The First-Phase R-GIRO Research Program for Specific Research Areas was inaugurated in April 2008, with a focus on six natural science areas that need to be urgently addressed: environment, energy, food supply materials and resources, medical treatment and health, and safety and security.

In 2009, several new research areas were added from a humanities and social sciences perspective: human life and value, peace and governance, and Japanese and regional studies. Also included were 10 newly created integrated scientific research areas that combine natural sciences with humanities and social sciences. Research project proposals were invited on campus and selected over the course of four years beginning in October 2008. With the aim of promoting research on safety and security as an effort to contribute to recovery and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, another two research projects were adopted in 2013. This First-Phase R-GIRO Research Program for COE Formation was completed in AY2015.