News Details

2026/02/19

TRiSTAR Program Receives Selection Committee Special Prize at the 2nd YAMAMOTO Shinichi Memorial Prize

Tsukuba under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)’s Comprehensive Support Project for Developing Globally Active Young Researchers, has received Selection Committee Special Prize at the 2nd YAMAMOTO Shinichi Memorial Prize (February 13, 2026) (*1).

The award recognizes the TRiSTAR program’s cross-disciplinary and cross-organizational framework for fostering transborder researchers, promoted through the integrated efforts of 25 partner institutions, as well as the program’s achievements. These initiatives were recognized as exemplary practices in research and development (R&D) management.

Tsukuba Science City is home to 29 national research institutions and approximately 150 private-sector research institutes, forming one of the largest research hubs in Japan, with around 20,000 researchers engaged in diverse activities. However, differences in institutional missions and systems have posed challenges to establishing a fully systematized framework for collaboration. Moreover, conventional laboratory-based training models have faced limitations in cultivating the broad perspectives and diversity necessary for building international networks and creating new research fields. A new approach has therefore been required to nurture early-career researchers capable of thriving on the global stage.

In response to these challenges, the TRiSTAR program was selected in FY2021 with the aim of developing “transborder researchers” who generate new research trends by transcending boundaries of discipline, organization, and national borders. University Research Administrators (URAs) from three universities have played a central role in program design and management, working closely with 25 partner institutions to promote the following key initiatives:

1. Establishing a network-based program design and management system leverages the unique characteristics of the Tsukuba region
2. Providing individualized, hands-on support for researchers through URAs
3. Organizing interdisciplinary networking events and professional development seminars
4. Developing an evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of the researcher development program

The TRiSTAR program is a ten-year initiative, and this fiscal year marks its midpoint. As the program enters its dissemination and expansion phase, we will continue to build on the knowledge and networks cultivated through collaboration among the 25 partner institutions, further developing a sustainable model for “transborder researcher development.” Together with our partner institutions, we will actively share the program’s outcomes both within and beyond the university, and further strengthen our efforts to nurture early-career researchers who can thrive globally.

(*1) The YAMAMOTO Shinichi Memorial Prize recognizes outstanding R&D management initiatives that serve as exemplary models for other universities, as well as the teams (including URAs, technical staff, researchers, and administrative personnel) who contributed to them. Established in FY2024 by the Research University Consortium with the support of MEXT, the award honors the late Dr. Shinichi Yamamoto, who made pioneering contributions to strengthening R&D management systems at universities and to fostering and enhancing the professional status of URAs and other specialized personnel. The award aims to widely disseminate exemplary practices and the individuals who lead them, thereby advancing and raising awareness of R&D management in Japan.

Related Link:

Announcement of the Recipients of the YAMAMOTO Shinichi Memorial Prize

https://www.ruconsortium.jp/efforts/yamamoto/jusyou2025.html