National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology – Japan
The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), one of the largest public research organizations in Japan, focuses on the creation and practical realization of technologies useful to Japanese industry and society, and on “bridging” the gap between innovative technological seeds and commercialization.
For this, AIST is organized into 5 departments and 2 centers that bring together core technologies to exert its comprehensive strength. Making use of the diversity of these 7 research domains, AIST addresses social issues ahead of the other countries by deepening cooperation among industry, society, and government.
AIST, as a core and pioneering existence of the national innovation system, has about 2300 researchers doing research and development at 12 research bases across the country, based on the national strategies formulated bearing in mind the changing environment regarding innovation.
AIST is also actively building a global network by, for example, signing memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for comprehensive research cooperation with major research institutes around the world.
Through its Energy and Environment Research Domain, AIST is developing technologies for increased use of alternative energy technologies, such as renewable energy sources that reduce greenhouse gas emissions (energy creation), high-density storage of energy (energy storage), highly efficient conversion and use of energy (energy saving), effective utilization of energy resources, and evaluation and reduction of environmental risks.
Through it Electronics and Manufacturing Research Domain, AIST is enhancing industrial competitiveness by developing advanced electronic and optical device technologies that enable both performance enhancement and significant energy savings of IT equipment, and innovative manufacturing technologies that enable energy savings, resource savings, and low cost. Moreover, AIST is building a highly efficient production system by combining innovative manufacturing technologies and sensing technologies based on the advanced devices.
Links:
– National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
(Content source: AIST website and press releases.)