Research Infrastructure Council Announces Platform to Connect Universities and Research Institutions, Declaring 2026 as 'Year One of Research Infrastructure Innovation' — Transforming Japan into 'One Giant Lab'

The Research Infrastructure Council (Representative Director: Shingo Ebata) will begin constructing a research infrastructure platform in FY2026 that cross-connects universities and research institutions nationwide. This initiative aligns with government policies such as the 'International Excellent Research University System,' 'J-PEAKS' (Regional Core and Distinctive Research University Program), and 'EPOCH' (Program for Renovating Advanced Research Infrastructure) to structurally strengthen Japan's research capabilities. Positioning 2026 as the 'Year One of Research Infrastructure Innovation,' the Council aims to integrate dispersed research equipment, expertise, data, and talent, transforming all of Japan into 'one giant laboratory.'

### Background: Why Research Infrastructure Now?
In recent years, the decline in Japan's research power has been pointed out internationally. However, we do not view the essence of this issue as a problem of individual researchers' abilities. To compete globally, a platform that maximizes the potential of researchers is essential, but its development has been slow. Problems such as lack of access to necessary equipment, inability to obtain expert technical support, and fragmented data are significantly hindering research possibilities. We believe the key to bringing Japan back to the world's top level is shifting from an era dependent on individual efforts to one where we win through robust research infrastructure.

### Overview of Initiatives: One Platform for National Research Infrastructure
This vision promotes the following initiatives:
1. **Construction of a National Research Infrastructure Network**: Connecting research equipment and instruments owned by universities and institutions to create an environment accessible regardless of affiliation or region.
2. **Integrated Platform for Equipment, Talent, and Data**: Building an integrated foundation that includes not only equipment but also technical support personnel and research data to enhance the entire research process.
3. **Evidence-Based Research Infrastructure Management**: Accumulating and analyzing data on facility usage and investment effects in collaboration with the government to enable scientific evidence-based investment and policymaking.
4. **Expanding Opportunities for Young and Regional Researchers**: Creating a system where all researchers can access cutting-edge environments regardless of their funding or affiliation.

### Future Outlook
The Council plans to expand the network step-by-step, collaborating with multiple universities and research institutions. In the future, we aim for a nationwide network, shared use of thousands of pieces of equipment, and an open platform accessible to domestic and international researchers, evolving Japan's research infrastructure itself into a source of international competitiveness.

### Representative Comment
Shingo Ebata, Representative Director/President of the Research Infrastructure Council: 'The decline in Japan's research power does not mean the ability of our researchers has decreased. Our weakness lies in the state of the infrastructure that should maximize their abilities. Research infrastructure is the soil that grows the tree of science and technology. By recreating that soil, we will realize an environment where Japanese researchers can truly compete with the world. Our dream is to make the whole of Japan one giant lab. To turn this dream into reality, we will run at full speed through this Year One of Research Infrastructure Innovation together with all related institutions.'

### About April Dream
This press release is issued in support of PR TIMES' 'April Dream' project, where companies and organizations share their dreams on April 1st. The Research Infrastructure Council is seriously aiming to realize this dream.