In the fields of clinical medicine, epidemiology, and operational research, we analyse national surveillance data and conduct studies as follows: effective control measures for high-risk groups, molecular epidemiologic research, research in collaboration with medical institutions, and investigation of patient-centred support, among others. These studies are necessary for effective TB control under low-incidence situations.

In the field of basic science in which the ultimate goal is to develop innovative technology, we conduct morphological measurement studies to determine the ultrastructure of Mycobacterium, development and validation of new laboratory examinations, and molecular and genome analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We conduct human genomic analysis on host defence mechanisms of infection, development, and reactivation of the disease, analysis of immune-pathology with clinical and epidemiologic factors, and development of innovative anti- tuberculosis agents.

The outcomes of these studies are published in medical journals, presented in academic meetings, and disclosed on our website. Some are utilised as materials for discussion in meetings by the National Health Council, local governments, and health centres. The information is also distributed at training programmes in RIT, regional training programmes, and community trainings to contribute to progress in medical service and control programmes.

We established collaborations with national governments and research institutes in many countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the USA through international collaborative research and investigations, technical support, and exchanges of lecturers in meetings. The participants in the international training programme, which began in 1963, included more than 2300 individuals from 98 countries/areas and contributed to tuberculosis control programmes in the respective countries/areas and the world. We conducted international cooperation programmes funded by the Ministry of Health Welfare and Labour, Japan International Cooperation agency and Christmas Seal Campaign. RIT is designated as a WHO collaborating centre and functions as a supranational reference laboratory to provide technical support for surveys and studies worldwide.

As a global institute representing Japan, RIT will promote the health and peace of the people in Japan and worldwide by researching and controlling tuberculosis in collaboration with the Japanese government, local governments, public health centres, medical facilities, relevant organisations, and international organisations, particularly the WHO.