Research

NII actively conducts collaborative research with the private sector through external funds for commissioned research and other means. In addition, through calls for applications for open collaborative research, we are further promoting informatics studies and breaking new ground in research in collaboration with other academic fields, with the aim of generating new theories, methodologies, and applications (future value) from informatics that will bring incalculable real value to people and society.

[Various Collaborative Research Projects with Private-sector Institutions]
Collaborative Research with the Private Sector

NII receives researchers and research funds from outside institutions in the private sector to conduct joint research with NII faculty members. In principle, projects last one year, although multi-year contracts are also possible.

1. Receiving researchers only We accept researchers dispatched by outside institutions in the private sector to conduct collaborative research at NII while holding their regular jobs. Essential overhead expenses are covered by research fees up to a set limit.
2. Receiving research funds only We receive the research funds required for collaborative research from the private sector. Collaborating researchers conduct their research at their respective locations.
3. Receiving researchers and research funds We receive research funds and research fees to conduct collaborative research.

Projects Performed (FY2023)

*Includes expenses by collaborative research units.

[Research to Build Broad Collaboration with Researchers and Create Value] NII Open Collaborative Research

NII conducts open calls for applications for collaborative research, with NII faculty members acting as liaison officers. The following three types of open collaborative research proposals are accepted in the second half of each fiscal year.

• Strategic research proposals based on strategic subjects set by NII
• Proposals for research project meetings with the aim of paving the way for new collaborations and advancements in research subjects, mainly through meetings at the International Seminar House for Advanced Studies in Karuizawa
• Open subject proposals where applicants are free to set their own research subjects

This open collaborative research program accepts applications mainly from researchers affiliated with institutions in Japan, researchers with a wide range of affiliations can become collaborative researchers, including faculty members of universities and institutions in Japan and abroad, technical colleges, researchers at private-sector corporations, as well as graduate students. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this open collaborative research program and take a new step forward.

Applications Accepted (FY2023)

[List of Strategic Research Themes (13 themes)]

1. Proposals for research to support living together with COVID-19
2. Proposals for innovative core functions and applications/services utilizing SINET6
3. Proposals for cybersecurity analysis technology using NII-SOCS data
4. Proposals for establishing a research data management system in universities in the era of open science
5. Proposals for infrastructure for building and utilizing "datasets" as research resources
6. Proposals for CPS/IoT services and system platform design for realizing more efficient activities in society
7. Proposals for quality engineering techniques in uncertain AI and CPS/IoT systems
8. Proposals for innovative models and algorithms for more deeply utilizing cultural assets
9. Proposals for base technology for next-generation internet
10. Proposals for technologies and methods for promoting digital innovation in education and research
11. Proposals for algorithms and programming for quantum information processing
12. Proposals for base technologies related to synthetic media for realizing a people-centric AI society
13. Proposals for research into communication assistance technology for supporting a diverse range of working styles