Okayama University of Science OUS HIGHLIGHTS OUS Researcher Exchange Meeting: All Researchers Presented and Connected Over Three Years At the end of February 2026, Okayama University of Science (OUS) held the OUS Researcher Exchange Meeting on its Okayama Campus. This event is designed to foster new networks among researchers withing the university and to help establish a new institutional research identity. Held annually at the end of February, the meeting has, over the past three years, featured poster presentations by nearly all full-time faculty members introducing their research. Graduate Student and Alumnus of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Receives Best Student Presentation Award at International Conference Hiroto Fujii, a first-year doctoral student (Ph.D. program) in the Systems Science Program, Graduate School of Science and Engineering at Okayama University of Science, and an alumnus of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, received the Best Student Presentation Award at the international conference “IEEE CASS Shanghai and Shikoku Chapters Joint Workshop on Circuits and Systems (SSJW 2025),” held on December 16, 2025. Okayama University of Science Joins JAXA Space Strategy Fund (Phase II) Project on Lunar Resource Exploration Okayama University of Science (OUS) has joined a technology development project selected under the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Space Strategy Fund (Phase II). The project, titled “Development of a Flight Model for a Water and Metallic Element Exploration Instrument and In Situ Measurement of Lunar Resources,” is led by the University of Tokyo, with OUS participating as a collaborating institution. OUS signed a subcontract agreement with the University of Tokyo on February 10, 2026. From Industry Insight to Hands-On Operations: Experiential Learning at Haneda Airport Okayama University of Science (OUS), with the cooperation of the ANA Maintenance Center of All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.—which supports talent development for the ANA Group’s aircraft maintenance companies, collectively known as “e.TEAM ANA”*—launched a joint talent development program this academic year. “Shika Sonic” and “Bird Sonic” Featured on Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Portal On January 9, the website of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) featured an article on a “high-frequency wildlife damage mitigation system.” The initiative was introduced on the Chugoku Regional Bureau of Telecommunications’ DX portal as an example of how universities and colleges of technology are addressing regional challenges through collaboration. The article highlights the Shika Sonic and Bird Sonic systems, outlines their future prospects, and includes commentary by Masachika Tsuji, Specially Appointed Professor at the Organization for Research and Community Collaboration of Okayama University of Science (OUS). Master’s Student from the Inorganic Materials Chemistry Laboratory Wins Symposium Excellent Presentation Award At the 35th Annual Meeting of MRS-J (Materials Research Society of Japan), held from Monday, November 10 through Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Kitakyushu International Conference Center in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Atsushi Yamanaka (a first-year master’s student in the Natural Sciences Course, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, and a graduate of OUS’s Department of Chemistry) received the Symposium Excellent Presentation Award. Ranked No. 1 Among Private Universities in the Chugoku-Shikoku Region for Industry-Government Collaboration Research for Five Consecutive Years According to the summary of the FY2024 survey results, “Status of Industry-Academia Collaboration at Universities and Other Institutions,” released by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) on February 12, Okayama University of Science (OUS) ranked first among private universities in the Chugoku-Shikoku region in the number of joint commissioned research projects conducted with companies and local governments within the same prefecture. Students Pitch Business Plans; Two Teams Earn ANA Awards ANA–Okayama University of Science Joint Talent Development Program Okayama University of Science (OUS), with the cooperation of the ANA Maintenance Center of All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.—which supports talent development for the ANA Group’s aircraft maintenance companies, collectively known as “e.TEAM ANA”*—launched a joint talent development program this academic year. On December 17, at the Kake 50th Anniversary Memorial Building on the Okayama Campus, nine student teams presented business plans they developed to help address challenges facing the aviation industry. Two teams were recognized for proposals praised for their creativity and practicality and received ANA awards. Dinosaur Exhibition Opens in Aira City, Kagoshima / 3,400 Visitors in First Two Days / Okayama University of Science Provides Full Support The “Wakuwaku Aira Dinosaur Museum Exhibition” was held from December 20 to 27 at “Aira Square” on the first floor of Aira City Hall Main Building in Aira City, Kagoshima Prefecture. The exhibition was presented as part of a collaborative initiative between Aira City and Okayama University of Science (OUS), with OUS providing full support. As a hands-on program that allowed visitors to experience dinosaur science up close, the event drew approximately 1,600 visitors on the first day, Dec. 20 and about 1,800 on the second day, Dec. 21, totaling 3,400 visitors over the first two days. Okayama University of Science Showcases Research Strengths at Agribusiness Creation Fair 2025 — Minister Onoda Visits University Booth The Agribusiness Creation Fair, hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) to promote collaboration among research institutions and between research organizations and industry, was held again this year from November 26 to 28 at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward, Tokyo. Okayama University of Science (OUS) also participated, showcasing several research-driven technologies and innovations. Demonstrating “Number of Collisions = Pi” in a Real-World Experiment A research group including Okayama University of Science (OUS) has successfully reproduced, in real-world experiments, the long-standing theory that the number of collisions between two objects and a wall corresponds to the value of pi (π). Using a suspended apparatus designed to minimize energy loss, the team repeatedly confirmed 31 collisions under a mass ratio of 1:100 corresponding to 3.1, the first decimal place of pi. Their findings were published in the European Journal of Physics. “Shika Sonic” Device Installed Near a School in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture No Bear Sightings for Two and a Half Months — Mayor Calls It “A Major Success” In June this year, OUS and Nanto City jointly installed one of these devices near Toga Gakusha, a combined elementary and junior high school in a mountainous region in the eastern part of the city where bear sightings have been frequent, as part of a bear-prevention initiative. Since its installation, there have been zero bear sightings in the surrounding area. Developed by T.M.WORKS, an automotive parts manufacturer based in Yamanashi Prefecture, and scientifically tested by Tsuji, Shika Sonic is a high-frequency sound device designed to deter wild animals such as deer and bears. Okayama University of Science and Minghsin University of Science and Technology Sign MOA for Double Degree Program Aiming to strengthen collaboration in education—particularly in the field of semiconductors—Okayama University of Science (OUS) and Minghsin University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Taiwan signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on October 23 to launch a double degree program that enables students to earn bachelor’s degrees from both universities. Okayama University of Science Ranked in the “THE World University Rankings 2026” for the Second Consecutive Year Okayama University of Science (OUS) has once again earned a place in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, released on October 9 by the UK-based higher education magazine Times Higher Education. OUS was ranked in the 1501+ band out of 2,191 universities worldwide, marking its second consecutive appearance in the rankings. Among 115 Japanese universities included this year—four fewer than last year—OUS rose from a tie for 63rd to a tie for 52nd. 700 Discover the Joy of Science: OUS Brings “Exciting Science Show” to Okayama Takashimaya To spark children’s curiosity during summer vacation, Okayama University of Science (OUS) hosted the Exciting Science Show on August 22-23 at the 8th-floor event hall of Okayama Takashimaya, just steps from Okayama Station. Over the two days, nearly 700 visitors—mostly families—took part in hands-on experiments with curious science toys, listened to the “language” of ants, and experienced the wonder of science with laughter and excitement. OUS Research Strength Ranks No. 1 in Chugoku-Shikoku Region for Fifth Consecutive Year in FY2025 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI) Okayama University of Science once again secured the top position among all private universities in the Chugoku-Shikoku region (covering western Japan’s Chugoku and Shikoku areas), marking its fifth consecutive year at No. 1. In FY2025, OUS achieved 120 successful applications with a total allocation of ¥236.6 million. A Chance Spotting of a Fossil Results in a Major Scientific Discovery A vertebrate fossil discovered in a rock from the Late Triassic period (approximately 220 million years ago) in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, has been confirmed through joint research by Okayama University of Science and other institutions to be the first ichthyosaur fossil ever found in western Japan. This marks the first time an ichthyosaur has been identified from strata dating to this period in Japan. Publication by Department of Chemistry Faculty Featured in Nature Index A research article authored by faculty members from the Department of Chemistry has been featured in the Nature Index, a database that tracks high-quality research outputs by country and institution. Discovery of One of the Largest Bipedal Dinosaur Footprint Discovery of one of the largest bipedal dinosaur footprints in the world: Possible trackway evidence of mongolian giant herbivorous dinosaur: “Saurolophus” Bioscience Faculty Ranked Among the World’s Top 2% Researchers Faculty Member from the Department of Bioscience Selected among the World’s Top 2% Most Influential Researchers! OUS: The Only Private University in Chugoku & Shikoku in THE Rankings 2025 Okayama University of Science ranks as the only private university in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions in the THE World University Rankings 2025 Tied for 6th among private universities in Western Japan, comparable to "MARCH" and "Kankandoritsu" Advancing Coatable Conductive Materials with a Novel Organic Conductor Development of a Novel Organic Conductor for Applications in Coatable Conductive Materials AI-Powered Forecasts for ‘Sea of Clouds’ & ‘Hijikawa Arashi’ AI Forecasts for "Sea of Clouds" and "Hijikawa Arashi" Now Available! Clownfish & Goldfish Coexistence: A Fine Balance in Nature Clownfish and Goldfish Living Together: A Delicate Balance of Distance and Tension?! Rapid Response to Large-Scale Landslides Innovative ‘Bird Sonic’ System Deployed at Kansai Airports World’s First Aquaculture Breakthrough in Tsuno, Miyazaki Aquaculture in Tsuno, Miyazaki: "World's First Success" Announced at Results Presentation Strengthening Global Collaboration: 2nd OUS & Mapúa University Colloquium Museum of Dinosaur Research Animal Quality of Life (QOL) Exploring Wine at OUS: Challenges of the Wine Project Program Where Independent Learners Thrive At Okayama University of Science, we cultivate learners who think for themselves, take bold initiative, embrace failure as a step toward growth, and work collaboratively across cultures and perspectives—preparing them to make a lasting impact in both local and global communities. Guided by Vision 2026, we are building a university where every student can truly experience personal growth. Together, students, faculty, and staff engage in high-caliber education, pursue advanced research, promote international collaboration, and foster strong connections with the local community. Academics Undergraduate Science Engineering Information Science and Engineering Bioscience Biosphere-Geosphere Science Education Management Veterinary Medicine Active Learners Course Distance Education Course Graduate Schools Science and Engineering Management Veterinary Medicine OUS MATTERS How to Apply Research Academics OUS Life OUS LINKS THE World University Rankings Tied for 6th among private universities in Western Japan, comparable to "MARCH" and "Kankandoritsu" Globola (in Japanese) Global Challenge (in Japanese) Media Coverage News 2026.04.13 News GLOBOLA Welcomes New Students with Fun Activities 2026.04.06 News Introduction of the Global Volunteer at the International Student and IJLP Orientation 2026.03.31 News Ranked No. 1 Among Private Universities in the Chugoku-Shikoku Region for Industry-Government Collaboration Research for Five Consecutive Years More... Media Coverage 2026.04.20 Media Coverage Professor Takahiro Murakami, an Ant Researcher, Appears on TBS Program “Information 7Days News Caster” 2026.04.17 Media Coverage Professor Tsunehiro Hayashi of the Faculty of Management Featured in the April 17 Okayama Edition of The Asahi Shimbun Newspaper 2026.04.10 Media Coverage Minna no Keizai Shimbun Newspaper Reports on the Establishment of the Entrepreneurship Center More... Job Opportunities More...