The Graduate School of Advanced Sciences of Matter consists of a pure research group that explores the fundamental principles of matter and life, and an applied research group that conducts leading-edge technical research aimed at leveraging these fundamental principles for benefit of humans.

Traditionally, science and engineering have shared problems in cutting-edge areas, and researchers have been expected to approach problems from new perspectives. It seems clear that future life sciences and material sciences research will develop through a collaboration of the fields and a combination of their content.

On the other hand, students who have received degrees from graduate schools are coming to play important roles in society. These graduates are expected not only to have mastered the research methods and advanced technologies of particular fields but also to have acquired broad knowledge and practical skills so that they can play leadership roles in resolving the various problems that face the international community.

In keeping with this approach, the Graduate School has sought to bring a new strategy to bear on its research and educational methodologies. In addition to specialized study, the new appraoch incorporates introductory coursework in other fields, hands-on practical training, and courses designed to foster international communication.

Also, in April 2006, "Interdisciplinary Research on Integration of Semiconductor and Biotechnology" was inaugurated as a university-industry joint project aimed at technical development and creation of a new field of world-leading industry. As part of the project, in April 2007, "Education Program on Integration of Semiconductors and Biotechnology" was started in each department to cultivate researchers and engineers of the next generation.
 

In 1998, some departments from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering were integrated in cooperation with the Faculty of Integrated Arts and Sciences, the Research Center for Nanodevice and Systems and gene experimental facilities to organize an independent graduate school named the Graduate School of Advanced Sciences of Matter (AdSM), which originally consisted of two departments, Quantum Matter and Molecular Biotechnology.

AdSM's own research building was completed in August 2001 and laboratory building was built two years later in August 2003. Since AdSM was established, all of research and education activities had been performed at the building owned by the parent organizations. With the completion of its own research building and laboratory, most of laboratories were transferred.

In April 2004, AdSM was reorganized into three departments by newly establishing the Department of Semiconductor Electronics and Integration Science, which originated it from four research groups of Quantum Matter with the strengthened cooperation with the Research Center for Nanodevice and System (In May 2008, the Research Center for Nanodevice and System was reorganized and the Research Institute for Nanodevice and Bio Systems was newly founded with the faculty members of the Department of Semiconductor Electronics and Integration Science and the Department of Molecular Biotechnology at AdSM as well as the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.).