The ASI Departments promote strategic projects for cultivating the seeds of new science and technology developed through basic research. The ultimate objective of the Departments is to build the foundations for research that can later be carried forward within RIKEN by its various strategic research centers and institutes or spun-off as a new RIKEN center or institute or a national center of excellence in a particular field.
The Japanese government’s Funding Program for World-leading Innovative R&D in Science and Technology, known as the FIRST Program, provides support for advanced research to strengthen Japan’s international competitiveness and to return the benefits of research and development to society.
The Chief Scientist Laboratories enjoy considerable freedom to pursue a diverse range of creative research that is not limited by the boundaries of field and that will lead to the germination of new seeds of science and technology.
The Associate Chief Scientists Laboratories are headed by promising young researchers who are expected to pioneer next-generation fields of science and technology.
Distinguished Senior Scientist Laboratories are headed by retired Chief Scientists who have achieved superior research results and shown excellent leadership skills. The Distinguished Senior Scientist Labs work at producing new research seeds.
Special Research Units are headed by a Unit Leader who has shown superior research potential and focus on the swift and effective development of strategic research.
The Initiative Research Units are headed by young researchers with unique, creative ideas and carry out research directed at producing new research seeds.
These Initiative Research Units are headed by young foreign researchers with unique, creative ideas and carry out research directed at producing new research seeds.
The Corporate and International Relations Division is promoting collaboration with international partners, universities and research institutions, partners inside RIKEN, and with private industry. The Advanced Technology Support Division is providing support to meet the diverse needs of research.