OIST is hoping to break new ground for Japanese universities by
emphasizing multidisciplinary research, filling 50 % of research and faculty positions with non-Japanese and conducting all instruction in English.
In addition to the national awards in France, the Fulbright program has grants to conduct scientific
research in three French regions: the Alsace Regional Award (one award), which seeks candidates with backgrounds in medical imaging, computer - assisted surgery, and medical robotics; the Aquitaine Regional Awards, which award three grants in 2007 - 08 and
emphasize functional genomics, viticulture and wine - related disciplines, biochemistry, optics, lasers, and physics; and the Nord Pas - de-Calais Regional Council Awards (four grants in 2007 - 08), which seek researchers for
multidisciplinary projects covering a wide range of life, physical, and social sciences.
Emphasizing a
multidisciplinary approach, the Institute promotes an exchange of ideas, students and scholars between Canada and Europe, and provides a forum for public debate on European issues through
research seminars, workshops, lecture series and international conferences.