Research Vision

The University's Vision for Research

The university advances knowledge in society by creating a learning environment that attracts young talent and by supporting creative research for sustainable development, to share the results of these accomplishments with both the world and local community.

Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting-Edge Research (ICCER) brings together research fields distinct to Shinshu University

In 2014, five unique institutes of Shinshu University merged to establish the Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting-Edge Research (Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting-Edge Research) in order to promote innovative research of world-class quality. As a result of the reorganization in April 2019, three research institutes - the Institute for Advanced Materials, the Biomedical Research Institute, and the Institute for Social Infrastructure - and three Centers for Interdisciplinary Research - the International Center for Fiber Engineering, the Institute of Mountain Science, and the Institute of Aerospace Research - have been established.

Mission of the Institute

1. Lead the global academic frontier.

2. Create value for future society by making full use of data science.

3. To be a platform for open innovation.

4. Create a challenging new academic field that will become the backbone of the next generation of Shinshu University.

Mission of the Center for Priority Area Research

1. Foster distinctive research that should be maintained and developed in the future.

2. Generate innovation based on research in specific fields.

3. Become the parent organization for educational programs that utilize the characteristics and strengths of Shinshu University.

4. Foster distinctive research that should be maintained and developed in the future.

AICS at Shinshu University is the Core of Aqua Innovation Center (COI)

The project, "Aqua Innovation Center (COI) Contributing to a Rich Global Living Environment and Global Sustainability," is a national project lasting up to nine years in which industry, academia, and government collaborate to make use of the innovative carbon and fiber research results of Shinshu University and other research institutions and the manufacturing technologies of companies in Nagano Prefecture and elsewhere. )". The project was jointly proposed by Shinshu University, Hitachi, Toray, Showa Denko, National Institute for Materials Science, and Nagano Prefecture, and was selected in October 2013 as one of the 12 (currently 18) research centers in Japan. The core facility for this activity is the Shinshu University International Center for Science Innovation (AICS) on the Nagano (Engineering) campus in Wakasato, Nagano. AICS is steadily working to create innovations to realize a society where everyone has access to adequate water, with a view to creating a future where the world's population is expected to exceed 8 billion by 2030 and water shortages are expected to occur in many areas.

Code of Conduct for Researchers at Shinshu University

Established on January 19, 2006
Revised on December 16, 2015

One of the key elements of the philosophy of Shinshu University (hereinafter referred to as the "University") is that " through its intellectual assets and activities the University will contribute to the conservation of the natural environment, the improvement of people's welfare, and the development and promotion of industry ". Our research goal is to open up new frontiers of human knowledge, to promote the creative research necessary for sustainable social development and to share the results of our research with regional stakeholders, at the same time as creating a learning environment that attracts young talent.

To this end, the University has adopted a "Code of Conduct for Researchers at Shinshu University" as well as other rules and regulations governing research activities.

1. Responsibilities of Researchers

Researchers are responsible for assuring the quality of the specialized knowledge and skills that they themselves create, and for using their expert knowledge, skills and experience to contribute to the health and welfare of humankind, the safety and security of society and the sustainability of the global environment.

2. Researcher's Conduct

Researchers shall recognize that scientific autonomy is dependent on the maintenance of public trust and the mandate of the people. They must always undertake to pursue their research with humility and to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity. They shall also make the utmost effort to scientifically and objectively demonstrate the accuracy and validity of the knowledge they create through scientific research and participate actively in mutual assessment among scientists in the scientific community, particularly in their field of expertise.

3. Self-development

Researchers shall endeavor to maintain and improve their own expertise, abilities and skills, and understand the relationships between science, technology, society and the natural environment from a wide range of perspectives, and act in an appropriate manner.

4. Accountability and Disclosure

Researchers shall strive to disclose and proactively explain the roles and significance of their own research, evaluate the possible effects of their research on people, society and the environment as well as the changes that their research might engender, neutrally and objectively disclose the results of this evaluation, and build a constructive dialogue with society.

5. Research Activities

Researchers shall act with integrity according to the spirit of this Code of Conduct in drafting, planning, applying for, implementing, and reporting their own research. By reporting their research results through such means as papers in an appropriate manner, researchers shall take responsibility for their achievements in accordance with the role that they have played. Researchers shall ensure that research and survey data are recorded, stored and rigorously handled, and not only refrain themselves from any misconduct such as fabrication, falsification or plagiarism, but also refrain from aiding or abetting such misconduct on the part of others.

6. Establishing a Sound Research Environment

Researchers shall recognize that establishing and maintaining fair research environments where responsible research and fraud prevention can be conducted is one of their most important duties, and they shall work continuously to improve the quality of research environments both in the scientific community at large and in their own institutions. Moreover, they shall also seek the understanding and cooperation of the public in achieving these goals.

7. Ensuring Proper Use of Research Funds

Researchers shall ensure proper use of research funds and prevent research misconduct by ensuring full compliance with laws, regulations, and relevant rules in the grant conditions and the use of research funds.

8. Consideration for Research Subjects

Researchers shall respect the dignity and rights of individuals who cooperate in their research and shall safeguard and give proper consideration to their welfare. Moreover, they shall comply with the laws, regulations and guidelines of academic societies when they deal with substances that may be harmful to the environment and security, such as radiation, RI, genetically modified organisms, non-native species, nuclear fuel materials, poisonous materials, and environmental pollutants. They shall also treat humans, animals and other research subjects with all due care and bioethical respect.

9. Relations with Others

Researchers shall constructively criticize the results of other researchers' achievements, humbly listen to the criticism of others, and exchange opinions with an attitude of sincerity. Moreover, they shall properly give credit to other researchers' intellectual findings and achievements as well as respecting the honor and intellectual property rights of others. They shall also pay strict attention to the duty of confidentiality with respect to information obtained in the research process, protecting the personal information of others and handling it appropriately.

10. Rejection of Discrimination

In their research, teaching, and other academic activities, researchers shall respond to others fairly on a scientific basis, respect individual freedom and character, and not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, gender, status, ideology and beliefs, or religion. They shall not exploit their superior position or authority as researchers to take any action that would be detrimental to those to whom they are giving instruction or guidance.

11. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

In their research, reviews, evaluations, decision-making and other scientific activities, researchers shall pay sufficient heed to the presence of conflicts of interest between individuals and organizations, or between different organizations, and shall properly address problems paying all due attention to the public interest. Researchers shall also comply with the Shinshu University Industry-Academia Collaboration Conflict of Interest Policy (December 15, 2004) and the Shinshu University Clinical Research Conflict of Interest Policy (October 19, 2006).