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About Us

At the Pioneering Research Institute, outstanding researchers with rich research achievements and strong leadership abilities serve as leaders of Chief Scientist Laboratories, from where they carry out innovative fundamental research, pioneer new research fields, and carry on research that crosses disciplinary and organizational barriers."

Research Organization

Chief Scientist Laboratories

In order to achieve the mission of the RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute, scientists with outstanding research achievements, broad perspectives and excellent leadership abilities are recruited as to as the leaders of Chief Scientist Laboratories. Chief Scientists carry out their own research based on a long-term perspective,

RIKEN Hakubi Research Teams

In the Hakubi Fellows Program, RIKEN offers junior PI positions for independent research by exceptionally talented individuals. The program, established in 2017, encourages active exchange between the fellows, and seeks to develop the next generation of leading researchers with a global outlook.

RIKEN ECL Research Team /
RIKEN ECL Research Unit

The RIKEN ECL Program offers 2 types of positions: Team Leader and Unit Leader. The positions focus on natural sciences (including mathematical science and information science) or research areas bordering/blending natural sciences with humanities and social sciences, and provide researchers with an appropriate research environment corresponding to their research plan and career stage.

Researcher Story

Story Vol.

06

The challenge of exploring the origin of the universe
―Expanding the vision of the universe at the Pioneering Research Institute―

Story Vol.

05

Director, RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute (PRI) Motoko Kotani

When studying discrete objects in geometry,
they always lead to a continuous object in the limit.

Director, RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute (PRI)Motoko Kotani

Story Vol.

04

Chief Scientist, Molecular Spectroscopy Laboratory Tahei Tahara

The Cornerstone That Supports All Scientific Fields
Continuing to Challenge New Areas of Spectroscopy

Chief Scientist, Molecular Spectroscopy LaboratoryTahei Tahara

Story Vol.

03

Chief Scientist, Nanoscale Quantum Photonics Laboratory Yuichiro Kato

Overcoming Research Challenges in the U.S.:
Advancing Beyond Nanotechnology and Exploring New Frontiers in Quantum Science

Chief Scientist, Nanoscale Quantum Photonics LaboratoryYuichiro Kato

Story Vol.

02

Chief Scientist, Chromosome Dynamics Laboratory Tatsuya Hirano

Chromosome Research That Has Rewritten the Textbooks
Seeking New Knowledge That Will Become a Treasure for Humanity

Chief Scientist, Chromosome Dynamics LaboratoryTatsuya Hirano

Story Vol.

01

Chief Scientist, Star and Planet Formation Laboratory Nami Sakai

Elucidating “Why the Earth Became the Planet of Miracles”
from Both Physical and Chemical Approaches

Chief Scientist, Star and Planet Formation LaboratoryNami Sakai