Cooperative Research Center
　The Cooperative Research Center is a joint education and research facility established in 1996. Its primary role is to promote and strengthen interaction between the university and local communities, private organizations, and other research institutions/facilities/agencies, particularly in the Tokachi area and throughout Japan, by fostering collaborative or joint research, and providing technical know-how and services, as well as providing assistance in the coordination of potential joint research and exchanges. It also accepts commissioned research, provides information and services on technology transfer and patent administration, and offers advanced and relevant educational programs and activities for scientists working in local communities. The Center holds special forums and lectures on a regular basis, and these are open to concerned participants. Since fiscal 2007, we have been educating working adults under the program "The Formation of a Foundation for Creating Capable People for Reforming Their Regions" supported by the Adjustment Expense for the Promotion of Science and Technology which is provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
