Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) is Japan’s national research and development agency, established in 2003 under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Formed through the merger of two predecessor institutions, JST plays a central role in advancing science, technology and innovation. It supports strategic basic research, fosters collaboration between academia and industry, and promotes international partnerships. Through initiatives such as J-STAGE and science policy programmes, JST bridges scientific discovery and societal needs, contributing to innovation, public engagement and the development of future scientific talent.