The objectives of RIKEN are to conduct comprehensive research in science and technology (excluding only humanities and social sciences) under the "RIKEN Law", and to disseminate the results of its scientific research and technological developments. RIKEN carries out high level experimental and research work in a wide range of fields, including physics, chemistry, medical science, biology, and engineering extending from basic research to practical application.
This institute was first founded in 1917 (Taisho 6) as a private research foundation known as "RIKEN". In 2003, it was reorganized as an Independent Administrative Institution under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, since when it has engaged in wide-ranging research activities that span basic to applied science.