Institute of Industrial Science (IIS), the University of Tokyo, is an engineering research and educational institute, where about 314 permanent staff and about 700 graduate students undertake a broad spectrum of research ranging from global to quantum, from living to artificial systems, and from natural to built environment. IIS has three key characteristics.
First, IIS core research is based on interaction between the definition of problems, and the creating of technologies and new scientific knowledge. Since its foundation the institute has been dedicated to addressing actual problems in production and manufacturing through long-standing partnerships with industry. It is an approach to identifying effective solutions that demands the creation of new strands of knowledge. Stimulated by industrial collaborators, IIS researchers develop solution oriented methodologies. In doing so, they make major contributions to innovation and pave the way for the evolution of new industries.
Second, IIS has a flat organization, which facilitates the academic freedom and autonomy of individual researchers. All faculty members have their own independent laboratories where younger researchers are energized by an open-minded and creative environment. We now have some 160 highly creative and innovative laboratories generating output in numerous fields. Open minds and diversity feed an interdisciplinary, holistic approach to create and develop integrated solution. The result is an institute with a unique record of achievements and contributions.
Third, IIS is an educational body that trains younger researchers on a one-to-one basis. Graduate students undertake cutting-edge research and studies in our laboratories, guided by professional researchers and industrial collaborators who are globally respected in their fields. For 60 years, IIS has been providing very unique engineering education by its function as graduate school. And, a number of graduate educated on a one-to-one basis within IIS are now active as internationally influential researchers and professional engineers.
IIS celebrated its sixtieth anniversary in 2009. The characteristics outlined above, long-term academic-industry partnerships, open-minded and flexible enabler of interdisciplinary research, and one-to-one training within a graduate school educational framework, form the organizational DNA that has driven organic growth form throughout our history. The characteristics are also aligned with society's growing expectations of universities. In the years ahead, we shall continue to be a driving force supplier and a catalyst for innovation.
Director General
PROFESSOR
TOMONARI YASHIRO
