National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology ^{Universities & Research Centres}

The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), led by President Chubachi, is a public research institution funded by the Japanese government to a large extent. The present AIST is a rather new research organization established in 2001. However, AIST and its predecessor organizations have been contributing to society through continuous advancement in technologies and support to Japanese industries since 1882. Headquarters of AIST are located in Tsukuba and Tokyo. AIST has over 40 autonomous research units in various innovative research fields, and the units are located at ten research bases and several sites (smaller than research bases) of AIST all over Japan. About 2300 researchers (about 2000 with tenure: about 80 from abroad) and a few thousands of visiting scientists, post-doctoral fellows, and students from home and abroad are working at AIST. About 650 permanent administrative personnel and many temporary staff support research works of AIST.