Message from Chairman

Since I was unexpectedly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2016, a large number and variety of people from both home and abroad have sent me kind messages of congratulations and words of encouragement. In particular, I have been greatly encouraged by the fact that more people are now interested in basic science than ever before.

However, Japan is currently in a situation where we should not become too excited by Japanese nationals winning the prize one after another. To put it briefly, it is doubtful whether we will continue to win in the future. It has recently become apparent that even when seen objectively, Japan’s research capabilities will rapidly decline at their current rate.

I have thus been appealing for the provision of support for Japanese basic science and universities. Seizing the opportunity presented by winning the prize, I have decided to seek cooperation from many people with the aim of building a continuous system and in order that expectations for the promotion of basic science will not end up simply as something transient.