The mission of RIKEN is to conduct comprehensive research in science and technology (excluding only the humanities and social sciences) as provided for under the "RIKEN Law," and to publicly disseminate the results of its scientific research and technological developments. RIKEN carries out high level experimental and research work in a wide range of fields, including physics, chemistry, medical science, biology, and engineering, covering the entire range from basic research to practical application.
RIKEN was first organized in 1917 as a private research foundation, and reorganized in 2003 as an independent administrative institution under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
RIKEN's role in advancing Japan's science and technology policies
The Noyori Initiative
 President Ryoji NOYORI |
- Visibility of RIKEN
- Improve and strengthen RIKEN's public image
- RIKEN staff should be committed to informing the public of the importance of science
- Maintaining RIKEN's outstanding history of achievement in science and technology
- Sustain and deepen RIKEN's research spirit
- Emphasize RIKEN's consistently high level of research output
- Increase intellectual property activities, and provide scientific knowledge and achievements to industry and society
- RIKEN that motivates researchers
- Promote research driven by curiosity
- Seek unique, risky projects
- Develop talent
- Develop talent
- Find and foster ties with industry and society
- Produce science and technology that will support science in a more fundamental way than simply working with industry
- RIKEN that contributes to culture
- Increase RIKEN's cultural level
- Provide information to the humanities and social sciences
RIKEN's Research System
RIKEN's centers and institutes are classified into the four groupings of advanced basic research, research infrastructure, strategic research, and the research cluster for innovation. These four groupings interact within an integrated research system bringing together pioneering science and state-of-the-art research facilities to meet national and social needs. This system is further enhanced by active collaborations both within and outside RIKEN.
