The OIST Foundation is proud to support the OIST Science Studio (OSS) at the Yomitan Library, OIST’s first off-campus space dedicated to engaging directly with the local community. Expanding access to STEM education in Okinawa is a core priority of the Foundation, and the Science Studio reflects our commitment to making science welcoming, visible, and part of everyday life for families, students, and lifelong learners.
Launched as part of the Yomitan Yunlab Miraikan, the OIST Science Studio positions OIST as a key partner in a major public cultural and educational complex expected to attract more than 800,000 visitors per year at its peak. Since opening, OSS has served as an accessible entry point into science, emphasizing hands-on learning, inclusivity, and direct interaction between researchers and the community. For the Foundation, this is exactly the kind of place-based STEM outreach that inspires curiosity early and builds long-term pathways into science.
In just the past three months, OSS has delivered approximately 75 hands-on activities, lectures, and facilitated sessions, including interactive workshops, book clubs, lecture series, and PhD student talks. Monthly foot traffic has reached more than 10,000 visitors engaging with exhibits and activities, with more than 80,000 visitors in its opening month alone. Families, K-12 students, and members of the general public are not just observing science but actively participating in it.
With OSS now firmly established as a visible, community-embedded science hub, the next phase focuses on operational continuity, refreshing exhibits and programs, and ensuring continued open access. This support complements a separate Talent Fund request that covers honoraria and participation costs for those delivering and participating in OSS programs. Together, these investments strengthen OIST’s ability to serve Okinawa’s communities and deepen its role as a trusted partner in STEM education outreach.
Looking ahead to FY2026 and beyond, the goal is to keep the Science Studio open, welcoming, and accessible to all. Funding will support exhibit materials, basic operations, and program coordination and outreach to schools and community groups, while maintaining free public access and scheduling that works for families and students. For the OIST Foundation, supporting OSS is about more than a space. It is about ensuring that young people in Okinawa can see themselves in science, discover new possibilities, and connect with OIST as a living, accessible part of their community.