Feature of NAIST Research and Education
※Data for NAIST as a whole.
A university where young researchers actively take up challenges
Ranks 2nd among all national universities
The ratio of young faculty members (under 40 years old) at 42.7％ ※Average for 2017–2019
Producing world-class research results
- The percentage of Top 10% academic papers is 14.8％ ※World average: 10%, 2019
- The percentage of Top 10% papers in international conference papers is 23.1％
Active top-level research in Japan
Ranked 2nd among Japanese universities
The number of conference presentations and academic papers published per faculty member: 22.07per person
※Total number of conference papers and academic articles published between 2015 and 2020, compared to domestic universities in The World University Rankings, 2019
High acquisition of external research funding among universities in Japan
- Ranked 3rd among all national universities
The number of Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research received per faculty member: 0.869per faculty member ※Average for 2017–2019 - Ranked 6th among all national universities
The amount of Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research received per faculty member: approx. 480million yen/person ※Average for 2017–2019
About Classes
Education Programs
The following five educational programs are offered by the Graduate School of Science and Technology.
- Program of Information Science and Engineering
- Program of Biological Science
- Program of Materials Science and Engineering
- Program of Data Science
- Program of Digital Green-innovation
In the Division of Biological Science, it is possible to select the Program of Biological Science, Program of Data Science and Program of Digital Green-innovation.
The program will be decided after consultation with the faculty member of the laboratory to which you will be assigned after admission. For more information about our educational policy, please click here
Education ProgramsFeatures of the class
Taking advantage of the small class sizes, we actively incorporate active learning into our classes.
We also take into consideration students who have not actively studied biology before and offer classes at different levels. You can check the syllabi or the actual classes offered.
In addition, for students entering the doctoral program, we offer classes in English, overseas dispatches, and international student workshops to help improve their English skills. One in four of all students and one in two of doctoral students are international students. Therefore, there are several international students in almost every laboratory, and even master's students can naturally acquire a high level of English proficiency in their daily research life by interacting with them. In fact, most of the students have improved their TOEIC scores upon graduation.
Ratio of international bio students
Biological Science(2024)
Doctoral course(2024)
of the laboratories(2024)
Faculty Comments
Prof. Umeda
Plant Growth Regulation
Prof. Saijo
Plant Immunity
Prof. Suetsugu
Molecular Medicine and Cell Biology
Prof. Bessho
Gene Regulation Research
Prof. Okamura
RNA Molecular Medicine
Assoc.Prof. Isotani
Organ Developmental Engineering
Student Comments
How is the atmosphere in your lab?
The atmosphere in my laboraoty is very nice where everyone is friendly and kind. It is easy to get help from my sensei, lab technician and labmates.
K.SY
Environmental Microbiology
How is the atmosphere in your lab?
My atmosphere in my lab is very comfortable and international student friendly. Beside research and lab activities, our lab usually join running event organising by waist called Ekiden as well as we have our one day trip to boost up the relation and team building in our lab.
S.J.
Molecular Medicine andCell Biology
How is the atmosphere in your lab?
My communication with my lab PI is easy-going and not stressful even when experiments are not going smooth. Students are also blending well with one another and I would say it is an encouraging atmosphere to conduct research and studies.
J.L.
Organ Developmental Engineering
How did you feel about the changing your research field?
I'm glad that I can approach my own questions more easily. Several students change their research fields, so I feel quite comfortable.
H.I.
Plant Physiology
How is the atmosphere in your lab?
My peers at Molecular Immunobiology Laboratory have always helped provide training and assistance in research. We have enjoyed multiple occasions, and they have introduced me to various Japanese cultures through parties or casual conversations.
Afi
Molecular Immunobiology
How did you feel about the changing your research field?
It’s not easy to learn a new field from scratch, but I’m able to enjoy a fulfilling research life because I’m learning what I want to learn. I also think that studying different fields was a good choice for me to gain an interdisciplinary perspective.
M.I.
Molecular Immunobiology