About RIKEN
RIKEN contributes to the enrichment of society by sharing knowledge and technology obtained through research.
RIKEN, an independent administrative institution, is the only comprehensive research organization for natural science in Japan. A wide range of research is conducted at RIKEN, in physics, engineering, chemistry, biology and medical science, and from basic research to practical applications, all with the aim of raising the standard for science and technology. The results of new discoveries at RIKEN, as well as the fruits of new theories and new technologies, are returned to society for the benefit of all.
The elucidation of a material’s structure or function by RIKEN researchers, for example, has the potential to contribute to the development of a new medicine or substance by other specialist organizations. The discovery of a new theory or technique can even lead to the creation of a whole new industry.
By actively and effectively making use of its resources, RIKEN seeks to maximize the impact of its results through collaboration with universities and businesses.
At RIKEN, society is connected to the latest insights and discoveries, contributing to increased social wealth and prosperity.
Missions
Since its establishment as a private research foundation in 1917, RIKEN’s accomplishments have been at the forefront of world research. Conducted atop a solid research infrastructure, and simultaneously through the development of young talent, our research activities at RIKEN aim at bringing forth top-caliber research results.
This aim is summarized in ‘RIKEN’s four missions’:
- Pursue research of the highest quality and integrate the results of this research to develop new areas of investigation.
- Build a research infrastructure of the highest quality for the benefit of the research community and provide opportunities to exploit it.
- Pioneer the construction of a new system for promoting scientific and technological research and for educating young scientists.
- Make use of research results to improve the quality of people’s lives, and to advance their culture and education, for the benefit of all society.