The Keio Research Institute at SFC was established as a base for advanced research with the aim of making contributions to 21st century society through research results. In addition to this, the Institute promotes bi-directional coordination between education and research at the Shonan-Fujisawa Campus of Keio University and related activities conducted by businesses, government and academia in Japan and throughout the world.

Conducting advanced research and using the results for the benefit of society.

In keeping with the philosophy of Keio University, they always strive to be at the leading edge of learning and research. They believe that being at the forefront of advanced research is essential to support SFC's problem identification/problem solving style of education. As part of the social responsibility of our university, the Keio Research Institute at SFC conducts cutting-edge research; promotes the revitalization and modernization of universities; and contributes back to society through research results. The Keio Research Institute at SFC has the following functions in order to conduct innovative research and to contribute to the development of society through cooperation across different scientific fields.

• - Promotion of joint-research and investigation with Japanese and overseas organizations as well as contract researchers
• - Providing an interfaculty research environment as well as performing research and development into environments that support education
• - Nurturing researchers and experts including support for learning and research by students
• - Encouraging education and interchange for the development of the local community
• - Promoting publication and practical utilization of research results

Background of the Research Institute

Keio University established the Shonan-Fujisawa Campus (SFC) in 1990 with two faculties: Policy Management and Environmental Information(*). SFC is based on an innovative concept that reorganizes existing research results to offer flexible opportunities for researchers and educators so they can cope with the ever-changing environment of information technology.

In 1991, the Policy Management Laboratory, the Environmental Information(*) Laboratory and the Language Communication Laboratory were established as affiliated laboratories. In 1994, the Graduate School of Media and Governance Master's course was established followed by a Doctoral course in 1996. In July 1996, the three laboratories were combined to form the Keio Research Institute at SFC affiliated with the Keio University Graduate School of Media and Governance, the faculties of Policy Management and the faculties of Environmental Information.(*) Since April 2013, the Keio Research Institute at SFC is affiliated with the Graduate School of Media and Governance , the Graduate School of Health Management, the faculties of Policy Management, and the faculties of Environment and Information.

(*) Renamed to "Faculty of Environment and Information Studies" in 2007