The Institute for Protein Research was founded in 1958 to play a central role in protein science in Japan as a joint-use research organization. Professor Shiro Akabori was appointed the first director. The Institute originally consisted of three divisions and was located in downtown Osaka before moving to the Suita Campus in 1972. At present there are eleven divisions and one center, which includes a laboratory for a visiting professor.
Research focuses on the structure and function of proteins at molecular and cellular levels.
The Institute includes specialized facilities that enable the determination of primary, secondary and tertiary structures of proteins. A joint research program provides visiting scientists with an opportunity to perform coordinated research at the Institute. About 25 Japanese scientists are accepted yearly. Foreign scientists are accepted through programs such as those sponsored by the Monbusho. Professors and associate professors of the Institute hold teaching positions at the Osaka University Graduate Schools of Science and Medicine.