Kyoto University to Launch Science Book Series and Interdisciplinary Magazine in 2026
Kyoto University will launch a new popular science book series "Kyoto U × Blue Ribbon Books" in April 2026, with three initial titles covering cutting-edge research, and a new interdisciplinary magazine "Kyoto U Magazine" in March 2026, themed "failure". The initiatives aim to promote science dialogue across disciplines. The university's Integrated Research Promotion Headquarters, established in January 2025, will support these efforts. In July 2026, Kyoto University was designated as an "International Outstanding Research University", eligible for substantial national grants.
In April 2026, Kyoto University, in collaboration with Kodansha, will launch a new book series called "Kyoto U × Blue Ribbon Books". The first three titles are: "Introduction to Kyoto University's Science and Engineering: How 'Great Research' Is Born", "iPS Cells and Medicine: How Many Organs Can the Latest Technology Cure?" , and "What Is the Holographic Principle? The Latest Theory Unifying the Universe and Elementary Particles". The series aims to explain Kyoto University's world-leading research in an accessible manner. The Blue Ribbon Books series, first published in 1963, is a long-established science series for young readers.
In March 2026, the Kyoto University Integrated Research Promotion Headquarters will launch the magazine "Kyoto U Magazine", with Professor Tatsushi Fujiwara of the Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies as editor-in-chief. The inaugural issue will be themed "failure". The magazine is positioned as a "laboratory on paper", aiming to promote free dialogue between the humanities and sciences, as well as among researchers, students, and people outside the university. Content includes an interview with Susumu Kitagawa, a Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate and specially appointed professor at Kyoto University, as well as tanka and haiku poetry.
The Integrated Research Promotion Headquarters was established in January 2025, headed by Director Susumu Kitagawa, who also serves as a university executive. It operates directly under the university's executive office, with five departments and a technical group, staffed by about 50 research administrators (URA) and approximately 300 administrative and technical personnel. The URAs are responsible for assisting researchers in obtaining external funding, disseminating information, and promoting inter-institutional collaboration, thereby supporting researchers to focus on their work and uphold Kyoto University's tradition of "academic freedom".
In July 2026, Kyoto University was designated as an "International Outstanding Research University", making it eligible for substantial national grants. This system requires the university to undergo rigorous evaluations and submit progress reports. The Integrated Research Promotion Headquarters must further strengthen its structure to protect researchers from external interference.