Role of Inter-universit
Research InstituteHistory &Organization

Inter-university Research Institute Corporation and Inter-university Research InstituteWorld’s’ Leading Research Institutes in Japan

History
NAOJ

NIFS

NIBB

NIPS

National InstitutenforBasic Biology
o wasestablisheded

National InstitutesforPhysiologicalca Sciences
was establisheds

IMS

Tokyo Astrono
omicalmical Observatoryrv
was establishedesin Faculty of Science,
Science, the U
University of Tokyo
T

National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) consists of five inter-university research institutes: National
Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), National Institute for
Basic Biology (NIBB), National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), Institute for Molecular Science (IMS).
The inter-university research institute, is an organization unique to Japan, has a history of more than 30
years as a “research institute operated by the research community.” It was organized as a “center of
excellence for academic research” to provide a place for joint research and extramural use by researchersat universities and other institutes across Japan.

Institute foroMolecular Science
was establishedblNational C
Center for Biologicalological Sciencesn
was establishedesta
Okazaki N
National Research
earch Institutes
e were establishedestabNational A
Astronomical Observatory of Japanwas estab
establishedblishedNational Institutenfor FuFusion Sciencece
was establishedb
in Nagoyaag
City
Relocatedd from Nagoya
ya City to Toki
ki City
Experiments
en withLarge HelicallDevice (LHD)
LH began

Okazaki Research
R
Facilitiesc
Okazaki Institutes
nstitutes for IntegrativeI
B
Bio
oscience
Researchh Center for C
Computational
Computationa Science
Center for
or Experimental
ta Animal
Center foror Radioisotope
p Facilities
were establisheda

NINS was establishedaOrganization

Research Communities

Universities

NAOJ
NIFS
NIBB
NIPS
IMS

Research facilities
Graduate courses
Affiliated research institutes
Undergraduate schools
Research Communities

Private research
institutes

International
Cooperation Office

Research Cooperationand Liaison Office

Research institutes ofcompanies
Universities and research
institutes abroad
Independent administrative
agencies for R&D,etc.

National Astronomical
Observatory of Japan

National Institutefor Fusion Science

National Institutefor Basic Biology

National Institute forPhysiological Sciences

Institute for
Molecular Science

Okazaki Research Facilities
Okazaki Adaministration Office

Role of Inter-university Research InstituteHistory & Organization

N AOJ

National Astronomical
Observatory of JapanNAOJ is the national center of astronomical
researches in Japan. Its aims are thedevelopment of astronomy and related sciencesby promoting the open use of its state-of-art
obser ving facilities such as the Subaru
Telescope, organizing various joint-research
programs, and encouraging versatileinternational cooperation.

NI P SNAOJ NIPS

National Institute forPhysiological Sciences

The objectives of NIPS are to elucidate themechanisms by which the human bodyfunctions, which form the basis of medical
science, and to clarify the pathophysiology
of various diseases. Furthermore, as acenter of physiological research, theinstitute provides its facilities andt a l e n t t o d o m e s t i c a n d fo r e i g nscientists for collaborative studies.

Multi-photon laser
microscopic in vivo
imaging of corticalneurons and finestructures

The uniquely-shaped enclosure of
Subaru Telescope located at the topof Mauna Kea (Altitude:4205m=13.760ft.) of Hawaii Island

NI F S

National Institute for
Fusion Science

IMS

NIFS implements collaborating research into the basic science of hightemperature plasmas and reactor engineering, with computer simulations
and experiments on the Large Helical Device as leading projects, in orderto realize a sun on the earth; controlled nuclear fusion, which is a new,safe and environmentally friendly energy source.

NIFS

Institute for
Molecular Science

The aim of the IMS is to investigate fundamental properties of moleculesand molecular assemblies through both experimental and theoreticalmethods. Since its inception, the IMS has made its facilities available to
the worldwide scientific community, a policy which has fostered many
joint programs
involving the
IMS scientists.

IMS

Nonlinear spectroscopy by ultrafast
lasers for molecular science

Large Hel
elical Device(LHD) maintntains hightemperaturee plasmas
in steady statee

NI B B

National Institute for
Basic Biology

The more we investigate living organisms the more variation they show in theirforms and functions. We extract the basic and important processes underlying suchdiverse biological phenomena and investigate their basic principles through analyses ofthe structure and function of organisms, in the course of which we collaborate with aborderless community of researchers.

Transgenic frog expressing green
fluorescent protein (GFP) throughout
the entire body. This technique enables
us to investigate the function of genes

NIBB

O ka za k i
Re s e a rch
Fa cili ti es

Okazaki Research
Facilities

OkazakiResearch Facilities

The Okazaki Research Facilities, which are commonuse facilities for NIBB, NIPS, IMS, consist of four
centers: the Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience, theResearch Center for Computational Science, the Center for
Experimental Animals, and the Center for Radioisotope Facilities.

NAOJ
A
National Astronomical
Observatory of Japan

N AOJ

ALMA
ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) is apartnership between Europe, North America, and Japan incooperation with the Republic of Chile to build an international
radio astronomy facility on the 5,000m Chilean plateau. NAOJ isleading the construction and operation of ALMA on behalf ofJapanese and Taiwanese science communities. By pointing all theantennas in unison toward a single astronomical object andcombining their signals, ALMA will unveil the formation of galaxies
at a distance of 13 billion light years, the formation of stars andplanets, and the synthesis of molecules including organic ones in
the universe. Full operation of ALMA will start in 2012.
Expected view at completion

Subaru Telescope
The Subaru Telescope is our flagship observing
facility. It is an 8.2 meter optical/infrared telescope
located at the top of Mauna Kea of Hawaii Islandin the U.S. Its open-use since 2000 has produced
a number of excellent achievements from thediscovery of the farthest galaxies, the observationof proto- and baby galaxies, up to the mechanismof proto-planetary systems.

Subaru Prime Focus Camera and the primary mirror

Nobeyama Radio Observatory(NRO)
oldest and yet mostason should be thata fundamental desireough understanding
erse. The famous Big
blished in the 20th
theory, we have obs that enables us tovolution in a context
fe in the history ofe history of the unitury, we have been-solar planetary syslife.

NAOJ keeps developing new observational means to study various objects
and phenomena in the solar system, thesun, stars, galaxies, clusters of galaxies
and the expanding universe. Theoreticalstudies are also important for us to moredeeply understand the universe. Throughthese research activities, we hope to contribute profundity of human beings. NAOJ
makes its best effort to establish a newparadigm which unifies life, Earth, andthe universe.

Boasting the 45m antenna with the highest
sensitivity in the millimeter wavelength and theNobeyama Millimeter Array consisting of six 10m
antennas, the NRO is pursuing the researches ona wide variety of astronomical phenomena frominterstellar molecules and matters, proto-stellar
disks, Milky Way and many other galaxies, up to
the whole universe.
Nobeyama Millimeter Array (in front) and the 45-meter antenna (in rear)

Four Dimensionally Digitalized
Universe (4D2U) ProjectThe 4D2U is a brand-new attempt to provide thevivid images of the real universe to the public andprofessonal scientists. Employing advanced
techniques on the virtual reality, it envisions thetime evolution of 3D images based on theastronomical database and realistic simulations ofastronomical events like the birth of the Moon, theexplosion of a supernova, and the creation of the
grand structure of the universe.
One scene of the formation process of a spiral galaxy predicted by a computer
simulation, we can see smaller galaxies collide and merge to grow the bigger one.

National Astronom
mical Observatory of Japan

National Astronomical Observatory of Japan

NIF
FS
F
National Institute for
Fusion Science

NI FS

Large Helical Device Project
Large Helical Device (LHD) project employs theworld’s largest superconducting helical coils
based on a heliotron magnetic field which was
originally developed in Japan. The objectives are to
conduct high-temperature plasma confinement
research in a steady-state and to explore scientificissues leading to helical reactors.

LHD Vacuum Vessel

Physics of high-temperaturesteady-state plasmas
In order to clarify the physical mechanism
governing high-temperature steady-state plasmas,
experimental researches in LHD are proceeding in
conjunction with bilateral collaboration inexperimental devices in universities. Plasmas withthe temperature of 100 million degrees areproduced several-thousand times in a year in LHD,
which provides a lot of opportunities for a varietyof scientific researches.
LHD Plasma

Large Scale Simulation Research
Projecth-tech world that hue recent era is largely
ces such as nuclear
e coal, petroleum, orely, those fossil fuels
mount of CO2 and ref the global environems still remain unpower generation thatn processes. On the
population continues
ergy consumption inUnder such circumor developing a new
the most critical chals to face and accomcould make this nucleon earth, that means
National In
nstitute for Fusion Science

we will have secured in hand a perpetualsource of energy. As a member of the National Institutes of Natural Sciences, theNational Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS)
actively promotes the following while it supports fundamental research in nuclear fusion
plasmas. First of all, the institute will work incooperation with society to nurture humanresources with high capability for the next
generation, and then, we shall make ourbest effort to actualize power generation
by nuclear fusion that produces a safe,
environmentally-friendly source of energy. To accelerate its scientific progress, NIFS will actively promote
coordinated research with national and international universities
and research institutions.

Research by the computer simulation isindispensable to study plasmas which have strong
nonlinearities causing a variety of complexities. Bylarge scale computer simulation, this project aims
at systemizing the plasma physics, making clear
the physical mechanism of various phenomena infusion and related plasmas. Complexity science isalso explored to support such systemization.
Simulation of Ion Temperature Gradient TurbulenceEngineering Research for
Realizing Fusion Reactors
A broad range of engineering studies, such asi m p r ove m e n t o f s u p e r c o n d u c t i n g c o i l s ,development of low-activating materials andadvanced blankets, design studies on the future
fusion reactor and investigation of safety features ofa fusion system, is conducted as the inter-university
research organization in the field of reactor
engineering.The returns of the achievements toindustries are being promoted through collaborative
research activities with them.

tingthSub-Cooled Liquid Helium
National Institute for Fusion Science

NIB
BB
B
National Institute for
Basic Biology

NI B B

Mechanism of Sex Determination
Gonads (testes and ovaries) are the most important organs indetermining the sex of an animal. In most male mammals, thetestes develop during the fetal period and start production of male
hormones; subsequently, the construction of sex differences inother parts of the body begins. The photograph shows the testis ofa mouse fetus; the green cells are the Leydig cells producing male
hormones. The rings in pink are seminiferous tubules within which
are located primordial germ cells which will differentiate into
sperms later. In the ovary of a female at the same stage, there areno such developed structures nor any specialized cells.

Molecular Dissection of Autophagy
Autophagy is a mechanism of protein degradation within a cellcommonly found throughout eukaryotic cells. Since every cellular
event is maintained by the balance between the synthesis anddegradation of the related proteins, protein turnover is as importantas protein synthesis. Genetic analyses using yeasts resulted infinding that autophagy requires 17 Atg proteins including two
ubiquitination-like conjugation systems. The photograph shows
membrane structures in the process of autophagy. Elucidation of
the dynamics of autophagy will provide a novel aspect of cell
physiology.

Microtubules' Role in Determining Cell Shapef living organisms.
e environment. How,
conditions were they
did they metamorit just a coincidence
any species exist tombiotic relationship?
iving organisms exspite the apparently
however, every ora common unit: thend differentiation of
to be controlled byfor Basic Biology we
gh investigations of
National In
nstitute for Basic Biology

the fundamental mechanisms of life, howliving organisms originated and how will
they evolve in future. Since the human being is also a living organism, the study ofthe mechanisms of the circulation of lifeand environmental adaptation found inwild life are essential if we are to devise
scientific solutions to the problems resulting from the destruction we continue to inflict on environment.
At our institute we study the molecules, cells, tissues, individual organisms and communities in orderto understand the living mechanisms behind their existence.

Microtubules are tubes 25 nm (one forty thousandth of one mm) indiameter that form a dynamic network within a cell in order totransport proteins and organelles and which in turn works in theformation and maintenance of cell shape. The photograph shows achange in microtubules on the surface of a tobacco plant cell;
microtubules that formed and disappeared over the course of 5
minutes are shown in different colors. The study of dynamicchanges in microtubule distribution is expected to bring an
understanding into the mechanisms behind the shaping of cells.

Mathematical Biology
How does the information inscribed in the genome evolve into thehighly regulated behavior of organisms found in morphogenesis
during development or flexible adaptation to the environment? Weinvestigate this question through the integration of essential
elements of biological information using computer calculations andmathematical models. The figures on the left show regular shapes
found in the bacterial colonies and on the body surface of a fish.
Using mathematical models, such ordered shapes can be
reproduced as shown on the right and can be analyzed to reveal theunderlying conditions.

National Institute for Basic Biology

NIP
PS
P
National Institute forPhysiological Sciences

NI P STo clarify the mechanisms underlying
neural development
We are studying the development of neural system and body
homeostasis. For example, developing mammalian spinal cord
is composed of several regions formed along the dorso-ventral
axis and each region generates site-specific neurons and glial
cells. Subsequently, neural network is formed by directed
axogenesis. These developmental phenomena are crucial for
functional brain formation. We are focusing on molecularmechanisms underlying cell differentiation and network
formation. Figure shows projections of primary sensory fibers
in the spinal cord by labeling DRG with red fluorescent dye.

To clarify the molecular mechanisms ofcell functions
The human body is composed of over 1013 cells, and its survival
or death is supported or determined by the functioning ofthese cells. We are investigating the mechanisms by whichcells function at the level of molecules such as channels,
transporters, receptors, etc., and the mechanisms of operationof these functional molecules.

To explore higher brain function

to conduct researchysiological sciences
ody at various levels
us understand thean body. The recents has been truly reen tremendous procular biology and ge-invasive recording
come very useful forgical functions of the
NIPS has focused on
now considered one
es not only in Japanne big news item ister, the Center for Ins founded in 2000 institute for Molecular
National In
nstitute for Physiological Sciences

Science and National Institute for Basic
Biology as a center for interdisciplinary
work. In addition, NIPS has started ajoint research project on biosensor molecules. With the key phrase “Elucidation of
Functioning of the Human Body” in mind,
NIPS is performing cutting edge researchin various fields involving not only physiology but also biochemistry, biology, cognitive science and medical engineering,and provides its facilities and talent todomestic and foreign scientists for collaborative studies.

One of the research goals in NIPS is to understand the higher
brain functions such as perception, cognition and motor control
in primates including humans using electrophysiological
techniques such as single neuron recordings as well as
noninvasive functional neuroimaging techniques, mainly
functional MRI (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG), in
combination with multimodality approaches including
electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic
stimulation (TMS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

To visualize biological functions
at a nanometer scale
Combination of electron and light microscopy provides a way
to directly visualize in vivo functions of proteins and organellesin the cell. In particular, high voltage (300kV) phase contrast
electron microscopy, in conjunction with quick freezing or highpressure freezing techniques, is opening a novel kind ofphysiology, “functional-structional biology” by its nano-meter
resolution visibility for unstained intact cells.

National Institute for Physiological Sciences

IMS
Institute for
Molecular Science

IMS

Theoretical and Computational Molecular
Science
Self-organization of molecules and molecular assemblies andtheir structures and dynamics are studied theoretically and bylarge-scale calculations with various simulation methods
including molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo algorithms. In
particular, the national project on Development & Application ofAdvanced High-Performance Supercomputer Project by MEXT
is underway to develop methodologies to create new theories
or computational methods in nano science.
A Snapshot of micelle in water simulated by molecular dynamics method

Applications of Synchrotron Radiation
Various studies in molecular science regarding molecular
structures, photo-induced chemical reactions, and materials
functions are performed with the vacuum ultraviolet
synchrotron radiation facility (UVSOR), which generates intenselight in ultraviolet that molecular scientists have been dreamingof. The facility was in operation since
19 8 3 a n d u p g r a d e d i n 2 0 0 3 fo r
improving its performance.

UVSOR facility and radiation from the ringfundamental disciructures, functions,es and molecular aslly and experimentalvel. Through the disar functions and thelar materials with denctionalities, molecualuable clues to solve
tal problems and dend technology basedtion of materials.
ar Science (IMS), as
to conduct basic rescience covering afrom material to life
epts and methodoloonly in other fields.
s of IMS are theoretmolecular science,e, materials molecu-

lar science, and biological molecularscience. Front running researches arecarried out in each area by the independent research groups led by professors
or associate professors based on theirinitiatives and originalities.
Employing the unique personnel policy,
IMS has been producing a large numberof outstanding scientists to universities
and institutions in Japan since its foundation. IMS plays an important role in providing various collaborative research progra m s i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y a s we l l a s
domestically, and also promotes multidisciplinary researches as exemplified
by the establishment of The Okazaki
Institute for Integrative Biosciencein cooperation with NIBB (National Institute for Basic Biology)
and NIPS (National Institutefor Physiological Science).

Molecular Materials Science andMolecular-Scale Nanoscience
This project focuses on methods for realizing new functions ofmolecular assemblies, for synthesizing materials with atomicscale precision, and for exploring novel phenomena unique tothe nano-scale world. In addition, the Nanotechnology Support
Project is underway to provide sophisticated facilities forstructural analysis and function evaluation on nano-structured
materials for researchers working on nanotechnology.

Image of self-assembled organic molecules in a nanometer scale

Photo-Molecular Science
Photo-Molecular Science plays a fundamental role in many
disciplines including nano- and life science through theinteractions of photons with molecules and materials. This
project is aimed, with collaboration with RIKEN institute, atdeveloping new coherent light sources, novel imaging
techniques, methods for controlling quantum processes andchemical reactions to begin a new era of photoscience.

Laser facility for ultrafast sum frequency generation spectroscopy
Institute fo
or Moleecular Science

Institute for Molecular ScienceResearch
Cooperation

International
Cooperation

Efforts for Forming Bases for Interdisciplinary and International Researchthrough Cooperation Across Fields of Study

The creation of new research fields in natural science will become possible with competent researchers
in various fields cooperating with each other beyond the borders of their academic fields and forming
completely new research communities. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation
with international research communities and overseas research institutes as well as deepen mutual
understanding and implement active joint research.

The five institutes established under NINS- the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), theNational 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) - are Japan’scenter of excellence of academic research in the respective fields. These institutes, associating with eachother beyond the borders of academic fields, cooperate actively as a base for interdisciplinary research in
the field of natural science with universities, university-affiliated research institutes and inter-university
research institutes to promote the formation of new research communities. NINS also collaborates withinstitutes in the U.S., Europe and Eastern Asia, for the purpose of forming a base for international
research coordinating reputable researchers on a worldwide basis.

Working toward formation of an international research base, NINS establishes the “International Strategy
Headquarters” to unify decision-making for its international activities. It also sets up “International
Cooperation Office” for inter-organizational management of international activities and supporting those
activities in each institute.
The International Strategy Headquarters establishes international strategies aiming at the “Formation of”. With support and cooperation froman International Hub for the Natural Science Research Community”
the research community, it also promotes new approaches for the development of natural science.

In order to promote the formation of such interdisciplinary and international bases across fields ofstudy, NINS established the “Research Cooperation and Liaison Committee” under the authority of
the President, to discuss and plan matters of research cooperation. It has also established the
Research Cooperation and Liaison Office, which is in charge of setting specific plans made by the“Research Cooperation and Liaison Committee””, and is implementing liaison activities including
symposiums.
From FY2005, the Research Cooperation and Liaison Office has set “Imaging Science” and “Hierarchyand Holism in Natural Science” as themes for cooperation across fields, and is promoting symposiums
and other projects under these themes.

Promoting new developments in natural sciencethrough international cooperation

Contribution to social development

International Cooperation Office

NAOJ
NIFS
NIBB
NIPS
IMS
Research Cooperation and Liaison office

Research Cooperation

International Cooperation