The Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region (CERI), an organization within the Public Works Research Institute of the National Research and Development Agency, is Japan’s only research institute devoted to civil engineering in snowy cold regions. Since its establishment in 1937 as the Hokkaido Government Public Works Department Laboratory under the Home Ministry, CERI has been addressing issues in Japan’s snowy cold regions, including Hokkaido, and has disseminated its research findings to as many regions and organizations as possible. In 2001, the institute was renamed the Independent Administrative Institution Civil Engineering Research Institute of Hokkaido. In 2006, it was integrated into the Public Works Agency Research Institute, and in 2015 we became a National Research and Development Agency with the aim of maximizing our R&D achievements. To achieve the mid- and long-term goals directed by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, we have formulated mid- and long-term plans to serve as the basis of our research activities.In April 2022, the fifth mid- and long-term plans started, setting the direction of our research activities for the next six years.

Under these medium- and long-term goals, the Institute will promote R&D activities as described in (1) through (3) below, with the focus on issues with a high social demand, taking into consideration the role of the Institute and environmental changes around us, while keeping an eye on the future:

(1) Create a land where people’s lives and livelihood are protected against natural disasters;

(2) Manage smart and sustainable infrastructure; and

(3) Develop a vibrant, attractive region and lifestyle

The following specific research and development initiatives are being undertaken during this mid- to long-term target period. These are geared toward the 2030 reduction target aimed at carbon neutrality in 2050 and social issues such as the declining working-age population.

(1) R&D of technologies that contribute to the creation of a land where people’s lives and livelihood are protected against natural disasters through:

- the promotion of river basin management against severer flooding disasters, such as the heavy rainfall in August 2016 in Hokkaido;

- the assurance of the functions of infrastructure equipment against large earthquakes, such as Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake in September 2018; and

- the prevention and mitigation of extreme snow and ice disasters.

(2) R&D of technologies that contribute to the management of smart and sustainable infrastructure through:

- the continuous monitoring and management of river basins and channels amid climate changes;

- the efficient maintenance of infrastructure equipment in snowy cold regions; and

- the improvement of productivity in the fields of civil works’ execution and management.

(3) R&D of technologies that contribute to the development of a vibrant, attractive region and lifestyle through:

- the provision of winter road traffic services to support local communities;

- the establishment and maintenance of agricultural production bases in snowy cold regions that contribute to efficient, resilient agricultural production as well as improved food self-sufficiency; and

- the development and maintenance of the fishery infrastructure, natural environments and ecologies in cold seas and waters that contribute to improving the productivity of fishery resources.

In wide-ranging studies such as those on river/road/port management, agriculture and fishery, CERI will continue to pursue R&D on civil engineering for cold regions to ensure Japan’s prosperity and safety. We will proactively share the results of our research and technological development with Hokkaido and other parts of Japan, as well as with other snowy cold countries, serving the world as a source of civil engineering technology from Japan.

We appreciate your kind understanding and support.