Since the early 1950s, a decade after the end of World War II, the Hanshin area has faced the challenge of safely developing the suburbs, centered on Kobe City, in accordance with postwar reconstruction and advanced economic policies.

The Kobe area, an urban region, has developed along a long, narrow strip of alluvial land facing Osaka Bay, with the steeply sloping Rokko Mountains rising behind it. Historically, the Kobe area has experienced collapses due to severe rainfall, leading to flooding and landslides along the Rokko Rivers. Given these conditions, a key issue has been how to proceed with urban development along the southern slopes of the Rokko Mountains, a unique and challenging area. Both the local government, which was directly promoting this project, and the companies involved in related construction work sought solutions to various urban development problems. Meanwhile, Kobe University was conducting cutting-edge research and providing student guidance. There was a strong desire to establish a research institution capable of implementing these research results and contributing to society.

Against this backdrop, the Institute applied for permission to establish a public interest corporation from the Ministry of Education in 1957, with the consent of the Faculty of Engineering at Kobe University. This application aimed to address these issues and contribute to the local community. On November 13, 1958, permission and approval were granted, and the Institute was officially established as the Construction Engineering Research Institute.

Since its inception, we have not only applied cutting-edge academic results from the university to address numerous community issues but have also continued to contribute the institute's unique findings back to the community. Following the reform of the public interest corporation system, we transitioned to a general incorporated foundation on April 1, 2013. We remain committed to our ongoing efforts with the goal of creating safe and comfortable cities in the future.

Our purpose is to conduct and support research in construction engineering and
technology, promote academic development in these fields, and contribute to the
creation of safe and secure cities and regions.

To achieve this purpose, we carry out the following projects:

1. Research and Development:
   Advance research and development in construction engineering and technology.
2. Support for Kobe University:
   Provide support for research in construction engineering and construction technology at Kobe University.
3. Publication and Dissemination:
   Publish literature and disseminate knowledge related to construction engineering and construction technology.
4. Research and Investigations:
   Undertake or commission research and investigations related to construction engineering and technology.
5. Additional Projects:
   Engage in other projects necessary to fulfill the institute's purpose.