With the maturation of information and communication technology, the importance of pursuing research and development with practical applications in mind is growing further. In particular, given the high expectations for universities to take increasing role in solving social issues, the Research Institute of Electrical Communication (RIEC) was reorganized on April 1, 2023, to more strongly promote rapid social implementation of its research outcomes.

 The RIEC aims to conduct research on comprehensive science and technology to realize human-oriented communication, and, in 2021, has set three pillars (“future vision”) to carry out world-leading research and development. In this reorganization, the division structure and division names were changed to be aligned with the three pillars in the future vision: Transcendent computational capability, Infrastructures as natural as breathing, and Creation of super-intelligent systems based on human understanding. Specifically, the existing four research divisions were reorganized into three research divisions (Computing System Platforms Division, Information Communication Platforms Division, and Human and Bio Information Systems Division). Each division is composed of laboratories conducting research at different layers and is structured to enable rapid development of materials, devices, and their systems-level applications.

 The RIEC is now organized around the three new research divisions, the existing two research facilities and one center, and a new interdisciplinary ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Research Center for Cyber and Real Spaces. Together, our institute will build a foundation of sustainable growth of our society with rich humanity, while acknowledging the importance of communication as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fig. 1 : The Future vision of the Research Institute of Electrical Communication

Fig. 2 : Organization chart of the Research Institute of Electrical Communication after reorganization