About the Project

The Ministry of Science and Education initiated a series of projects in 2006 aiming at creations of new human resource models and new R&D models for innovations in science and technology (http://www.jst.go.jp/EN/mext/01.html). These projects are to be carried out at universities recognized as Center of Excellence (CEO) in research and education in Japan. Shinshu University has been awarded two programs in 2007, Young Researchers Empowerment Project and Creation of Innovation Centers for Advanced Interdisciplinary Domains Project. This web page serves for our implementation of the former . The purpose of the project is "To provide young researchers with competitive research environment to promote their independence and active research opportunities through the introduction of tenure system to academic employment scheme". The Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering of Shinshu University is committed to the following mission statement to accomplish the target:

• Young researchers human resource center for fiber and nanotech domain will be created.
• Twenty two young researchers will be hired as tenure-track Assistant Professor by the end of the third year of the project. Researchers evaluated as exceptional in the mid-term evaluation will be considered for early promotion to Associate Professor with tenure.
• Twenty four young researchers will be hired as tenure-track Assistant Professor by the end of the fifth year of the project. In the forth year of the employment there will be tenure evaluation. On passing the evaluation a tenured appointment will be granted. The evaluation will be based on research accomplishments, international professional activities and educational performance.
• In view of the future introduction of tenure system to the whole Shinshu University the outcome of the project will be studied throughout the course of the project.