2013
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), andthe Institute for Molecular Science (IMS). An inter-university research institute is a type of world-class organization
unique to Japan. In response to the research community, it has been organized as a core base to provide a centerfor 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 and Department of Imaging Science
which have been already underway, the new Department of Astrobiology was set up in this ﬁscal year. Presently,
many planets outside our solar system have been identiﬁed, and these include many potential terrestrial planets.
NINS has two research institutes for biological subjects, NIBB and NIPS, and a research institute for the universe,
NAOJ. Taking advantage of this, NINS has decided to promote and support the new interdisciplinary research ﬁeldof Astrobiology . With this, we look forward to the expansion of this research ﬁeld community in Japan and to thefurther development of research.
Many universities and research institutes in the Tohoku district and North Kanto were devastated andsuﬀered great damage by the Great East Japan Earthquake that took place two years ago in March 11. Of these, theloss of biological genetic resources dealt a serious blow to the life science research of universities. Supporting andhelping the research activities of devastated universities is the responsibility of NINS as an inter-university research
institute corporation. NINS conducted activities to support the early recovery of research and education activities
and to maintain research resources. NIBB launched the Inter-University Bio-Backup Project for Basic Biology (IBBP)
to back up biological genetic resources at universities, etc. last ﬁscal year. This past March, the NIBB IBBP Center
which will become a key part of IBBP was completed and the germplasm preservation of animals and plants,
microorganisms, cultured cells, etc. was begun. This way, NINS will be able to back up biological genetic resources
at universities, etc. and to make a significant contribution to avoid the damage or loss due to an unanticipated
accident, disaster, etc.
NINS received the high commendation of made good progress in the annual evaluation of the National
University Corporation Evaluation Committee and a lot of our notable work about the improvement in the qualityof education and research received recognition. Last ﬁscal year, the NINS External Evaluation Committee whichis composed of researchers in related areas together with researchers in other ﬁelds such as cultural studies andintellectuals in the mass media business was established to get a detailed evaluation of NINS activities from theoutside. NINS received a lot of valuable advice on the creation of new ﬁelds, the fostering of young researchers,
gender equality, the whole concept of the headquarters of NINS, health and safety, graduate education, etc. It is ourdesire to improve the organization and operation of NINS using examples from the advice on the further promotionof gender equality, etc.
Now and in the future, NINS would like to further develop the results of our research endeavors, to create
new sciences in the 21st century by carrying out cutting-edge academic research in various ﬁelds of the naturalsciences 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
Universities
Aﬃliated research
institutes
Graduate courses

Extramural use
Joint research
Graduate school
education
Fostering advanced
researchers

Research facilities
Undergraduate
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 researchInternational
exchange

National Institute forPhysiological Sciences
Institute for
Molecular Science

History & Organization
History
2004

NINS

2009

NINS wasThe Center forestablished. Novel Science
Initiatives (CNSI)
was established.

NAOJ

1888
The Tokyo Astronomical
Observatory wasestablished in the
Faculty of Science,
The University of Tokyo.

1924

1988

Facilities
relocated from
Azabu Iikura to
Mitaka.

NAOJ wasestablished.

1989

NIFS

1997

1998

NIFS wasNIFS wasestablished. relocatedfrom Nagoya
to Toki.

1977

NIBB

NIFS
started toperform LHD
experiments.

1977

NIBB wasThe National Centerestablished. for Biological Sciences
was established.

1977

NIPS

NIPS wasestablished.

IMS

IMS wasestablished.

1981

2000

The Okazaki National
Research Institutes
was established.

The Okazaki Research Facilities(Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience,
Research Center for Computational Science,Center for Experimental Animals, Center forRadioisotope Facilities) was 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 JapanSpiral pattern on a protoplanetary disk
observed 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

Exoplanets are promisingastronomical targets forsearching life in space.
(Arrow indicates theplanet.)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 apartnership project among Europe, North America, and East
Asia (Japan and Taiwan) in cooperation with the Republic ofChile to operate an international radio astronomical facility on the
5,000-meter Chilean plateau. NAOJ is leading the construction
and operation of ALMA. 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 awayfrom us, the formation of stars and planets, and the synthesisof organic molecules. Full-scale observation started in FY2012
and ALMA s unparalleled sensitivity has provided us with new
insights into mysteries of planet 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 flagship observation
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 anumber of excellent achievements from the discoveryof the farthest galaxies and the observation of protoand baby galaxies up to the mechanisms of protoplanetary systems.

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 the highest
sensitivity in the millimeter wavelength. The radio
telescopes excel in discovering interstellar molecules
and black holes as well as revealing the evolution andstructure of the universe.

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 and extreme-UV
imaging spectrometer can obtain detailed images
and spectra of the sun from the photosphere to theupper corona. NAOJ aims to uncover the formationof the corona and the origin of solar magnetic fields
and coronal activities as well as to understand theprocesses of 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, the fuel for a fusion reaction, is abundantly available in seawater.
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-temparaturesteady-state plasma utilizing
the Large Helical Device
Large Helical Device (LHD) project employs the world s largest
superconducting helical coils based on the heliotron magnetic
conﬁguration that was originally developed in Japan. The objectives
are to conduct research into the physics of high-temperaturesteady-state plasmas and their related 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
project
Computer simulation research is indispensable instudying plasmas that have strong nonlinearities
causing a variety of complexities. Using a largescale computer simulation system, this project aims at
systematizing plasma physics, clarifying the physicalmechanisms of various phenomena in fusion andrelated plasmas. Complexity science is also exploredto support such systematization. The ﬁnal goal of the
project is to numerically simulate fusion reactors.

MHD simulation of LHD plasma

Fusion engineering Research
The research focuses on both the detailed designof an LHD-type fusion energy reactor and various
engineering challenges to make it possible to constructa fusion reactor. Researches on key components
in fusion reactors, such as the superconducting coilsystem, long-life blanket, low-activation materials, ﬁrst
wall and divertor, are carried out, while maintaininng
consistency with the reactor designs.

Helical-type fusion reactor FFHR

Cooperative Research with
Universities
The cooperative relationship between NIFS and universities
allows us to make good use of plasma devices. By
effectively sharing our LHD and other university-owned
experimental facilities, we investigate the physics of steadystate ultra-high-temperature plasmas, and also work tomeet engineering requirements for the realization of a fusion
reactor. Providing plenty of interactive opportunities at theforefront of fusion study, collaborative activities also help yieldexcellent young researchers including graduate students.

High temperature plasmas in bilateral collaboration (Kyoto Univ., NIFS, Tsukuba Univ., Kyushu Univ.)・9A cross sectional view of a frog embryo forming organs

National Institute for Basic Biology

Director General

Masayuki YAMAMOTO

Term of Oﬃce : October 1, 2013 ‒Deputy Director General

Mikio NISHIMURA

Term of Oﬃce :April 1, 2013 ‒ September 30, 2013

10・

Among the innumerable celestial bodies in our universe, the earth appears
unique in that it is ﬁlled with a variety of living organisms. Over the course of
4 billion years of evolution, animals and plants have acquired diverse forms aswell as astonishing abilities and continue to survive on this remarkable planet
through the propagation of their offspring. Living organisms are believed
to have evolved by increasing the genetic information inherited from theirancestors and by changing the functions of those genes. We believe increased
knowledge of the intricate processes of life and the adaptation mechanisms ofliving organisms will lead to solutions to many of the problems facing us, suchas 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 began operations as the core center of theInter-university 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.

NIBB
Understanding the shape of life
All the organisms on Earth, including all the multitudes of various plants
and animals, have speciﬁc shapes based on their species. How is itthat from the simple single celled ovum all of these complicated forms
can arise? We focus on the functions of genes, 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 their surrounding
environment and adapt appropriately. We focus our research on 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 examinechanges in vast numbers of genes, and mass spectrometry equipment that cancomprehensively 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 andinternational scientists from around the world.

The NIBB Bioresource Center s plant environmental control
systemDiscovering the form and functions of thebrain
The brain and nervous system act as the control tower of an animal.
We study the functions of the brain using a variety of methods suchas examining the composition of the nerves involved in sight, theactions of the neurons involved in memory, the neuronal circuits that
determine behavior, etc. We also study the evolution of the brain tounderstand 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 focused research onmodel organisms that are well-suited to study. As the core institution for the National
Bioresource Project Medaka, as well as a sub-center 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, aswell as holding International Practical Courses to promote and disseminate advanced
experimental techniques. Furthermore, NIBB is also actively involved in education
through our Ph.D program, striving to give quality education to those students who will
become the next generation of 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 human brain
including language functions and value judgments, and interpersonal
relationships, as well as perception, cognition, and motion. To measurebrain activity, we utilize functional brain imaging instruments including
functional MRI (fMRI) scanner and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)
scanner for detecting local circulation and energetic metabolic changes
in the brain, and magnetoencephalography (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 thehuman 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 is a powerful
technique to understand how neuronal circuitry functions in brain.
Recently, we applied various genetically modified techniques for
manipulating specific neural circuit activities of mice and macaquemonkeys to elucidate their functions. In addition, we are working todetermine the pathological condition of the neurological disorder bymeans of disease-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 as well
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 researchtechniques for medicine, physiology, andneuroscience
To study medicine, physiology, and neuroscience in a systematic mannerfrom molecules to individuals, we are developing novel research techniques
for collaborative researches. For example, we developed dual fMRI system
for simultaneous recordings of the brains of two individuals when theindividuals are communicating with each other. We provide advanced
electromicroscopy and laser microscopy for collaborative researches. We
also provide valuable research resources such as virus vector, transgenic
mouse and rat, and macaque monkeys to domestic researchers in Japan.

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 substances̶including water, air, and living bodies̶are 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 and theoretical investigations, deeper insights into the interactions between
molecules and into chemical reactions that cause transformation of molecules. By ﬁnding
novel characteristics of molecules and molecular assemblies, and by synthesizing newmaterials with desired properties and functionalities, molecular science provides invaluableclues to resolving future energy and environmental crises. By doing so, the research ﬁeld
will contribute to building new scientiﬁc and technological tools which are indispensable
for realizing a sustainable society. As a Center of Excellence in molecular science, on
which a wide range of research fields are based, the IMS encourages concepts andmethodologies to be uniformly applied in a variety of scientiﬁc ﬁelds.
IMS main research areas are theoretical and computational molecular science, photomolecular science, materials molecular science, and life and coordination-complex
molecular science. In each area, the frontiers of science are being explored by independent
research groups led by professors or associate professors who take full initiative in original
research activities. The IMS has also been continuing eﬀorts to further promote molecularscience all over the world by supporting various collaborative research programs in which
many researchers in Japan and abroad fully utilize IMS state-of-the-art facilities and byconstructing a solid cooperative network with research centers in East Asia.

14・

IMS
Drawing vivid ﬁgures of molecules by theory
and computation
Behaviors of molecules and molecular assemblies are governed by the fundamental
laws of physics, i.e., quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. In the area oftheoretical and computational molecular science, new theories and concepts areconstructed on the basis of these fundamentals in physics. Large-scale 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 application of next-generation
supercomputers, as a core center to elucidate the microscopic mechanisms of selforganization and functionalities in bio-molecules and nano-scale assemblies.

Theoretically predicted liquid structure of water and 2D infrared
spectrum associated with intermolecular vibration of water

Using light to capture lively ﬁgures of molecules
Light is one of the most valuable tools for detailed experimental examination of thecharacters of molecules and molecular assemblies. No ﬁeld―from material science tobioscience―can proceed without utilizing light. In the area of photo-molecular science,highly active investigations are performed to develop light sources with unsurpassed
performance such as the synchrotron radiation facility, which generates intense lightin a wide frequency region from X-ray to terahertz, and microchip lasers, which arequite compact but still have surprisingly high output. These light sources are utilized
for studies on the properties, functionalities, and reactivities of materials. This researcharea establishes the foundation for a wide range of ﬁelds in science through cuttingedge research on photo-molecular science, including the real-time probing of ultrafast
structural changes of molecules, direct optical microscopic imaging of nanometer-scaleassemblies, and precise quantum control of molecular motion and reactions.

Spatiotemporal images of molecular vibration, actively
tailored by precisely controlled ultra-fast laser pulses

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

Molecular wire with one nanometer diameter createdfrom combined molecules

Learning from biological functionalities todevelop waste-free chemical reactions
Various biological functionalities in living bodies are closely correlated
to the behavior of molecules. In the area of life and coordinationcomplex molecular science, various advanced methods of research havebeen developed in the ﬁeld of molecular science, e.g., state-of-the-art
thermometric and spectroscopic measurements including nuclear magnetic
resonance (NMR). These methods are extensively applied in conjunction
with molecular biologic technologies such as genetic modification to
studies on the structure and functionalities of proteins, which play animportant role in living bodies. Active research is also underway on thedevelopment of eﬃcient light-energy conversion to chemical energy andinnovative organic synthesis free from unwanted byproducts.

The molecular structure of protein isunveiled by measurements using an
ultra-high magnetic ﬁeld NMR apparatus.

・15

International Hubs forInternational Strategy
In response to diversiﬁcation of research and accelerated scientiﬁc progress in natural science, it is getting moreessential to promote research through a new type of cooperation that crosses both national borders and academic
ﬁelds.
NINS consists of the five institutes: NAOJ, NIFS, NIBB, NIPS, and IMS. NINS has not only been supportinginternational eﬀorts that they are making to become hubs in their own ﬁelds, but also been trying to establish a crossdisciplinary hub that connects researchers on diﬀerent ﬁelds in an international framework.
With an eye toward the formation of an international hub for natural sciences researchers , and helped byresearchers' communities, the International Strategy Headquarters in NINS are managing the members' international
activities in a matrix manner ̶ organizing them both horizontally and hierarchically, to bring about a scientificinnovation. In 2012, the headquarters drew up a concrete plan titled NINS International Strategy Action Plan . By
implementing this, we will strengthen NINS' functions to secure its place as an international academic centerpiece.

NINS International Strategies
Informationtransmission
Publishing research results
Raising NINS international
proﬁleBuilding international
research networks

International
Strategy
Headquarters
International Strategy
Headquarters― Comprehensive grasp ofinternational activities anduniﬁcation of decision-making
International Cooperation
Oﬃce― Promotion of interorganizational
cooperation

Promotion of interdisciplinary
research cooperation
Creating new academic ﬁelds
Partnering with domestic andoverseas research institutes

Formation of
an International Hub
for Communities of
Natural Sciences

Promoting new developments in the naturalscience field through international cooperation

Development of
human resources
Nurturing young researchers
Recruiting human resourcesfrom abroad
Studying solutions for
systematic career paths

Improvement inresearch environment
Improving research facilities
Ensuring a welcoming
environment for foreign
researchers
Enhancing the ability ofadministrative staﬀ

Contributing to social development

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

16・

Opening ceremony of the ALMA telescope built through international
cooperation

Natural Sciences Research
Main contracting research institutions with NINS

Kurchatov Institute [Russia]
Kharkov Institute of Physics andTechnology [Ukraine]
National University of Uzbekistan
Institute of Physiology and Biophysics,
European Southern Observatory (ESO)
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)
Max Planck Institute [Germany]
Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative
Neuroscience, Tübingen University [Germany]
Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas,
Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) [Spain]
The FOM-Institute for Plasma Physics RIJNHUIZEN

Chinese Academy of Sciences
Korea Basic Science Institute(KBSI)
Academia Sinica [Taiwan]
Temasek Life Sciences
Laboratory [Singapore]
Korea University [Korea]
Yonsei University [Korea]

National Science Foundation [USA]
Princeton University [USA]
National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke, the National
Institutes of Health [USA]The University of Texas at Austin[USA]
Universities, ResearchInstitutes
University of Hawai i

Atacama Large Millimeter/
submillimeter Array (ALMA) [Chile]
Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)

Australian National
University [Australia]

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 the ﬁeld of brain
science. In addition, CNSI established a new research field in 2013 with an eye toward the creation of a new field inastrobiology which is drawing increasing attention with the advances in astronomy these days and a ﬂurry of new discoveries
which indicate the possible presence of life. NINS has been extending the community of creative researchers, and continues tosupport 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 of young
researchers, the strengthening of international cooperation, the program for cross-disciplinary study by young researchers withan eye toward the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the program for international research collaborator exchange
aimed at research promotion and interdisciplinary exchange through the implementation of ﬂexible collaborative research withoverseas research institutes, etc.

・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