
Key Stats
About Iwate University
Established in 1972, Iwate University is a national university located in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. It is distinguished by its rich natural surroundings and education and research activities deeply rooted in the local community. The university is especially recognized for its advanced research in environmental science, agriculture, and engineering. Among universities in the Tohoku region, it offers a conducive learning environment, making it an ideal choice for students seeking a peaceful research life away from the bustle of urban areas.
Academic and Research Strengths
Iwate University comprises four faculties: the Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, covering a wide range of academic disciplines. The Faculty of Agriculture focuses strongly on research related to local specialty products and environmental conservation, emphasizing practical studies in collaboration with the community. Meanwhile, the Faculty of Science and Engineering advances research in materials science, environmental engineering, and information engineering, actively engaging in joint projects with industry and other research institutions. This enables a broad spectrum of research activities, from fundamental to applied studies.
Research Facilities and Environment
The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities. Notably, the Faculty of Agriculture’s affiliated farm and experimental fields provide hands-on opportunities for fieldwork. The research buildings of the Faculty of Science and Engineering are outfitted with advanced analytical instruments and experimental equipment, creating an environment where students and researchers can conduct high-quality research. Additionally, Iwate University collaborates extensively with local industries and municipalities on joint research projects aimed at addressing regional challenges. This makes it an attractive setting for students eager to develop practical problem-solving skills.
Career Support and Academic Exchange
Iwate University offers comprehensive career support for students aspiring to pursue graduate studies or research careers. Leveraging its network with research institutions and companies, the university provides numerous opportunities for internships and collaborative research. Furthermore, it maintains active exchanges with universities both in Japan and abroad, offering programs for short-term study abroad and joint research with international researchers. This environment is well-suited for students who wish to conduct research with a global perspective.
Summary
Iwate University is a national institution that combines education rooted in a rich natural environment with cutting-edge, practical research facilities. Its broad academic offerings, strong community partnerships contributing to real-world solutions, well-equipped research infrastructure, and robust career support system make it highly attractive for students pursuing a career in research. It is a university well worth considering for those aiming to embark on a path in academic research.
Ranking Data
| Subject | Japan Rank | World Rank | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 90 | 1501 | 48 |
| Social Sciences | - | - | - |
| Engineering | 56 | 1251 | 9.4–19.4 |
| Business & Economics | - | - | - |
| Arts & Humanities | - | - | - |
| Education Studies | - | - | - |
| Medical & Health | - | - | - |
| Psychology | - | - | - |
| Computer Science | - | - | - |
| Life Sciences | 46 | 1001 | 10.8–20.7 |
| Physical Sciences | - | - | - |
| Metric | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 48 |
| Teaching | 10.5–25.1 |
| Research Environment | 11.1 |
| Research Quality | 10.8 |
| International Outlook | 29.3 |
Most Cited Researchers
| Researcher | Subjects | Citations |
|---|---|---|
Matsuo Uemura | Plant Science, Cold Acclimation, Freezing Tolerance, Cell Membrane | 10,833 |
Furuichi Tatsuya | Bone and Cartilage, Mouse Genetics | 6,181 |
Norishige Chiba | Computer Graphics, Graph Algorithms | 5,766 |
Koichi Takaki | Pulsed Power (Pulse Power Engineering) | 4,447 |
| Cell Engineering, Molecular Genetics | 3,893 | |
Daiki Kuzuhara | Organic Synthesis, Organic Electronics | 3,204 |


