Japan's education ministry has certified the Institute of Science Tokyo as the second university eligible for aid from a ¥10 trillion government fund. Formed in 2024 by merging the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Tokyo Medical and Dental University, it expects over ¥10 billion in subsidies in its first year. The certification supports a plan to enhance cooperation between medical and engineering researchers.
The Japanese government has established a ¥10 trillion fund to support universities in becoming world-class research institutions, providing up to ¥10 billion annually for 25 years to certified entities.
The Institute of Science Tokyo, established in 2024 through the merger of the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Tokyo Medical and Dental University, has been certified by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) as the second university eligible for this aid. A screening panel under the ministry determined last month that the institute and Kyoto University met the criteria for University for International Research Excellence status. The institute pledged reforms to foster collaboration between medical and engineering researchers and plans to submit its strengthening plan as early as February.
Education Minister Yohei Matsumoto said at a Friday news conference: "We hope (the Institute of Science Tokyo) will steadily promote the plan, produce tangible results and work hard as an entity that will lead our country's research and university education."
Kyoto University is expected to gain official certification after refining its reform plan with the panel for one year. The University of Tokyo faces ongoing screening due to scandals, including a faculty member's indictment on bribery charges, with results anticipated within a year.
This approval positions the Institute of Science Tokyo to significantly boost its research capabilities and contribute to Japan's academic leadership.