Osaka University had been active in the study of proteins and enzymes since its foundation in 1931, and it had been a long-standing desire of the University authorities to promote further this facet of the University’s activities by establishing a research institute specialized in protein science. The Institute for Protein Research (IPR) was thus founded formally on April 1, 1958, as a part of Osaka University, and Professor Shiro Akabori was appointed as its first director. The IPR began its research activities in an old building near the main building of the Faculty of Science at that time, which was located at Nakanoshima in downtown Osaka. Since then, IPR has developed significantly in terms of its scientific activity and infrastructures. Now, The IPR comprises four divisions with twelve laboratories and an attached research center with six laboratories, serving as a joint-use facility for the scientists working in the fields of protein and related sciences.