Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research (ICCER)

The research center aims to provide integrative solutions for the development of a sustainable energy sources, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the improvement of climate change prediction methods involved in the geosphere and aquatic systems. To achieve these goals, it advances scientific knowledge of groundwater flow, the movement and the transformation of carbon in the geosphere, lake-atmosphere greenhouse gas exchange, and purification technologies for leaked natural gas.

Bio-driven Emergent Robotics Initiative (BIDEROS) aims to construct a new paradigm of robotics that actively leverages biological sensation and behavior, creating technologies together with living systems. Rather than treating biological entities as mere components, the institute redefines them as controllable and reconfigurable engineering elements. Through the creation of innovative robotics in which life itself "behaves," BIDEROS seeks to create new value in both academic research and societal implementation.

By integrating soft material technologies such as self-assembling polymers, biomimetic colloids, and functional hydrogels, this initiative aims to create multifunctional biomedical materials that respond to the complex and dynamic environments of living systems. Through these efforts, it seeks to advance fundamental principles governing structure-function relationships and to establish a robust foundation for practical applications.

The Institute for Cell and Gene Therapy serves as a research hub for cell- and gene-based therapeutic approaches, which have attracted significant attention as novel strategies for treating intractable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and autoimmune diseases. The institute aims to (1) disseminate high-impact research publications, (2) foster the next generation of researchers, and (3) promote the clinical translation of research outcomes. To achieve these goals, the institute establishes an integrated research framework that unites basic and clinical departments, while actively promoting the acquisition of intellectual property and public research funding.

As a first step toward advancing global health and building a sustainable society, the "Institute for Food Design and One Health" is committed to developing effective, food-based approaches for maintaining the health of both humans and livestock. Guided by the principles of One Health, it promotes interdisciplinary research to foster a resilient and adaptive society capable of addressing complex challenges, including infectious diseases, environmental change, and food safety.

The institute's motto is "Think globally, Act locally" (Sir Patrick Geddes 1915). Based on this principle, the institute focuses on international research projects for the development of circular economies and sustainable societies. Architecture plays a centre role in this institute, collaborating with other academic disciplines. We dedicate ourselves to the socio-economic local development of Shinshu as well as to a wide range of international research collaborations.

Through the development of medical record-entry support applications and a standardized medical data integration application, this center promotes the utilization of standardized and structured healthcare data. By building a next-generation medical data infrastructure and creating evidence-based intervention models, the center aims to contribute to extending healthy life expectancy, reducing healthcare costs, and alleviating the workload of medical professionals.

The Institute for Social Data Research develops and integrates data to visualize how individual choices and behaviors interact with the mechanisms of social systems across the entire life cycle. Through this approach, the Institute aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the gender wage gap and to build an evidence-based foundation for policy formulation toward the realization of a society in which women can fully thrive.

Emotions are not opposed to reason. Emotions hold the power to transform society and inspire new values. This research center investigates the potential of emotional expression and sharing, exploring how emotions can function as a key connecting individuals and society. In an increasingly divided world, we aim to contribute to the creation of a society where people can coexist through re-examining the social and constructive power of emotions.

Based on textile and fiber engineering, this institute integrates materials science, mechanical engineering, and electrical and electronic engineering to create next-generation fully textile-based smart wear equipped with functions such as self-charging, thermal regulation, and sensing. The developed technologies will be applied to industrial fields including sports and healthcare, thereby contributing to the foundation of a health-conscious society.