Kyoto University Office of Research Acceleration

Research Promotion Strategy

Policies and support to enhance Kyoto University’s research capabilities

The Office of Research acceleration formulates policies and strategies to comprehensively support and further strengthen the university’s research activities. By accurately identifying the surrounding research environment and researchers’ needs, and by developing effective support measures based on data analysis, we aim to enhance the quality of the research environment and maximize research outcomes.

This page outlines Kyoto University’s research promotion strategy from two key perspectives: 1. providing a research infrastructure that enables researchers to fully realize their potential, and 2. enhancing the university’s research competitiveness both in Japan and internationally.

The strategy is organized around the following four main pillars.

Analysis and evaluation of research capabilities and support for research promotion

We conduct in-depth analyses of objective data related to research activities both within and outside the university, and propose strategic improvement measures based on the findings.

Data Analysis and Evaluation of Research Activities

  • Visualization of research results using a variety of data such as number of papers, citations, and research impact indicators
  • Continuous monitoring of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
  • Promote sharing and utilization of research strength analysis data within the university
    • Use of the bibliographic information analysis tool InCites
    • accountability report

Survey and comparative analysis of domestic and international research trends

  • Multidimensional analysis of major university rankings
  • Performance benchmarking with preeminent national and international institutions

Advancement of research evaluation methods and development of new indicators

  • Development of research evaluation indicators (e.g., research diversity, originality, and budding research) that reflect Kyoto University’s unique characteristics
  • Introduction of more advanced research evaluation approaches, incorporating methods from scientometrics and the science of science
  • Study on evaluation of the social impact of research, including its contribution to solving social problems and its ability to make policy recommendations

Assessing the Research Environment and Identifying Needs

Through multifaceted surveys and analyses, we identify the challenges and needs faced by researchers in conducting their work.

  • Dialogue with departments to understand the research environment in the field and support improvements
  • Conduct and analyze on-campus research environment surveys (interviews and questionnaires)
  • Identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in research activities

Planning and management of research development programs

Based on the research environment and needs identified in the previous section, we develop specific research promotion measures under the framework of the Research Development Program (RDP). We plan and operate our own research support programs to meet diverse needs.

Strategic Internal Fund Design and Effective Implementation

The internal funding schemes conducted by the Office of Research Acceleration are developed through the Research Development Program (RDP).

We have planned and managed various internal funds, such as:

  • SPIRITS, seeks to promote research which crosses interdisciplinary, international, and interpersonal boundaries in order to challenge research frontiers and explore yet-unknown realms of science, and foster innovation.
  • Kyoto University 125th Anniversary Fund Kusunoki 125, designed to support interdisciplinary research initiatives that address complex societal challenges through collaboration across diverse academic fields. The program aims to cultivate innovative research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge and society.

Building a global research network

Kyoto University provides strong support for international research activities by offering networking opportunities and funding for successful joint research projects involving researchers both in Japan and abroad, as well as those aiming to build cross-disciplinary collaborations. Support is available at various stages, from identifying potential collaborators to launching international research initiatives.

Development of support programs for young researchers

Kyoto University offers a variety of support programs to help early-career researchers establish a strong foundation for their academic careers and expand their activities on a global scale.

Fostering Expert Personnel to Support Research Promotion

To enhance research support at Kyoto University, we are strengthening our system by hiring and training specialized personnel, including University Research Administrators (URAs) and other research management professionals.

URA (University Research Administrator) Training Program

Kyoto University independently designs and provides training programs to support the development of URAs.

Since FY2013, Level 1 training—consisting of 14 courses that combine lectures and exercises—has been offered to all URAs. This program equips them with the broad knowledge and skills necessary to support competitive funding applications and to understand the foundational knowledge system of URA work.

Since FY2022, with the full-scale launch of the Research Administrator Skills Accreditation Mechanism (CRAMS), Kyoto University has reorganized and updated its URA training curriculum.

Establishment of a URA Network and Strengthening of Collaboration

Participation in the Research University Consortium (RUC)

We aim to enhance the expertise of URAs and strengthen the research capabilities of universities by promoting information exchange and collaboration among URAs from participating institutions, and by sharing best practices across the consortium.

Participation in the RMAN-J (Research manager and administrator network in Japan)


RMAN-J is a national network for university research administrators (URAs) and other research support personnel across Japan. Its mission is to advance professional development and strengthen research support systems through information sharing, knowledge exchange, and mutual learning. URAs at Kyoto University actively participate in RMAN-J to promote collaboration with other institutions.