Program Structure

Curriculum Policy

From the time of admission until the degree is granted, assigned NIMS researchers become supervisor together with Osaka University supervising professors, and provide research guidance based in the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS). Students can obtain a doctoral degree while cultivating their expertise in the field of materials science by conducting research activities in frontline research sites.
Course credits are granted to students by using appropriate methods such as examinations, assignments, and reports to evaluate the achievement of learning objectives, as stated in the syllabus. The curriculum is designed for the Osaka University - NIMS Joint Graduate School Program, so that students can take the required courses without having to go to the university often.

Admission Requirement

The program is open for students from Japan and around the world who are motivated to innovate in the academic field of information science for more advanced information society.

Those who are interested in the application of information science technology to biology or medicine, as well as students who have completed these graduate school programs and strongly wish to contribute to the information science discipline, are welcome to apply.
The program accepts students who have graduated in schools other than information science, as well as working adults who are motivated to study and conduct research in information science. To accept the students in a wide range of fields, the program conducts diverse types of screening through examinations and interviews.

The collaborative program aims to foster researchers and engineers who will be able to conduct research to bring innovation, focusing on two fundamental technologies.

  • Data-driven analysis and design technology for new functional materialsThe goal is to build a data generation platform that designs and evaluates new functional materials in cyberspace based on a large amount of data. That is combined with building a data generation infrastructure to predict, analyze and visualize new functional materials in terms of composition, structure and properties. The skills will be obtained using advanced information processing technologies such as large-scale computer simulations, big data analysis, and machine learning
  • Information system design and construction technology using new functional materialsUsing high-precision sensors and actuators, and high-performance and new-principle computers that is applied by new functional materials, students will be able to design and construct advanced information processing systems. It also aims to build a cyclical materials and information science ecosystem that not only contributes to the fusion of cyberspace and physical space, but also leads to better knowledge to create new functional materials by using the advanced information system.

Diploma Policy

Doctor's degrees will be conferred to students who meet the requirements by submitting a dissertation prepared with necessary research guidance after obtaining the prescribed credits through systematic coursework in accordance with the following the Graduate School of Information Sciences policies. The types of the degree awarded will be Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science and Technology, Doctor of Philosophy, or Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering.

  • Acquisition of cutting-edge academic knowledge
  • Advanced expertise and skills related to own major discipline.
  • The communication skills required to work with a global perspective.
  • The design skills required to conduct research and development by envisioning a new system

Student Seminar

A Student Seminar is part of the curriculum, all students and faculty members in the program attend. It is designed for the students to discuss their research results with other researchers and develop their presentation skills in English. It also aims to promote more comprehensive understanding of the research performed at NIMS. Each presentation at the seminar is evaluated by all faculty members.