Coordinated, continuing research activities are currently being conducted at eight research centers and at one education center focused on specific fields within agricultural sciences, engineering, and humanities. In addition, individual researchers pursue and address their own research topics. By promoting research activities in the Institute itself and through joint research and exchanges with domestic and international organizations, the Research Institute aims to make a broad contribution to the development and improvement of science and culture with specialized, interdisciplinary, and integrated research activities that span all fields. The Center of Excellence (COE) project has been supported by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) since 2002 (see the Brain Science Research Center). The Genetic Analysis and Brain Activity Imaging Laboratory (GBI) building is operating since 2004.