research capabilities of individual universities, based on the idea of“collaborate
where it is due”
, through facilitating mutual collaboration and making policy recommendations.

・17

Department of Helical Plasma Research
Rokkasho Research Center, NIFS
Mizusawa VLBI Observatory, NAOJ
Ine Laboratory, NINSInter-University ResearchInstitute Corporation

National Institutes of
Natural Sciences

Facilities

Norikura Observatory, NINS
Nobeyama Radio Observatory, NAOJ
Nobeyama Solar Radio Observatory, NAOJNINS【Head Office】
Center for Novel Science Initiatives

NAOJ

Japan

NIFS
NIBB
NIPS
IMS
Okazaki Research Facilities
Okayama Astrophysical Observatory, NAOJ
Subaru Telescope, NAOJ

Hawai'iNational Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS)
2F 4-3-13 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
Phone +81-3-5425-1300 FAX +81-3-5425-2049
URL http://www.nins.jp/english/

National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)
2-21-1 Osawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588, Japan
Phone +81-422-34-3600 FAX +81-422-34-3690
URL http://www.nao.ac.jp/E/

Hilo Office
Subaru Telescope

NAOJ Chile Observatory

National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS)
322-6 Oroshi-cho, Toki, Gifu 509-5292, Japan
Phone +81-572-58-2222 FAX +81-572-58-2601
URL http://www.nifs.ac.jp/index.html

National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB)
38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
Phone +81-564-55-7652 FAX +81-564-53-7400
URL http://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/

Chile

National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS)
38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
Phone +81-564-55-7700 FAX +81-564-52-7913
URL http://www.nips.ac.jp/eng/

Institute for Molecular Science (IMS)

ALMA Array Operations Site
Santiago Office

38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
Phone +81-564-55-7418 FAX +81-564-54-2254
URL http://www.ims.ac.jp/
Utilizing 70% post-consumer recycled paper pulp