Dean Iwama’s Inauguration Speech

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules today.

My name is Atsushi Iwama, and I am honored to be the 30th Dean of the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo (IMSUT). As I step into this prestigious position, I am filled with both pride and a deep sense of responsibility. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my greetings on the occasion of my appointment.

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Professor Makoto Nakanishi, for his dedicated leadership over the past two years. Shortly after his appointment in May 2023, COVID-19, which had posed a major global challenge for four years, was downgraded to a Category 5 infectious disease in Japan. Dean Nakanishi provided strong leadership in revitalizing research initiatives at IMSUT during this transitional period, which paved the way for the thriving academic environment we enjoy today. In addition, he worked tirelessly to foster collaboration between the University of Tokyo Headquarters and IMSUT in preparation for reforms driven by Japan’s Universities for International Research Excellence Program. I will speak more about this initiative later in my address. Building upon the foundation laid by Dean Nakanishi, the current executive team is now committed to carrying forward his vision and advancing IMSUT’s mission. Having witnessed his dedication and commitment firsthand, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Dean Nakanishi.

Prior to my previous position, I served for four years as Vice Dean for Finance under the 28th Dean, Professor Yamanashi, at the height of the pandemic. Thanks to Dean Yamanashi’s prudent guidance, IMSUT was able to continue its research activities without major disruptions or outbreaks. The outstanding work of our researchers, combined with exemplary infection control measures at IMSUT Hospital, greatly enhanced IMSUT’s visibility and reputation. During the subsequent two years under the 29th Dean Nakanishi, however, concerns began to grow regarding hospital operations due to the discontinuation of COVID-19-related subsidies. Dean Nakanishi entrusted me with the role of Vice Dean for Hospital Management. In this role, I worked closely with the previous Hospital Director, Tomoki Todo, along with our doctors, medical staff, and administrative staff. Thanks to Director Todo’s outstanding leadership, IMSUT Hospital has steadily improved its performance and is now entering a new era. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Director Todo, Vice Hospital Director Yasuhito Nannya, Nursing Director Mika Kogayu, Pharmacy Director Seiichiro Kuroda, Hospital Manager Masaaki Ozaki, and all other hospital staff members.

Now, please allow me to introduce myself. I graduated from the School of Medicine, Niigata University in 1987. After initial training in internal medicine, I worked as a senior resident and clinical assistant in the Division of Hematology at Jichi Medical University. In 1992, I began  conducting basic research in hematology as a research associate at Kumamoto University School of Medicine and later studied in the United States. Upon returning to Japan, I joined the Department of Immunology at the University of Tsukuba, under Professor Hiromitsu Nakauchi. In 2002, Professor Nakauchi moved to IMSUT. I decided to join him at the university and take up a position as a lecturer. In 2005, I was appointed Professor at the Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, and in 2018, I returned to IMSUT to lead the Division of Stem Cell and Molecular Medicine, the Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. My research has consistently focused on hematology, particularly hematopoietic stem cell biology and hematological malignancies. Although I spent only three years at the Nakauchi Laboratory at IMSUT over twenty years ago, I was deeply impressed by the intellectually vibrant environment and high caliber of research led by a uniquely talented and diverse faculty. Upon my return to IMSUT thirteen years later, I was delighted to find that the same spirit and supportive research atmosphere remained intact. To me, this environment is the essence of IMSUT, and it is vital that we continue to cultivate and preserve it.

Our key priority is now the Universities for International Research Excellence program. As part of the national university corporation reforms promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the University of Tokyo has been appointed as a “Designated National University Corporation.” Since receiving this designation, the University of Tokyo has been undergoing reforms aimed at achieving the highest standards in education and research. The goal of this program is to establish world-class research universities by creating an optimal research environment and attracting top-tier talent, with sustained support from the University Funds. Tohoku University was selected as the first university designated under the program, and its reform efforts are now well underway. The University of Tokyo is actively engaged in discussions to obtain accreditation under this program. At the heart of the University’s research reforms is the establishment of cross-disciplinary research frameworks that transcend conventional organizational boundaries and foster the next generation of researchers. If the University of Tokyo is accredited as a University for International Research Excellence, the resulting changes will undoubtedly have a significant impact on IMSUT. We must be prepared to adapt by not simply conforming to external trends, but instead formulating a strategy that reflects IMSUT’s research strengths. This includes enhancing our research environment and implementing strategic hiring to attract outstanding talent. I sincerely ask for your understanding, continued engagement, and support in advancing this important initiative.

During this period of reform, we must continue to manage and further strengthen IMSUT’s existing research framework. IMSUT is Japan’s only life science institute accredited as an International Joint Usage/Research Center and serves as a hub for collaborative research between Japan and other countries. Promoting global research collaboration not only raises standards in medical science but also fosters the development of early-career researchers. These efforts are both a core responsibility of IMSUT and a key strategy for enhancing our global presence. I ask for your continued support in sustaining and expanding the activities of this International Joint Usage/Research Center.

Another pressing issue is the renovation of the aging Animal Center. This matter has already been addressed by the previous Executive Board, and a clear direction is now emerging. Meanwhile, IMSUT is participating in an initiative led by the University of Tokyo Headquarters to optimize land use on the Shirokanedai Campus. The plans include the construction of nursing accommodation and Laboratory & Office buildings. I am committed to taking concrete steps to realize these developments.

As mentioned previously, the situation surrounding IMSUT is changing rapidly. Here, I introduce the core members of IMSUT, who will collaborate to meet the challenges ahead.

First, I am pleased to announce the following appointments: Professor Mutsuhiro Takekawa as Vice Dean for General Affairs; Professor Yasushi Kawaguchi as Vice Dean for Finance; and Professor Tomoji Mashimo as Vice Dean for Research Support. Professors Takekawa and Kawaguchi have both previously served under former Deans Yoshinori Murakami and Nakanishi. Professor Mashimo has graciously agreed to serve, despite his many responsibilities, including his role as Director of the Laboratory Animal Research Center. Mr. Keitaro Sudo will continue in his role as Director of the Administration Office. Regarding the Administrative Affairs Division, Ms. Yoko Akutsu, General Manager of the Administration Division, and Mr. Ozaki, Manager of the Hospital Division, will continue in their current roles. Mr. Kiichi Oura, from the Research Funding Strategy Group of the UTokyo Administration Bureau, has been appointed as Manager of the Research Support Division. Many of the individuals I have mentioned here possess a wealth of experience in operations and management. I am grateful that the Executive Board and the Administration Office are made up of such dependable members.

Next, I will introduce the members of the Heads’ Meeting: Professor Seiya Imoto of G0; Professor Toshifumi Inada of G1; Professor Yamanashi of G2; Professor Ken Ishii of G3; and Professor Fumitaka Nagamura of G4. They are all highly experienced individuals, including professors who have served on the Executive Board. I have no doubt that they will continue to provide us with valuable advice on the management of IMSUT.

Furthermore, I would like to ask for the support and cooperation of Hospital Director Narikazu Boku, Vice Hospital Directors Minoru Tanaka and Nannya, Nursing Director Kogayu, and Pharmacy Director Kuroda to address the challenging current medical environment. I am confident that they will continue with the reforms promoted under the previous Hospital Director Todo, while also deepening discussions on the future of the hospital and building a forward-thinking organizational structure.

Of course, the main actors of IMSUT are all members of the Institute, including faculty members, researchers, graduate students, technical staff, medical staff, administrative staff, and URAs. My role is to help create an environment in which each of you can fully demonstrate your full potential. To achieve this, I will build on the work of former Dean Nakanishi, and dedicate myself to the continued development of IMSUT. I ask and hope for your support and cooperation in this important endeavor.

Thank you very much for your kind attention.