Overview of the National Institute for Educational Policy Research

1 History

The National Institute for Educational Policy Research started as the National Institute for Educational Research, which was established in June 1949 and has since conducted realistic, fundamental research and surveys on education.
In line with the reorganization of ministries and agencies in the central government, in January 2001 the research organization was reviewed and reorganized to strengthen its role and character further as a research institute contributing to the planning, formulation, and promotion of policies on education. As part of this major restructuring and reorganization, both the Curriculum Research Center and the Guidance and Counseling Research Center were newly established to enhance specialized research, while consultation and support functions were integrated with the public administration. Additionally, its name was changed to the National Institute for Educational Policy Research, reflecting its role as a comprehensive policy research institute.

October 2021
Establishment of the Education Data Science Center
June 2019
70th anniversary commemoration
April 2016
60th anniversary commemoration
June 2009
70th anniversary commemoration
January 2008
NIER relocation to the current building of the MEXT in Kasumigaseki
April 2004
Establishment of the Educational Facilities Research Center
April 2001
Establishment of the Practical Social Education Research Center in Ueno
Reorganization of the Educational Resources Research Center
January 2001
Rename to the National Institute for Educational Policy Research
Establishment of the Curriculum Research Center and the Guidance and Counseling Research Center
June 1999
50th anniversary commemoration
May 1989
Restructuring and reorganization of the Institute
May 1987
Establishment of the Educational Information Center
May 1972
Establishment of the Science Education and Research Center
June 1949
Establishment of the National Institute for Educational Research

2 Staff

126 staff members
(as of April 2025, excluding persons holding concurrent positions)

3 Budget

Research and project costs	1,594
Labor costs	1,289
Management and operating costs	286
Total	3,169

Budget for FY2025 (Unit: JPY million)