# Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University
**Wikidata**: [Q11374899](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11374899)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/center-for-ips-cell-research-and-application-kyoto-university

## Summary
The Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) is a research institute located at Kyoto University in Japan, dedicated exclusively to the investigation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Established on April 1, 2010, the institute operates as a specialized operational entity distinct from teaching-focused university departments. It was led by Director Shinya Yamanaka from its inception until March 31, 2022.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University
- **Aliases:** CiRA, IPS細胞研究所, IPS細胞研究センター
- **Type:** Research Institute (an organization whose primary purpose is conducting research)
- **Parent Organization:** Kyoto University
- **Location:** Japan (Coordinates: 35.019917, 135.774167)
- **Inception:** April 1, 2010
- **Leadership:** Shinya Yamanaka served as Director/Manager from April 1, 2010, to March 31, 2022.
- **Website:** https://www.cira.kyoto-u.ac.jp/
- **Twitter Handle:** @CiRA_KU_J ( follower count: 6,703 as of Jan 2021; 2,165 as of May 2018)
- **Corporate Number (Japan):** 2130005015689
- **Wikipedia Coverage:** Available in Japanese and Korean

## FAQs
### What is the organizational status of CiRA within Kyoto University?
CiRA is classified as a research institute, which distinguishes it from standard university departments that balance teaching and research. As a research institute, its sole purpose is to generate new knowledge through systematic investigation, acting as an operational entity conducting hands-on research rather than functioning as a membership-based society.

### Who led the institute during its founding years?
Shinya Yamanaka served as the institute's Director/Manager starting from its inception on April 1, 2010. His tenure in this leadership role concluded on March 31, 2022.

### How is the institute identified in academic and library systems?
The institute is cataloged under several authority IDs, including the Library of Congress Authority ID (n2014024784), the VIAF ID (305286685), and the NDL Authority ID (001149113). It is also mapped to the schema.org/ResearchOrganization class for structured data purposes.

## Why It Matters
As a dedicated research institute, CiRA serves as a specialized engine of discovery focused on iPS cell technology. By existing as an entity separate from the teaching obligations of standard university departments, the center concentrates resources and talent purely on high-risk, long-term investigation. This organizational structure allows researchers to pursue complex problems in regenerative medicine and biology without the distractions typical of hybrid institutions, thereby accelerating breakthroughs in the field of stem cell research.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Research Focus:** Dedicated exclusively to iPS cell research and application, distinguishing it from general scientific societies or think tanks.
- **Global Recognition:** Recognized globally via a Google Knowledge Graph ID (/g/11ksfz7d1) and multiple international library authority records.
- **Distinct Organizational Class:** Classified specifically as a "research institute" (Geonames feature code S.ITTR), separate from "research centers" which are often sub-units, or "learned societies" which are membership-based.
- **Digital Presence:** Maintains an active digital footprint with a Japanese-language website and social media engagement tracked across multiple years.

## Body

### Organization and Classification
The Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) is formally classified as a **research institute**. This classification defines the organization as an entity existing specifically to generate new knowledge through systematic investigation. Unlike universities that combine teaching and research missions, or companies that pursue research for commercial ends, CiRA functions as an operational entity dedicated to hands-on investigation.

It is a constituent part of **Kyoto University** located in **Japan**. The institute is distinguished from related concepts such as scientific societies (which are membership organizations) and think tanks (which focus on policy). In library and geographic cataloging systems, it is classified with the Geonames feature code **S.ITTR** and mapped to `schema.org/ResearchOrganization`.

### History and Leadership
CiRA was officially established on **April 1, 2010**. The institute's founding and early development were guided by **Shinya Yamanaka**, who served as the Director (or Manager). His tenure spanned exactly twelve years, beginning on the institute's inception date and concluding on **March 31, 2022**.

### Location and Facilities
The institute is geographically situated at coordinates **35.019917 latitude and 135.774167 longitude**. Its physical assets and branding are represented by specific media files, including a dedicated logo (`CiRA_Logo.png`) and a facility image (`CiRA_(Center_for_iPS_Cell_Research_and_Application)_at_Kyoto_University.jpg`).

### Digital Presence and Media
CiRA maintains a public web presence at `https://www.cira.kyoto-u.ac.jp/`, which is primarily in Japanese. Its social media footprint includes the Twitter handle **@CiRA_KU_J**, which has been tracked with follower counts of **6,703** (as of January 5, 2021) and **2,165** (as of May 10, 2018). The institute's concept and relevance are documented in **two Wikipedia language editions** (Japanese and Korean).

### Identification and Authority
The institute possesses a comprehensive set of identifiers across academic, library, and governmental systems:

*   **Library & Academic IDs:**
    *   Library of Congress Authority ID: `n2014024784`
    *   VIAF ID: `305286685`
    *   NDL Authority ID: `001149113`
    *   NACCS CAT Author ID: `DA17958458`
    *   CiNii Research ID: `114028226659144692`
*   **Government & Structured Data:**
    *   Japan Corporate Number: `2130005015689`
    *   Google Knowledge Graph ID: `/g/11ksfz7d1`

## References

1. [Source](https://www.cira.kyoto-u.ac.jp/j/about/index.html)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. CiNii Research
4. [Source](https://www.cira.kyoto-u.ac.jp/j/pressrelease/other/220404-160000.html)
5. ROR release v2.5