The National Institute of Informatics (NII) is an inter-university research institute that specializes in Informatics—the science of information. The institute’s mission is to contribute broadly to society through the advancement of information sciences and information technology (IT). To this end, NII cooperates closely with universities, research organizations, corporations, etc. both in Japan and abroad. NII is a new research institute that was established by reorganizing and expanding the National Center for Scientific Information Systems (NACSIS) in April 2000.

Informatics is a science involved in comprehensive research related to information, by identifying the characteristics and structure of the information indispensable for human activity, by achieving efficient information processing, and by identifying interactions and transmission methods between humans and the societies they inhabit. Informatics is an interdisciplinary field with linkages to the humanities, social sciences, life sciences, etc., as well as conventional computer science and information engineering. It is a new academic field which will help lay the foundation for the advanced information society of the 21st century.

To build the foundations of this new science concerning information and to promote its fundamental research, NII has seven research fields with 55 research areas (of which 28 are taught by visiting faculty, as based upon present plans). Additionally, to verify and demonstrate the results of research, NII has two affiliated centers.

Informatics research requires both deep specialized knowledge and broad-ranging academic knowledge. We believe that only by having researchers and their counterparts in different fields cooperate closely, will we be able to see meaningful, creative achievements that respond to the expectations placed upon us by society. Given this basic policy and mission, NII undertakes theme-oriented research in a variety of research fields and areas, based on the research conducted by individual researchers. We research projects across organizational boundaries, particularly joint research with other research institutes in Japan and abroad.

As NII is still a new institute, we are fully aware of the difficulties that lie ahead us in our quest to reach our ideals. At this stage, we are striving to reach our objectives in as short as time period as possible and fully value your understanding and guidance.

NII Monthly Seminars are planned and conducted as a means of promoting understanding among researchers within NII itself. However, with hopes of gaining your better understanding of NII’s activities and your support of our research mission, NII Monthly Seminars are open to the public.

We would be delighted if our seminars serve as an arena for exchanges between researchers and engineers interested in Informatics. Everyone is cordially invited to attend our NII Monthly Seminars.