Industry-Academia Collaboration, Research Support, and Research Hubs

At the Keio University School of Medicine, a University Research Administrator (URA) in charge of intellectual property and industry-academia collaboration has been stationed at the Center for Integrated Medical Research since FY2014. The URA collaborates with relevant departments to provide support for research promotion.

The Research Park is a rental space within the Center for Integrated Medical Research, completed in 2001. In principle, we provide a research environment (approximately 90–121 m² of research space per unit) required to carry out specific research projects under prescribed conditions for a maximum of five years (initial application for three years, extendable up to two years upon review). Up to 42 units can be operational. There are the following six types.

Research projects conducted by concluding a joint research agreement with a company

Research projects conducted by concluding a joint research agreement with a company derived from a Keio University-related startup that meets specific requirements

Projects premised on collaboration beyond the department/division level, aimed at promoting fusion research in different fields such as basic and clinical sciences, internal medicine and surgery, or the School of Medicine and Faculty of Pharmacy.

Research projects conducted through public projects from the government, etc.

Projects where young researchers conduct research independently

Projects conducted by forming a consortium with multiple companies and research institutions, etc.

Research Departments are established to advance and enhance human resource development through research and research activities at the School of Medicine, etc. They aim to respond quickly to social demands and changes in conditions regarding the university's social contribution through academic and industry-academia collaboration, and to contribute to the diversification and internationalization of research and human resource development systems. These research departments are divided into "Endowed Research Departments" and "Joint Research Departments."

Departments established and operated to conduct research using donations from individuals, corporations, or organizations

Departments established and operated to conduct research using research funds based on joint research agreements with companies, etc.

Keio University and JSR Corporation have constructed and will jointly operate the "JSR-Keio University Medical and Chemical Innovation Center (commonly known as JKiC)" on the Shinanomachi Campus. This joint research building, consisting of three floors above ground and one below, is positioned as a collaboration hub for industry, academia, and medicine (opened in 2017).

Such collaboration between a university school of medicine and a chemical materials manufacturer is a unique endeavor in the world. By facilitating close interaction between researchers from Keio University's School of Medicine and Hospital—who develop integrated medical sciences and healthcare from basic to clinical levels—and chemical materials researchers from JSR—who develop advanced materials and products with life sciences as a strategic business—under the support of industry-academia-medical collaboration, we will realize a wide range of needs and advanced ideas in the medical field. We aim to create research and businesses that lead to the establishment and dissemination of new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies and medical support technologies that support a healthy and long-lived society.

On October 21, 2020, Keio University and RIKEN signed a memorandum of understanding regarding partnership and cooperation based on the basic agreement concluded in 2008. The purpose is to promote co-creation by establishing a joint research hub where both parties cooperate to expand joint research opportunities, further promote collaboration with industry, develop human resources, and create innovation, thereby contributing to the strengthening of Japan's research capabilities and industrial competitiveness.

Accordingly, the RIKEN-Keio University Shinanomachi Campus Joint Research Hub has been established within the Shinanomachi Campus.