1. TOP
  2. About Us
  3. Research and Development

RESEARCH
AND
DEVELOPMENT

Research Institute for Global Change (RIGC)

We will promote research and development towards solution of global issues by understanding the current status and projecting the future of the global change.

To contribute to the resolution of global issues such as climate change, ocean acidification, and plastic pollution, we will lead international projects to conduct integrated research on oceans at all depths and on the close interactions of oceans with the atmosphere and land masses. We will apply the data obtained from this research to formulate both short-term seasonal predictions and mid- to long-term predictions covering centuries.
We will actively disseminate our research results through international frameworks such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the Arctic Council (AC). We will contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Goal 13 (climate action) and Goal 14 (life below water), as well as Japanese government policies.

Department Top Page

We will promote research and development towards solution of global issues by understanding the current status and projecting the future of the global change.

To contribute to the resolution of global issues such as climate change, ocean acidification, and plastic pollution, we will lead international projects to conduct integrated research on oceans at all depths and on the close interactions of oceans with the atmosphere and land masses. We will apply the data obtained from this research to formulate both short-term seasonal predictions and mid- to long-term predictions covering centuries.
We will actively disseminate our research results through international frameworks such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the Arctic Council (AC). We will contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Goal 13 (climate action) and Goal 14 (life below water), as well as Japanese government policies.

Department Top Page

Expertise

  1. Environmental changes monitoring through observation and technology.

    We will maintain our conventional ocean observation network while at the same time working to develop a new optimized observing system that integrates various observation platforms, including research vessels, drifting floats, and moored systems. To understand the physical and chemical states of the ocean. We also plan for automate observation through instruments.

  2. Developing technologies for observer under sea ice environmental change

    The impacts of global warming are currently most conspicuous in the Arctic region, and we will conduct observation and prediction research there to better understand interactions between oceans and sea ice and other aspects of Arctic climate systems, and help reduce prediction uncertainties. For this purpose will also develop underwater drones and other new observation technologies for observing sea ice.

  3. Earth's surface and human activities interaction understanding

    Based on oceanic and atmospheric observations, lab experiment and model simulations, we understand and evaluate the impacts of ocean acidification, warming, hypoxia, and environmental pollution on changes and processes of ecosystems/geochemistry linking Earth surface sub systems (ocean/atmosphere/land systems) to reveal their interactions with human activities.

  4. Projection of global environment

    We work on further sophistication of the simulation models that have been developing at JAMSTEC to better project the environment on various temporal and spatial scales. We promote collaborations among different models by taking the best of them in different ways.

  5. Assessing the impact of human and environmental change on biodiversity

    In order to evaluate the impacts of human activities on the marine ecosystems, we will seek to understand the changes in marine biodiversity. Particularly to fill the current data and knowledge gaps in the deep-sea ecosystems, we will develop analytical methods for environmental DNA and measuring methods of pollutants(microplastics). Through these approaches, we aim to establish and upgrade the integrated environmental impacts assessment measures.

Research Institute for Marine Resources Utilization

Understanding material circulation and origin of resources in oceans to ensure sustainable use

Our primary goal is to understand the formation processes of marine resources, including organisms, minerals, and energy resources found in the ocean. In addition to conducting the research that contributes to the sustainable use of oceans, we will seek collaborations with other institutions and industries through providing marine samples and sharing data, technologies, and scientific knowledge to accelerate the utility of the ocean.

Department Top Page

Understanding material circulation and origin of resources in oceans to ensure sustainable use

Our primary goal is to understand the formation processes of marine resources, including organisms, minerals, and energy resources found in the ocean. In addition to conducting the research that contributes to the sustainable use of oceans, we will seek collaborations with other institutions and industries through providing marine samples and sharing data, technologies, and scientific knowledge to accelerate the utility of the ocean.

Department Top Page

Expertise

  1. Effective use of marine organisms and biological functions

    We will endeavor to develop a precise understanding of oceanic material circulation through conducting chemical and molecular biological analyses of marine biological, geological, and other specimens, identifying the environmental, physiological, and evolutionary factors controlling circulation, and developing a quantitative understanding of marine bio-resources.

  2. Effective use of submarine resources

    We have sought to shed light on the processes by which submarine resources are formed by conducting  eld research, collecting and analyzing specimens, analyzing data, and developing numerical models. These e orts have shown that both physical and chemical processes influence the concentration of elements in complex ways over a broad spatiotemporal scale. We will conduct research and development using these research methods to identify correlations between chemical and physical processes and to apply the knowledge gained to build submarine resource formation models that would enable us to theoretically pinpoint promising marine locations.

Director-General

Naohiko Ohkouchi

Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics (IMG)

Illuminating Earthquakes and Volcanic Activities for Disaster Mitigation

To reveal earthquakes and volcanic activities, the scientists and staff of the Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics will conduct large-scale observations around Japan and the western Pacific using JAMSTEC vessels and various state-of-the-art marine exploration technologies. In particular we will conduct geophysical-geological surveys in the Nankal Trough, Japan Trench, Kuril Trench, and other tectonically active zones that may be subject to a forthcoming megathrust earthquake or volcanic eruption. Moreover, we will develop, improve, and upgrade the methods and systems to acquire and process data.
Furthermore, in line with SDGs 11 (sustainable cities and communities), our institute will contribute to disaster mitigation by sharing the scientific knowledge we have gained with society. We will also endeavor to conduct observational surveys and apply our research results in countries that are vulnerable to frequent natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activities.

Department Top Page

Illuminating Earthquakes and Volcanic Activities for Disaster Mitigation

To reveal earthquakes and volcanic activities, the scientists and staff of the Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics will conduct large-scale observations around Japan and the western Pacific using JAMSTEC vessels and various state-of-the-art marine exploration technologies. In particular we will conduct geophysical-geological surveys in the Nankal Trough, Japan Trench, Kuril Trench, and other tectonically active zones that may be subject to a forthcoming megathrust earthquake or volcanic eruption. Moreover, we will develop, improve, and upgrade the methods and systems to acquire and process data.
Furthermore, in line with SDGs 11 (sustainable cities and communities), our institute will contribute to disaster mitigation by sharing the scientific knowledge we have gained with society. We will also endeavor to conduct observational surveys and apply our research results in countries that are vulnerable to frequent natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activities.

Department Top Page

Expertise

  1. Understanding seismogenic zones.

    Compared with onshore earthquakes, we still know very little about offshore events. For improve this we develop and deploy a real-time observation system of seafloor crustal deformation and seismic activity. Focusing on regions having high urgency and importance as the presumed source area of large earthquakes and tsunamis, we conduct seismic surveys and observations to investigate three-dimensional crustal structure, seismic activity, the physical properties of faults, paleoseismic record, and other factors. The surveys and observations data are broadly shared with relevant institutes and universities.

  2. Understanding generation process and forecasting of earthquake and tsunami

    To contribute monitoring of the current status and long-term evaluation of seismogenic zones, we will accumulate and disseminate knowledge that promotes our understanding of earthquake generation mechanisms and our ability to grasp and forecast the status of the inter plate locking and slipping based on the latest data obtained from observations and research on seismogenic zones.

  3. Understanding current status of the Earth’s interior and forecasting its variation.

    Submarine volcanic eruptions have caused sudden, large-scale disasters.As it have huge impact on the human society and the global environment. So to address these issues, we will conduct ocean drilling surveys using our Deep-sea Scientific Drilling Vessel CHIKYU and investigate the internal structures of the Earth that control volcanic activity.

Research Institute for Value-Added-Information Generation (VAiG)

Probing unknown causal relationships hidden in Earth systems

To identify interrelationships between changes in Earth systems and human activity, we will develop methodologies for integrating the vast amounts of data generated by JAMSTEC R&D activities, and mathematical analysis methods for efficiently processing the resulting integrated data. We will also support the resolution of policy issues and development of sustainable socioeconomic systems by generating and disseminating information tailored to various needs. We will additionally endeavor to expand this initiative to encompass other relevant organizations both in Japan and overseas so as to build a framework for generating even more advanced and useful information.

Department Top Page

Probing unknown causal relationships hidden in Earth systems

To identify interrelationships between changes in Earth systems and human activity, we will develop methodologies for integrating the vast amounts of data generated by JAMSTEC R&D activities, and mathematical analysis methods for efficiently processing the resulting integrated data. We will also support the resolution of policy issues and development of sustainable socioeconomic systems by generating and disseminating information tailored to various needs. We will additionally endeavor to expand this initiative to encompass other relevant organizations both in Japan and overseas so as to build a framework for generating even more advanced and useful information.

Department Top Page

Expertise

  1. R&D of numerical analysis and verification methodologies

    To identify interrelationships between changes in Earth systems and human activity, we will develop methodologies for integrating the vast amounts of data generated by JAMSTEC R&D activities, and mathematical analysis methods for efficiently processing the resulting integrated data. We will additionally endeavor to expand this initiative to encompass other relevant organizations both in Japan and overseas so as to build a frame- work for generating even more advanced and useful information.

  2. R&D on the the use of numerical analysis results to get optimized information

    We will develop a four-dimensional virtual earth as a large-scale data system equipped with advanced data analysis functions and capable of efficiently aggregating and managing data generated by the numerical analysis repository and other sources.

  3. Execution platform optimized for information generation

    As an execution platform for the numerical analysis repository and four-dimensional virtual earth, we will build a high-speed computing system capable of handling the huge amount of information stored in the data server, connecting the system and server through a high-speed network.

Institute for Extra-cutting-edge Science and Technology Avant-garde Research (X-star)

Exploratory and challenging research and technological development for the future

Our exploratory and challenging research and development on deep-sea extreme environments, or so to be called the Earth's last frontiers, will build a scientific, technological, and intellectual platform which will lead to generating diverse knowledge and innovation to support future Japan as a maritime nation. It is expected to raise public interest in science and technology, and contribute significantly to the promotion of Japan's science and technology policies. We also lead JAMSTEC basic research and development, promote research collaboration between different fields, and accelerate mission achievement.

Department Top Page

Exploratory and challenging research and technological development for the future

Our exploratory and challenging research and development on deep-sea extreme environments, or so to be called the Earth's last frontiers, will build a scientific, technological, and intellectual platform which will lead to generating diverse knowledge and innovation to support future Japan as a maritime nation. It is expected to raise public interest in science and technology, and contribute significantly to the promotion of Japan's science and technology policies. We also lead JAMSTEC basic research and development, promote research collaboration between different fields, and accelerate mission achievement.

Department Top Page

Expertise

  1. Basic, exploratory and challenging research based on out-of-the-box thinking

    We will conduct challenging and highly speculative research with the aim of making breakthroughs and generating systematic under- standing that will lead to future paradigm shift in science. Japan has already gained worldwide recognition for the originality of its exploratory research on the role of the ocean in the origin of life and the co-evolution of life and the environment. By focusing on these themes, we will establish a new academic field in which Japan will lead the world.

  2. Building the future of oceanographic technology

    With the goal of producing outcomes that transform oceanographic technology, we will engage in highly speculative and pioneering technological development research rather than endeavoring to extend existing technologies. Such as measurement using laser processing and electrochemical processing, and ultra-high resolution nanoscale analysis.

Institute for Marine-Earth Exploration and Engineering (MarE3)

At the forefront of marine research and study

Oceans occupy about 70% of the Earth's surface, and are a significant source of dynamic global change. A wide range of important marine-Earth research targets, including ocean deeps, tectonic subduction zones (with related earthquakes and volcanic eruptions), hydrothermal vents, and the deep subseafloor, are the primary targets of our world-leading scientific research and development program. Implementing this, while also supporting Japan's ocean policies, we will maintain and improve our advanced capabilities for investigation and observation of the world ocean and seas. We promote the operation of our marine research facilities, capable of supporting research across large and diverse fields of investigation, as part of the greater scientific and research community.

Department Top Page

At the forefront of marine research and study

Oceans occupy about 70% of the Earth's surface, and are a significant source of dynamic global change. A wide range of important marine-Earth research targets, including ocean deeps, tectonic subduction zones (with related earthquakes and volcanic eruptions), hydrothermal vents, and the deep subseafloor, are the primary targets of our world-leading scientific research and development program. Implementing this, while also supporting Japan's ocean policies, we will maintain and improve our advanced capabilities for investigation and observation of the world ocean and seas. We promote the operation of our marine research facilities, capable of supporting research across large and diverse fields of investigation, as part of the greater scientific and research community.

Department Top Page

Expertise

  1. Operation of ocean research platforms

    We will operate safe, efficient, and stable ocean research platforms that addresses R&D and societal needs. We will continue to upgrade the functions and performance of our equipment and facilities, and incorporate newly developed methodologies and technologies to enable the implementation of sophisticated research and observation.

  2. Development of ultra-deep water and ultra-deep drilling technologies

    Ultra-deep water and ultra-deep drilling and borehole observation technologies are required to better understand the mechanisms of mega earthquakes, new frontiers such as the sub-seafloor biosphere, and future global-scale environmental changes.

Director-General

Nobuhisa Eguchi

Organization

Engineering Department

Promoting research and development to learn about the ocean

Japan has a deep and wide sea, and we have been involved with the sea since ancient times. While we received many blessings from the sea, we were also terrified by threats such as tsunamis. Until now, we have made efforts to understand the ocean through many oceanographic surveys and studies. In the last few years, as we have experienced major changes in the global environment. We feel that we must deepen our understanding of the ocean.

Department Top Page

Promoting research and development to learn about the ocean

Japan has a deep and wide sea, and we have been involved with the sea since ancient times. While we received many blessings from the sea, we were also terrified by threats such as tsunamis. Until now, we have made efforts to understand the ocean through many oceanographic surveys and studies. In the last few years, as we have experienced major changes in the global environment. We feel that we must deepen our understanding of the ocean.

Department Top Page

Project Office for Arctic Research Vessel (PARV)

Promoting construction of the Arctic Research Vessel & preparing for operations as an international research platform

JAMSTEC started the construction of Japan's first Arctic research vessel with icebreaking capabilities in 2021. The Arctic Research Vessel will have the capability to generate new research outcomes since it can operate in sea-ice-covered areas, thereby providing new sets of data. Project Office for Arctic Research Vessel will deploy this new research vessel as an international research platform, playing a leading role in international projects and observations in collaboration with interested countries, while also fostering future generations of Arctic researchers & engineers. We are dedicated to the successful construction and operation of the new vessel, and ensuring that the vessel will be able to meet these goals as soon as it enters into service.

Department Top Page

Promoting construction of the Arctic Research Vessel & preparing for operations as an international research platform

JAMSTEC started the construction of Japan's first Arctic research vessel with icebreaking capabilities in 2021. The Arctic Research Vessel will have the capability to generate new research outcomes since it can operate in sea-ice-covered areas, thereby providing new sets of data. Project Office for Arctic Research Vessel will deploy this new research vessel as an international research platform, playing a leading role in international projects and observations in collaboration with interested countries, while also fostering future generations of Arctic researchers & engineers. We are dedicated to the successful construction and operation of the new vessel, and ensuring that the vessel will be able to meet these goals as soon as it enters into service.

Department Top Page

Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI-AIMEC)

To understand and forecast the response and adaptative mechanisms of marine ecosystems to Earth’s environmental changes

WPI-AIMEC (WPI-Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change), jointly proposed by Tohoku University and JAMSTEC, has been adopted as a new center of excellence under the World Premier International Research Center Program (WPI) program of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT).
The WPI aims to advance the level of science and technology in Japan by establishing a “visible research center” that attracts world-leading researchers worldwide under outstanding leadership. Focusing on the Northwest Pacific, WPI-AIMEC will expound on the response and adaptive mechanisms of marine ecosystems to Earth system dynamics using a fusional approach that integrates marine physics, ecology, and mathematic information science with big data to facilitate systematic forecasting of change. Consequently, a new academic field “Ocean-Ecosystem Change Systematics (OECS)” will be established.

Pamphlet
Topics

To understand and forecast the response and adaptative mechanisms of marine ecosystems to Earth’s environmental changes

WPI-AIMEC (WPI-Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change), jointly proposed by Tohoku University and JAMSTEC, has been adopted as a new center of excellence under the World Premier International Research Center Program (WPI) program of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT).
The WPI aims to advance the level of science and technology in Japan by establishing a “visible research center” that attracts world-leading researchers worldwide under outstanding leadership. Focusing on the Northwest Pacific, WPI-AIMEC will expound on the response and adaptive mechanisms of marine ecosystems to Earth system dynamics using a fusional approach that integrates marine physics, ecology, and mathematic information science with big data to facilitate systematic forecasting of change. Consequently, a new academic field “Ocean-Ecosystem Change Systematics (OECS)” will be established.

Pamphlet Topics