Shinigami Research and Development Institute

The Shinigami Research and Development Institute is an organization within Soul Society. 100 years ago, it was conceptualized and created by Kisuke Urahara, then the newly-promoted captain of the 12th Division, who intended for it to be attached to the 12th Division as well, with Urahara as president and Mayuri as vice-president. The current president is Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

Current
President
 * Mayuri Kurotsuchi

Mayuri is the current president of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute as well as the captain of the 12th Division.

Vice-President
 * Nemu Kurotsuchi

Nemu is the both the vice-president of the SRDI and the lieutenant of the 12th Division.

Researchers
 * Akon

Akon is one of the researchers and has been one since he was a child. He is leader figure within the development department.


 * Hiyosu

Hiyosu is the top Gigai expert in the institute.


 * Rin Tsubokura

Rin is a Shinigami who bears a resemblance to Hanatarō Yamada, a member of the 4th Division. He has a thing for sweets.

Former
President
 * Kisuke Urahara

Kisuke was the founder and first president of the institute. He held this position until he was exiled for being accused of Hollowfication.

Vice-President
 * Mayuri Kurotsuchi

After being released by Kisuke from imprisonment at the Maggot's Nest, he became the vice-president.

Head of Research Offices
 * Hiyori Sarugaki

Hiyori was the head of research offices and resented having her position being lower than Mayuri, whom she outranked in the 12th Division.

Special Duties
The institute is behind the development of many of the technologies that aid the Shinigami, and is currently headed by Mayuri Kurotsuchi. It was founded by Kisuke Urahara, during the time when he and the Vizard were captains and lieutenants. The SRDI has close ties with the 12th Division of the Gotei 13 and both presidents of the institute have also served as captains of that division.

Known Developments
The Shinigami Research and Development Institute has performed extensive research into the modification of souls; the results of this research were artificial souls, both in the form of "soul candy" and Project Spearhead. The SRDI also tracks spirit activity in the real world, maintains Gigais, and developed Kenpachi Zaraki's reiatsu-absorbing eye patch.

Sub-labs
The Shinigami Research and Development Institute has a series of labs specializing in particular types of research. These specialized labs include,
 * Spiritual Wave Measurement Lab: In-charge of monitoring Arrancar activities. Rin Tsubokura is a member of this lab.
 * Communication Technology Research Department: This lab is responsible for the development of communication technology, including soul cellphones.

Trivia

 * The SRDI was not involved with Ran'Tao's creation of the Bount, with its establishment postdating the Bount's creation by some centuries.