International Exchange
RIMS as a Center for International Joint Research
As the largest center of international joint research in the field of mathematical science in Japan, prominent researchers from overseas come and stay at this institute. It serves as a place for domestic and overseas researchers to conduct collaborative research. Its activities have earned international acclaim including a comment in the Notice of the AMS, 2004, "RIMS, an Institute for Japan and the World."
Specific activities include receiving researchers of mathematical science from overseas universities and research institutions as visiting professors or guest scholars invited to Kyoto University, guest research associates, or short-stay visiting research scholars. These guest scholars stay for around a week to half year and are received in various forms. Three hundred or more researchers are received every year including the overseas researchers coming to conduct joint usage research. The institute also actively accepts foreign students.
Inviting overseas researchers, on which the institute concentrates its efforts, is expected to promote interactions with domestic researchers through international joint research by systematic coordination with joint usage research such as international symposiums (held around 10 times every year as part of a joint usage research project) in which many overseas researchers participate. In recent years, proposals for joint usage research projects have been solicited internationally to encourage further internationalization of the center activities to promote stay-type joint research.
Visiting Professors
Due to the major divisional change in April 1999, the position of overseas visiting professor was provided in each of the three major research divisions. Researchers from each field of mathematical science invited from overseas stay for a long time through the year and conduct joint research with domestic researchers.
Distinguished Visiting Professors
As part of the efforts for assisting the Top Global University Project at Kyoto University, professors with high international reputations including Fields Medal winners are received as distinguished visiting professors. They conduct research and teach students with the staff of Kyoto University, as well as participate in a wide range of education including special lectures.