As in previous years, I will first review personnel changes and the institute’s activities over the past year and then share several new initiatives.
I will begin with the personnel updates. Professor Kensuke Miyake, who made outstanding contributions to the field of immunology at IMSUT, retired at the end of the last academic year. He is currently continuing his research at Chiba University. Professor Hiroshi Yotsuyanagi has been appointed as Executive Director of the Japan Institute for Health Security and has remained active at IMSUT over the past year as a Project Professor. Professor Michiko Koga has assumed a professorship at the University of TOkyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA) and continues to serve as a Project Professor at IMSUT while remaining engaged in clinical practice. Professor Noriko Sorimachi has been appointed as a Professor at the Graduate School of Science while continuing her work as a Concurrent Professor at the International Vaccine Design Center.
I will now introduce our newly appointed Associate Professors and Project Associate Professors. Dr. Hirotaka Ito has been promoted to Associate Professor in the Department of Surgical Neuro-Oncology. Dr. Shigeki Morita has joined the Department of Diagnostic Pathology as an Associate Professor. Dr. Mizuki Yamamoto, Dr. Misako Nakayama, and Dr. Akito Yamamoto have assumed positions as Project Associate Professors in the Research Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, the Division of Vaccine Science, and the Division of Medical Data Informatics, respectively. I am pleased to note that each has already begun to contribute actively to the institute.
As is customary, a number of professors and associate professors have transitioned to new appointments and opportunities. These include Dr. Koichi Tanaka, Dr. Yasunori Ota, Dr. Niloufar Kavian-Tessler, Dr. Koji Kobiyama, Dr, Satoru Goto, Dr. Ryutaro Fukui, Dr. Susumu Aiko, Dr. Toshihiro Kobayashi, Dr. Kosuke Fujimoto, and Dr. Sung-Joon Park. Dr. Tanaka, a Nobel laureate who has made significant contributions to IMSUT’s activities over many years as a Project Professor, concluded his appointment at the end of the last academic year. Dr. Kobayashi has been promoted to Professor at the National Institute for Physiological Sciences and Dr. Fujimoto has been promoted to Professor at the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University. Dr. Park is currently serving as the Head of the AI Genomics Informatics Laboratory at the Kazusa DNA Research Institute.
I am pleased to report that many IMSUT members received distinguished honors and awards last year. Mr. Yoshiro Satake and Mr. Tomio Inoshita, former Head Radiologic Technologists, together with Mr. Yoshinori Takahashi, the former Administrative Director, were each decorated with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays. Professor Kosuke Fujimoto received the President's Award from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), while Professor Kei Sato was honored with the Federation of Microbiological Societies of Japan’s Nomoto Award. Professor Junpei Ito received the Oxford Journals-Japanese Society for Bioinformatics Prize. Professor Tomoki Todo received the Mataro Nagayo Prize; Professor Tatsuhiro Shibata received both the JCA-Nagayama Award and the Yasuda Medical Foundation Award; and Professor Satoshi Uematsu received the JSI Human Immunology Research Award and the Cultural Award for the Memorial of Saburo Kojima. I extend my warmest congratulations to all recipients. IMSUT Outstanding Young Investigator Award was presented to Professor Kazuto Yoshimi. Professor Yoshimi developed CRISPR-Cas3 genome editing technology and has achieved remarkable progress in its medical applications and dissemination. I offer my sincere congratulations and look forward to his continued contributions.
Next, I would like to turn to the International Joint Usage/Research Center, which represents one of the core activities of IMSUT. The institute hosts a wide range of research centers organized around three core research domains: advanced medical research and development; genome-, cancer-, and disease-oriented systems research; and infectious diseases and immunology. These centers function in close collaboration to support the operations of the Center. Since receiving accreditation as an International Joint Usage/Research Center in 2018, IMSUT has expanded its international joint research activities. In the last fiscal year alone, the institute supported more than 100 joint research projects, reflecting a further increase in activity. Correspondingly, the number of publications has remained consistently high. These achievements were made possible by the dedicated efforts of many faculty and staff members. I extend my sincere appreciation to all those involved, particularly Vice Dean, Yasushi Kawaguchi. I understand that a large number of applications have been submitted this fiscal year, and I am pleased that this important activity will continue to develop.
Next, I will outline the support activities undertaken by IMSUT across various fields of life sciences research in Japan. The first is the Platforms for Advanced Technologies and Research Resources Project, an initiative supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. Professor Mutsuhiro Takekawa serves as the Chair of the Committee on Promoting Collaboration in Life Sciences and leads the activities of its four core platforms. Among these platforms, Professor Yataro Daigo serves as the Principal Investigator of the Platform of Supporting Cohort Study and Biospecimen Analysis, while Professor Takekawa leads the Advanced Animal Model Support Platform, clearly demonstrating the central role of IMSUT in this initiative. In addition, the Research Platform Office at IMSUT oversees the operation of this program with the cooperation of Professor Takekawa, Professor Junichiro Inoue, and many other faculty members. The scale of support provided through this initiative is substantial, and many research publications have emerged from these activities. I express my sincere appreciation to all those involved and respectfully request their ongoing cooperation in operating this program.
The second is the BioBank Japan (BBJ) project. Under the leadership of Professor Koichi Matsuda, many faculty and staff members have been engaged in promoting this initiative centered on genomic research in Japan. To date, an extensive collection of samples has been obtained. Among these, DNA and serum samples have been provided not only to academic institutions but also to industry. The number of distributed samples has continued to increase each year, and to date, several hundred thousand specimens have been supplied. I extend my sincere gratitude to all the faculty and staff involved for their dedicated efforts and ask for your sustained cooperation in the further development of this important project.
The third is the Translational Research Program. This program provides comprehensive support spanning the entire pathway from basic research to clinical trials. IMSUT and IMSUT Hospital, together with the University of Tokyo Hospital, operate this program as the University of Tokyo Core Center, with activities led by Professor Fumitaka Nagamura. Support is provided at multiple stages, from Seeds A through Seeds C, encompassing a wide range of developmental phases, from non-clinical studies to Phase I and II trials, and in some cases, extending into Phase III clinical trials. Many viruses and cells used in these clinical studies are manufactured at IMSUT facilities. The institute is equipped with several manufacturing units, including the Vector Unit, IMSUT-Cell Resource Center, and IMSUT-HLC Cell Processing Facility, where vector viruses and cells are produced for use in clinical trials. These capabilities underscore IMSUT’s role in providing integrated support across multiple stages, from basic research to clinical applications. IMSUT has established the Consortium for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, through which faculty members from diverse fields collaborate to advance gene therapy and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, initiatives for establishing a foundation have emerged within this consortium, and its activities are gradually gaining momentum. I will return to this point later.
Turning to recent developments at IMSUT Hospital, it continues to engage in a broad range of activities encompassing both research and clinical practice. On the research front, oncolytic virus therapy for brain tumors, led by Professor Todo, is being advanced in through multiple approaches. Phase III comparative clinical trials are being conducted under the Department of Pharmacy. Additionally, the Department of Gastroenterology is developing a device capable of directly detecting fecal occult blood within toilet facilities. IMSUT CORD plays an active role in providing umbilical cord blood for research and clinical applications. In terms of clinical practice, the healthcare environment in Japan remains extremely challenging in the context of clinical practice. In particular, the financial conditions of national university hospitals have become increasingly dire, as frequently reported in the media. IMSUT is no exception, and various measures are currently under consideration by the Hospital Executive Board. I extend my sincere appreciation to the members of the Hospital Executive Board and all staff for their dedication and hard work, and I look forward to your sustained commitment in the coming year. As reflected in the trends in inpatient and outpatient numbers over the past several years, hospital management has remained generally stable. Simultaneously, in light of changes in the healthcare landscape and ongoing reforms, I expect that further initiatives will be implemented under the leadership of the Hospital Executive Board.
I will now address IMSUT’s contributions to UTOPIA. Many faculty members from the institute are actively involved in this initiative, which has attracted considerable attention at the national and societal levels. It is a matter of great pride for the institute, and I look forward to your further contributions to this important endeavor.
Next, I will review the trends in research publications and external funding. Despite year-to-year fluctuations, both the number of publications and the amount of external funding have remained steady. In particular, contracted research funding, including grants from AMED, accounts for the largest share of external funding. As the budget for Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research is expected to increase in the coming fiscal year, I encourage you to actively prepare new applications and proposals to secure external funding.
I now turn to our efforts to strengthen the institute’s capabilities. First, with respect to shared facilities, new equipment, including confocal laser scanning microscopes and spectral cell-sorting systems, has been introduced. In addition to these acquisitions, we aim to upgrade or introduce a number of instruments and facilities. The Executive Board is committed to introducing those deemed essential; however, procurement will proceed in accordance with the institute’s financial situation. I would appreciate your understanding of this matter. Regarding the enhancement of the research environment, as mentioned earlier, a new GMP vector-manufacturing facility is already in operation. The production of clinical-grade vectors and viruses at IMSUT is steadily expanding, and related activities are becoming increasingly prevalent.
As part of the redevelopment of the western side of the campus, a serviced apartment complex is being constructed. This residential facility is primarily intended for international visitors seeking short-, medium-, and long-term stays. Adjacent to this development, high-grade residential units have been planned, incorporating medical collaboration services in coordination with IMSUT Hospital. The specific nature of such medical collaborations will be carefully examined in consultation with the hospital’s physicians and staff. I respectfully request the cooperation of all relevant parties as these discussions progress. The former nurses' residence has already been demolished, and a portion of the site has been allocated to this project. In return, IMSUT is expected to receive a certain level of financial benefit. Careful consideration will be required regarding the utilization of these resources. Our objective is not merely to complete the physical redevelopment but to make effective use of the benefits arising from this western-side project to support new initiatives for the institute. I ask for your cooperation, including your participation in ongoing discussions as we explore these possibilities together.
Let me now turn to our efforts to strengthen our engagement with society. The year 2027 will mark two major milestones: the 150th anniversary of the University of Tokyo and the 135th anniversary of IMSUT. The university is planning a range of commemorative initiatives, several of which are currently underway. Last year, IMSUT held the Amami Symposium jointly with the Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute. IMSUT's Amami Laboratory of Medical Science (formerly the Amami Laboratory of Injurious Animals) has been operating since 1967 and has conducted a wide range of research, primarily in the field of infectious diseases. In recent years, the Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute has utilized part of this facility to advance its “Subtropical Kuroshio Research Project,” a research hub initiative. In Amami, IMSUT's research on human health converges with global-scale environmental research conducted by the Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, resulting in active research within the broader framework of planetary health. Although Amami is geographically distant from Tokyo, it is the southernmost research base of the University of Tokyo. I encourage you to recognize and take an interest in the valuable work being conducted there.
As mentioned earlier, the translation of gene and cell therapies into clinical and societal applications is becoming increasingly feasible. Professor Todo's oncolytic virus therapy has already received insurance coverage and is currently being administered at IMSUT. Additionally, various other promising research projects are steadily approaching practical implementation. Furthermore, IMSUT Foundation (provisional name), which has been under discussion at Senior Faculty meetings since last year, is now set to be formally established. Although the details are currently being finalized, the foundation is expected to undertake translational activities aimed at facilitating the clinical and societal applications of gene and cell therapies, as well as regenerative medicine. Since 2023, IMSUT has hosted IMSUT New York Seminar at the University of Tokyo's New York Office. Each year, we present our latest research findings in New York, fostering exchanges with international speakers and members of the Japanese community, including many of our alumni. Should the opportunity arise, I encourage you to participate in this seminar.
I will now outline the executive structure for this year. First, I would like to acknowledge the Department Heads who contribute to the effective operation of the Executive Board: Professor Seiya Imoto (G0); Professor Toshifumi Inada (G1); Professor Yuji Yamanashi (G2); Professor Ken Ishii (G3); and Professor Fumitaka Nagamura (G4). Each brings distinguished experience and achievements, and I am greatly encouraged by their leadership. Next, the Hospital Executive Board is led by Hospital Director Narikazu Boku and includes Vice Hospital Directors Minoru Tanaka and Yasuhito Nannya, Nursing Director Mika Kogayu, and Pharmacy Director Seiichiro Kuroda. In close coordination with the institute’s Executive Board, they devote themselves to managing and operating the hospital. As mentioned earlier, the healthcare environment in Japan remains highly challenging, and the support and cooperation of all relevant parties are essential for the stable management of hospitals. I respectfully request your continued support in the year ahead. Next, I will introduce the members of the Administrative Office: General Manager Keitaro Sudo, Administrative Affairs Division Manager Yoko Akutsu, Research Support Division Manager Kiichi Oura, and Hospital Division Manager Masaaki Ozaki, all of whom provide invaluable assistance to the institute’s operations. The Executive Officers of the Steering Committee consist of Vice Deans Takekawa, Kawaguchi, and Tomoji Mashimo; Hospital Director Boku; General Manager Sudo; and myself. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all those involved for their cooperation and support.
This concludes my overview of IMSUT activities. Finally, I will report on the status of the accreditation of Japan's Universities for International Research Excellence. Over the past year, the University of Tokyo has devoted significant time and effort to preparing for this accreditation, recognizing it as one of its most important institutional priorities. As has been widely reported, the university was placed under continued review and has not yet been selected at this stage. On this occasion, Institute of Science Tokyo was selected, and Kyoto University was designated as a candidate institution, with further refinement of the plan requested. In the case of the University of Tokyo, certain matters were identified that required further clarification before a final decision. Consequently, the review process will continue for up to one year. The key challenges have been clearly identified. The University Headquarters and relevant parties are currently revising their plans to address these issues. Wide-ranging reforms are expected to be implemented under the framework of the International Research Excellence Initiative. Although I cannot discuss every aspect here, the university has articulated the goal of entering the world’s top 10 and has proposed comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening its research capabilities. These reforms extend beyond research enhancements and include changes in personnel evaluation systems and other long-standing institutional structures. In this sense, all national universities in Japan, not just those seeking designation, may be entering a period of significant transformation. Amid this broader reform movement, IMSUT faces the urgent task of determining how best to pursue the necessary reforms while preserving the distinctive character that defines the institute. I hope to work with all members of the institute together to identify a direction for reform that reflects the institute’s values and strengths. I respectfully ask for your cooperation as we move forward.
In conclusion, I hope that I have provided an overview of our recent activities and the emerging directions of the institute. As is the case each year, there were many personnel changes over the past year. I believe that such transitions are essential for the continued vitality and development of a university. To those who have embarked on new stages beyond IMSUT and to those who have newly joined us, I extend my best wishes for success in your respective endeavors. As we begin this new year together, I encourage each of you to take fresh steps forward. Having entered my second year as Dean, and with a greater sense of stability, I remain fully committed to advancing IMSUT. I once again wish you all a fulfilling and successful year ahead.
Thank you for your attention.
Atsushi Iwama, M.D., Ph.D.
Dean