FEATURE

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)
Enhancing Mobility: Unlocking the Potential of Global PhD Talent

A Global Hub of Research Excellence and Doctoral Talent Development

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is internationally recognized for its world-class research and strong commitment to global diversity. With English as its official language and more than half of its students and faculty coming from overseas, OIST stands out as one of the most unique graduate institutions in Japan.
Its interdisciplinary research environment, combined with a Principal Investigator (PI)-centered funding model, provides young researchers with exceptional autonomy and opportunities to take bold intellectual risks. In recent years, OIST has also strengthened its collaboration with industry and career development support, enabling PhD graduates to pursue diverse career paths beyond academia.
We spoke with Professor Thomas Busch, Dean of the Graduate School, and Aya Puka, Career Development Specialist, about the current landscape of research, talent mobility, and the future of doctoral careers.

Q1. How do you view the current situation of researchers in Japan?

Thomas :

I come from Europe, specifically Germany, where scientific research has long been supported by EU funding systems. A key feature of these systems is researcher mobility across borders. Researchers are often expected to move between countries to receive funding, which naturally fosters international collaboration and diverse perspectives.
This mobility has been essential in advancing research. In contrast, Japan tends to have relatively low mobility. For example, it is not uncommon for a student to complete their undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies at the same university and remain there afterward.
While this is not inherently negative, it may limit exposure to new ideas and environments. Increasing mobility—allowing researchers to gain experience across different institutions and contexts—can significantly enhance innovation and research outcomes.
In short, Japan needs to strengthen mobility.

Q2. How should companies evaluate PhD talent?

Thomas :

In Japan, the value of a PhD is not always fully recognized.
The true value of a PhD lies not just in specialized knowledge, but in the ability to solve complex problems. Doctoral students spend 3–5 years tackling difficult research challenges, developing skills in analysis, creative thinking, and perseverance through trial and error.
PhD holders are individuals equipped with strategies and resilience to solve difficult problems—capabilities that are highly valuable for companies as well.

Q3. How are PhD holders valued in Europe?

Thomas :

Traditionally, many European companies—especially in high-tech industries—have been led by scientists and PhD holders. Their expertise is highly respected.
EU research funding often requires companies to participate in research projects, which promotes strong collaboration between academia and industry. This has also led to the creation of many startups founded by researchers.
This ecosystem has proven highly effective in accelerating technological development and real-world application.

Q4. Why did you choose Japan and OIST?

Thomas :

To be honest, it started as a sense of adventure.
However, OIST is truly unique on a global scale. One of its most attractive features is the PI-centered funding model. Unlike many institutions where funding is tied to specific projects, OIST provides funding directly to individual researchers.
Researchers are trusted to use these funds freely over a five-year period, with evaluation occurring afterward. This model, similar to systems like the European Research Council (ERC), has been highly successful in fostering innovation.

Q5. What challenges do international researchers face in Japan?

Thomas :

OIST provides extensive support for international researchers, including administrative assistance, daily life support, and help for those who do not speak Japanese.
I have lived in Japan for 13 years, yet I still find it difficult to communicate fluently in Japanese. Ten years ago, I couldn’t even tell whether a letter I received was from a bank or a utility company.
This is why support systems are crucial—not only to attract international researchers, but to ensure they can continue working and living comfortably.

Q6. What career paths do OIST PhD graduates pursue?

Puca :

OIST’s first PhD graduates completed their programs in 2018, and we now have around 220 alumni.
Approximately 55% of recent graduates have pursued academic career paths, while many move into industry or startups. Previously, about 75% aimed for academia, but today the ratio is becoming closer to 50–50 between academia and industry.
This shift reflects OIST’s strengthened focus on industry collaboration and career support. Interest in working in Japan is particularly high among international students, though challenges remain in language, systems, and cultural understanding.

Q7. What is needed for Japanese companies to hire global PhD talent?

Puca :

The biggest challenge is the information gap. There is a significant divide between international students who conduct research in English and companies that operate primarily in Japanese.
To bridge this gap, OIST organizes company visits, internships, and career fairs where students and companies can engage in meaningful dialogue. These are not just recruitment events but opportunities for mutual understanding—and they are already leading to job offers.

Thomas :

In addition, institutional barriers such as taxation and pension systems can be difficult for international talent to navigate, which may discourage them from working in Japan.

Q8. How should Japanese companies evolve moving forward?

Thomas :

Companies should evaluate PhD talent from a long-term perspective, rather than focusing only on short-term results.
Hiring international PhD talent is not just about recruitment—it is about bringing new perspectives into the organization. Diverse backgrounds enable companies to identify unseen challenges and opportunities, while improving decision-making quality and speed.
Companies should also engage earlier in the talent pipeline through collaboration with universities, mentoring, and internships.

Puca :

We hope companies will better recognize the value of PhD talent and consider how they can contribute to organizations over the long term. Enhancing the environment for international talent is also essential.
If Japan truly aims to strengthen its global competitiveness and research capabilities, this cannot be achieved by universities alone—serious collaboration with industry is indispensable.

Q9. Finally, what are your expectations for the OIST/NAIST Salon?

Thomas :

The first step is making this issue visible in society. However, visibility alone is not enough—the real goal is structural change and an opening of minds.
Universities, companies, and government must work together, sharing responsibilities and learning continuously. I hope this salon becomes not just a platform for discussion, but a space that leads to real action and systemic change.

Puca :

When companies and PhD talent engage in direct dialogue, their perceptions change. We aim to build a relationship that goes beyond hiring — one of co-development.
Through shared learning and collaboration among industry, academia, and government, we hope this becomes a platform for meaningful and practical discussions. OIST is fully committed to contributing to this effort.

Thomas Busch (Dean of the Graduate School, OIST)

Professor Thomas Busch is a theoretical physicist and the head of the Quantum Systems Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST). His research lies at the intersection of quantum mechanics, ultracold atomic physics, and emerging quantum technologies. Focusing on systems such as Bose–Einstein condensates, Fermi gases, and low-dimensional quantum systems, he explores how interactions, particle statistics, and coherence give rise to complex quantum phenomena. His work contributes to advancing quantum simulation, quantum sensing, and quantum information science.
He received his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the University of Innsbruck, Austria, and subsequently held research and principal investigator positions at leading institutions in Europe. Since joining OIST in 2011, he has established an internationally recognized research program. He has authored more than 180 peer-reviewed publications and has made significant contributions to the fields of ultracold atoms, quantum dynamics, and quantum thermodynamics. In addition to supervising doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, he actively engages in international collaborations. He has been serving as Dean of the Graduate School at OIST since 2023.

Aya Puca (Curriculum and Programs Section Manager, OIST Graduate School)

Aya Puca is a Professional and Career Development Specialist at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), where she leads the design and implementation of career development programs for doctoral students. She is also a nationally certified career consultant in Japan.
After eight years of experience supporting research laboratories at OIST, she transitioned to her current role in 2019. Through the Professional and Career Development (PCD) program, she works to enhance not only research excellence but also transferable skills essential for success beyond academia. She is committed to supporting diverse career pathways and empowering doctoral students to realize their full potential in a wide range of sectors.
Guided by her belief that “both research and life should be more free and creative,” she actively develops and delivers innovative programs to cultivate the next generation of globally capable and impactful PhD talent.

Interview & Photography: Naoya Taniguchi (Nara Institute of Science and Technology)

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