The University of Tokyo’s URA System
About URAs
Specialists in research administration are employed by Japanese universities with the aim of creating an environment in which researchers
can focus on their research, which in turn stimulates and increases the quality of the research carried out at the institution. Research administrators
in Japan are known as URAs, short for University Research Administrators. As research development professionals, they support all stages of
the academic research process.
The University of Tokyo’s Definition of a URA
At the University of Tokyo, a URA is someone with a high level of expertise and the aim of driving academic research in a stable and
sustainable manner by advancing a wide variety of research-related activities. They are able to carry out the following tasks on their own initiative:
- Surveys, analysis, and planning of research at the University of Tokyo
- Surveys, planning, internal and external negotiations, and other tasks required when applying for research funding
- Project management, evaluation, and reporting, and the internal and external negotiations required after obtaining research funding
- Other tasks related to the above
URAs at the University of Tokyo are equipped with a good balance of the skills needed to advance a wide variety of research-related activities,
namely a broad perspective, a high level of expertise, and the ability to show initiative. They effectively use and combine these skills to drive research
at the university. |