WPI Program

The World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI Program) was established by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in FY2007.

The program provides priority support for projects aimed at creating top world-level research centers staffed at their core with the world's most leading researchers. By achieving a very high research standard and providing an excellent research environment, the centers should possess a level of "global visibility" that attracts top researchers from around the world.

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), commissioned by MEXT to conduct grant selection and project assessment processes, selected five proposals nationwide among many from universities and research centers. The IPMU proposal was praised by the selection committee saying, "A constellation of world class top-notch researchers with meaningful commitment to the project is presented. This will give a good public image for the WPI Initiative - young, dynamic, and exciting. Young, highly articulate prospective center director who is visionary and energetic is a very positive attribute." In addition, the committee praised the University of Tokyo as its host organization, "Strong and substantial supports from the host institution and University President are presented." We believe a bold Institute concept and the strong support from the University were the key for the approval of the proposal.

Proposal

Other WPI Centers

Follow-up