Dr. Albrecht Wagner

“The bold vision of the founding fathers of OIST was threefold, first, to establish a world-leading graduate university in Okinawa, second, to be a truly international university, with about half of faculty, researchers and student coming from abroad and, third, to provide the intellectual basis and entrepreneurial spirit for making Okinawa a hub for innovative industry. Today, ten years after the first graduate students arrived, the first two presidents of OIST and the entire university can be proud of what has been achieved in such an amazing short time. Scientifically, OIST ranks at the very top among the Japanese universities, has become a shining example for an international academic institution and a role model for other universities in Japan and abroad, and is very active in the development of Okinawa.
Ten years ago, such a rapid and successful start was hard to imagine. My congratulations for all what has been achieved go to all the people who shared the vision of the founders and came to Okinawa to build something for which no model existed. Their courage, scientific excellence, and enthusiasm made OIST what it is today and what it wants to become in the future. My thanks go also to the Japanese people and government who have provided the financial support to make OIST happen. My wish for OIST’s future is that it will be able to continue on its remarkable trajectory and to find the adequate supported. Many happy returns.”