Society for the Promotion of Science

FEATURE: JSPS Prize T O P I C S ● JSPS Prize ...... 2 ● New Director Appointed for Research Center for Science Systems ...... 6 ● Message from New Director, JSPS Nairobi Research Station ...... 7 ● Japan-UK Higher Education Symposium Held in London ...... 7 No.28 ● JSPS Briefing Held for Science & Technology Diplomatic Circle ...... 8 ● ESF-JSPS Frontier Science Conference Held for Young Researchers ...... 8 2009 ● First General Meeting Held of Bangladesh-JSPS Alumni Association ...... 9 Summer ● Symposium on Advanced Nanoscale Materials Held in the US ...... 9 ● Joint Effort for Combining Space Science with Archaeology ...... 10 ● JSPS-NRCT Summer School Held on Biomass Energy in Asia ...... 11 ● Todai Forum Held in the UK ...... 11 ● China-Japan Science Forum Held on 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake ...... 12 ● Colloquium on Sun & Earth Connections Held in Stockholm ...... 12 ● Japan-Germany Colloquium Held on Evolutionary Genomics ...... 13 ● Science Dialogue ...... 14 ● Recent Visitors to JSPS ...... 15 FEATURE Fifth Award of JSPS Prize

On 9 March, a ceremony was held to award the fifth JSPS Prize. Selected were 24 talented young researchers with excellent records of scientific in- quiry and exceptional promise to be trailblazers of scientific research in Japan. The ceremony for the FY2008 Prize was held at the in the presence of Their Imperial High- nesses Prince and Princess Akishino.

Selection of JSPS Prize Awardees

JSPS sent out requests for Prize nomi- nations to 3,079 Japanese research in- awarding of the Japan Academy Medal. Prince Akishino offered remarks, fol- stitutions and academic societies, from At the ceremony on 9 March, JSPS lowed by Mr. Masami Zeniya, Vice Min- which it received 214 in May. Adding president Prof. Motoyuki Ono offered ister of Education, Culture, Sports, Sci- the carryovers from the prior year, 374 an opening message, followed by a re- ence and Technology, who read a con- nominees were screened by the re- port on the selection process from Dr. gratulatory message from the minister. searchers of JSPS’s Research Center for Esaki. Prof. Ono presented the 24 re- To conclude the meeting, a message of Science Systems. Based on the results, cipients with a certificate of merit, a appreciation on behalf of the Prize re- the JSPS Prize Selection Committee, medal and a purse of ¥1.1 million. cipients was delivered by Dr. Schuichi chaired by Dr. (chairman of Koizumi, professor, Interdisciplinary the Science and Technology Promotion A ceremony was, then, held to confer Graduate School of Medicine and En- Foundation of Ibaraki and president of the Japan Academy Medal on six of the gineering, University of Yamanashi. Yokohama College of Pharmacy) and JSPS Prize recipients. First, Japan comprising 13 members, made the final Academy president Prof. Masaaki Kubo After the ceremony, a celebration party decision on the 24 awardees. delivered welcoming remarks, after was held. Attended by Prince and which Dr. Sogo Okamura, chairman of Princess Akishino, the Prize recipients, Award Ceremony the Academy’s selection committee, ex- their guests, and the ceremony attendees, plained the vetting process. Then, Prof. an atmosphere conducive to pleasant The ceremony for awarding the JSPS Kubo presented the medal and a com- conversation was enjoyed by all. Prize was held in conjunction with the memorative gift to each of the awardees.

JSPS Prize The Prize is awarded to Japanese researchers and to overseas researchers who have conducted research at a Japanese research The JSPS Prize was established in FY 2004 with an objective institution for five years or longer. They must have published pa- of advancing scientific research in Japan at the world’s highest pers or articles in scientific journals and other publications in standard. It does this by recognizing at an early stage in their Japan and/or abroad, and obtained excellent scientific research careers young researchers rich in both talent and creativity. The achievements. As of 1 April of the Prize year, they must be (1) Prize is meant to encourage the young recipients in advancing under 45 years of age and (2) have obtained a doctorate degree their work. (or possess an equivalent level of scientific research expertise).

Report and Remarks by Dr. Leo Esaki at JSPS Prize Award Ceremony As chair of the JSPS Prize Selection members, would choose the recipients for As you all know, US President Barack Committee, I wish to describe the selec- the fifth JSPS Prize. Obama gave his first policy speech on tion process for the fifth annual JSPS 24 February, in which he stressed the Prize and to offer some words of encour- On 18 November 2008, the Committee need to develop clean energy and the agement to the young recipients. met to select this year’s 24 awardees. As importance of basic research. He had just there were many excellent candidates, the given his inaugural address on 20 Janu- In April 2008, a request for referrals was vetting process was at times impassioned, ary, in which he said, “We will restore sent out to universities, research insti- but ultimately the recipients were selected science to its rightful place.” I took this to tutes and related academic societies. based on a strict and careful appraisal of mean that he would value the views of Altogether 374 individuals were nomi- their respective research achievements. scientists while according science greater nated to the Selection Committee. For a respect than had the previous admin- period of approximately five months from I am pleased to take this opportunity to istration—that, for example, under the June 2008, the Research Center for Sci- extend a hearty congratulations to each Obama administration, America would ence Systems, established within the of you awarded the JSPS Prize via this strengthen its measures to mitigate Japan Society for the Promotion of Sci- highly competitive process. I also con- global warming. As his Assistant for ence, carried out the preliminary gratulate the colleagues who have sup- Science and Technology, President Obama screening, based on the results of which ported your work to date. selected Harvard professor Dr. John the Selection Committee, comprising 13 Holdren, who is well versed in environ-

2 SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ mental science, and as Secretary of En- I would like to paraphrase Dr. Chu’s If we were to predict the scientific ad- S ergy, he appointed Dr. Steven Chu, 1997 answer as I recall it. He said, “There’s vances of the 21st century, we’d have to do Nobel laureate in Physics. Dr. Chu nothing special I can say about what so based on what we currently know. belongs to a distinguished family of might occur in the 21st century. I think it However, nothing new can spring from D Chinese-American academics. may be more useful to step back instead of knowledge already possessed. Looking ahead in time; there is much that history back, new discoveries and inventions have Ten years ago in 1999, I invited Dr. Chu can tell us. What could we have known or been unpredictable surprises—products to participate on the panel of an interna- predicted about today when I was born of sudden knowledge leaps. They oc- tional conference held in Tsukuba, Ja- some 50 years ago. Who at that time curred in ways totally unexpected by us. pan. As its theme two questions were could have predicted today’s use of ‘stan- Isn’t this precisely what is so marvelous posed: “What sort of advances will sci- dard theory,’ for example, or that within about science?” ence make in the 21st century?” “What 50 years we would have discovered so advances can be anticipated in each of much about subatomic particles. The These thoughts are I believe consum- your fields?” These are questions that I’d double helix structure of DNA was dis- mately befitting a top-notch physicist. also like to ask you. At that conference, covered in 1953. Back then, it wouldn’t the answers given by the panelists, who have been possible to foresee the re- How about each of your futures? What were engaged in various projects, evoked search being advanced these days in such surprises do they hold in store? Not having a discussion on how science can contrib- fields as molecular biology or genomics. the slightest idea is indeed what is so very ute to creating a bright future. wonderful about being a young researcher.

FY2008 JSPS Prize Awardees Humanities and Social Sciences

Shin Arita Associate Professor, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University “Educational Structure and Social Stratification in Korea and Japan” of

Asako Nakai Associate Professor, Graduate School of Language and Society, “English-Language Literatures and Postcolonial Criticism”

Taiji Furusawa Professor, Graduate School of Economics, Hitotsubashi University “Game Theoretic Approach to International Political Economy”

Noriko Miya Assistant Professor, Institute for Research in Humanities, Kyoto University “Cultural Policy and Publishing Activities during the Mongol Period”

Mathematics; Physical Sciences; Chemistry; Engineering Sciences

Kohei Itoh Professor, Faculty of Science and Technology, “Establishment of Semiconductor Isotope Engineering”

Kunio Inoue Professor, Graduate School of Science, “Precision Measurement of Reactor Neutrino Oscillations”

Masayuki Inoue Professor, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of “Total Syntheses of Marine Polycyclic Ethers” Tokyo

Masahito Ueda Professor, Graduate School of Science, The “Theory of Ultracold Atomic Gases”

Seiji Ogo Professor, Center for Future Chemistry, Kyushu University “Hydrogen-Activation with Water-Soluble Metal-Aqua Complexes in Water under Ambient Conditions”

Naoki Kobayashi Professor, Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University “Type Theory for Software Verification”

Associate Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of “Fundamental Research on Organic Transistors and Their Applications to Takao Someya Tokyo Large-Area Electronics” Associate Professor, Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, Takeshi Tsuji The University of Tokyo “p-adic Hodge Theory and Its Application”

Nobuhiro Tsuji Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University “Study on Ultrafine Grained Metallic Materials”

Senior Research Scientist, Supervisor, NTT Basic Research Laboratories, Masaya Notomi Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation “Discovery and Applications of Novel Functions of Photonic Crystals”

Kei Hirose Professor, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of “Experimental Study of Earth and Planetary Materials at Ultra-High Pressure Technology and Temperature”

Biological Sciences; Agricultural Sciences; Medical, Dental, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Masahisa Katsuno Designated Associate Professor, Institute for Advanced Research, “Development of Pathogenesis-Based Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases” Nagoya University

Schuichi Koizumi Professor, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi “Glial Regulation of the Brain Function”

Tatsuya Sawamura “Elucidation of the Mechanisms of Vascular Dysfunction Leading to Director, Department of Vascular Physiology, National Cardiovascular Center Cardiovascular Diseases” “Establishment and Applications of Chromosome Analysis Technology Based Katsuhiko Shirahige Professor, Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology on Genomic Information”

Keiko U. Torii Associate Professor, Department of Biology, University of Washington “Mechanisms of Stomatal Patterning and Differentiation in Plants”

Osamu Nureki Professor, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo “Structural Basis for the Dynamic Mechanism of Genetic Code Translation”

Junn Yanagisawa Professor, TARA Center, University of Tsukuba “Study of the Molecular Mechanisms for Energy Homeostasis in Cells”

“Seasonal Clock Percepts Coming of Spring in Vertebrate—Quail as a Model Takashi Yoshimura Professor, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University Animal”

Teruhiko Wakayama Team Leader, Center for Developmental Biology, RIKEN “Development of Novel Biotechnologies for Animal Reproduction”

Titles and affiliations current as of 1 March 2009

SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 3 Young Researchers at Vanguard of FEATURE Science in Japan Awardees Speak about Their Work and Aspirations

Humanities and Social Sciences

Game Theoretic Approach to International Political Economy

Game theory is a powerful tool for analyzing and if internationally traded goods are not interactions inside a small group of eco- very mutually substitutable. More signifi- nomic agents. It has been applied to many cantly, we have successfully expanded the economic and political problems that involve conventional three-country models and interactions among sovereign states. devised an analytical framework that can be applied to the analysis of FTAs and customs One prominent feature of the modern world unions in a world of many countries. Our economy is the prevalence of free trade model is simple enough to simulate and areas (FTAs). More than 200 of them have powerful enough to predict stable FTA been registered with the World Trade Or- networks in a realistic multi-country model. ganization. Along with my coauthor, Hideo Konishi (Boston College), I am theoretically To design effective international institutions Dr. Taiji Furusawa

examining the properties of stable FTA that facilitate international trade in goods, 2005-present: Professor, Graduate School of networks. In this process, we view bilateral services, and production factors (such as Economics, Hitotsubashi University FTA ties as links (or edges) and worldwide capital and labor) and that help countries 2003: Associate Professor, Graduate School of FTA distributions as networks (or graphs). prosper, political factors must also be taken Economics, Hitotsubashi University We are particularly interested in whether or into account as they can significantly affect 1997: Associate Professor, Faculty of Eco- nomics, Yokohama National University not the global FTA network, which is a a country’s attitude toward international nomics, Yokohama National University 1995: Associate Professor, Faculty of Eco- complete FTA network graph with every pair negotiation and cooperation. Along these 1995: Associate Professor, Faculty of Eco- nomics, Fukushima University of countries having signed an FTA, is lines, I will continue to develop new theo- 1994: Lecturer, Department of Economics, (so-called) pairwise stable. We’ve found, retical frameworks for helping to solve in- Brandeis University among other things, that the global FTA ternational economic and political problems 1994: Received Ph.D. from University of network is pairwise stable if countries are and for establishing effective international Wisconsin-Madison rather symmetric in their economic scale institutions. 1987: Graduated from Hitotsubashi University

Cultural Policy and Publishing Activities during the Mongol Period

The Mongol Period, started by Genghis lus for epoch-making progress. Khan’s appearance, has been termed “a dark age,” one which exhaustively destroyed The Korean and Japanese societies and Chinese traditional culture and values. The cultures were greatly influenced by and are fact of the matter is, however, to the con- indebted to the Mongolian reign. Teaching trary: The Mongolian government attached materials for the Chinese classics used in much importance to the compilation and present-day Japanese high schools, cal- publication of books that promoted the endars, mathematical books that assisted preservation and diffusion of the classics the evolution of Wasan (Japanese mathe- and new knowledge. It also built schools matics) in the Edo Period, and illustrated and research laboratories and worked to encyclopedias frequently cited and quoted nurture capable people. The government in various disciplines were all products of Dr. Noriko Miya invested vast amounts of public funds into the Mongol Period. From the Kamakura 2001-present: Assistant Professor, Institute for these pursuits. Incumbent bureaucrats through Muromachi Periods, Buddhist Research in Humanities, Kyoto University participated actively in the publication of priests, diplomats and merchants brought 2002: Received Ph.D. from Kyoto University Yuan drama scripts, novels written in the these documents back with them to Japan, 1999: JSPS Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Kyoto University vernacular, and illustrated books. while mainly aristocrats and priests in Kyoto 1994: Graduated from Kyoto University translated and studied them. Under the Mongolian government, which ments and books written in the 13th through ruled a phenomenally vast territory, the Old temples, shrines and libraries of former 15th century. For the purpose of elucidating exchange of people, commodities and in- aristocrats in various districts of Japan political and cultural exchange on the Eura- formation developed on a massive scale preserve many important documents that sian continent, I intend in the future to in- under the patronage and initiative of the have been scattered or lost in China. vestigate and analyze Chinese information Imperial Court. As a result, the science, art Search and scrutiny of these documents inscribed in Persian documents during the and technology of each place within the allows various new facts to be ascertained. same period, now contained in European territory was harmonized with wisdom and the Middle Eastern libraries. I will carry transmitted from a spectrum of ages and In Japan, Korea, China, and Chinese Taipei, out these two components of my research countries. This harmony provided the stimu- I have gathered and investigated docu- simultaneously.

4 SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ Mathematics; Physical Sciences; Chemistry; Engineering Sciences

p-adic Hodge Theory

Since I was a graduate student, I have been lute Galois group of the field of rational working mainly on p-adic Hodge theory, numbers. Based on preceding work by which is one subject in arithmetic geometry. many mathematicians, especially Fontaine, The symbol p denotes a prime number and Messing, Bloch, Kato, Hyodo and Faltings, I the word “p-adic” originates from p-adic succeeded in devising a proof for a funda- numbers, which are expressed as infinite mental conjecture in p-adic Hodge theory: _ n series ∑n≥ N anp with integers an between 0 “semi-stable conjecture.” This result is of _ and p 1. It is one of the most fundamental significant help in understanding the “rami- notions in number theory. Roughly speak- fication at p” of the above-mentioned action ing, arithmetic geometry connotes all re- of the Galois group. It already has found Dr. Takeshi Tsuji search in number theory that probes or uses some interesting applications in number 2000-present: Associate Professor, Graduate the geometry of algebraic varieties, which theory. For example, my result was used in School of Mathematical Sciences, The are locally defined as the “solution space” of Takeshi Saito’s work, which was, in turn, University of Tokyo polynomial equations with coefficients in used by Khare and Wintenberger to solve 1993: Research Associate, Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Kyoto University rational numbers or p-adic numbers (such Serre’s conjecture on modularity. 2 3 1993: Received Ph.D. from The University of as y = x + 3). Tokyo Roughly speaking, p-adic Hodge theory is 1990: Graduated from The University of Tokyo We often study algebraic varieties by ex- advancing in two directions. One is the tracting linear data called cohomology deeper study of p-adic representations with an action of the fundamental group of groups, among which is p-adic étale co- (=Qp-vector spaces with an action of the an algebraic variety. Recently, I have been homology, a finite dimensional vector space absolute Galois group of Qp or its extension) working on the latter and its applications, over the field of p-adic numbers Qp. It gives with an eye to its applications to modular and further plan to develop theories appli- us deep arithmetic information through its forms. The other is the study of variations of cable to singularities of variations and to additional structure: the action of the abso- p-adic representations: Qp-vectors spaces algebraic varieties with bad reductions.

Control of Light by Photonic Crystals

My current research themes are primarily materials yield various surprising phenom- concerned with so-called “photonic crys- ena. For example, their simple flat surface tals.” Let me explain: Today’s electronics can function as a lens. fully enjoys a wide variety of electronic properties contained in their component What else? Photonic crystals can realize materials. Most of these properties come slow light. We demonstrated a group veloc- from the periodic potential of the crystal ity of light slowed down to c/90 (c: light lattice, upon which the atoms of the crystal velocity in vacuum), which was the first are arranged. In contrast, there is only a manifestation of slow light in dielectric struc- limited variety of optical properties as the tures. Recently, we have further reduced the lattice period of these materials is far short- velocity to c/50000 (6 km/s). Slow light is now er than a light wavelength. If a material a hot topic in the optics field, as it is ex- Dr. Masaya Notomi could be made with the periodic arrange- pected to enable all-optical buffer memories. 2004-present: Group Leader, Senior Research ment of its refractive index comparable in Scientist, Supervisor, NTT Basic Research periodicity to the wavelength, it would ex- There are more things photonic crystals Laboratories, Nippon Telegraph and Tele- hibit various novel optical properties. Actu- can do such as ultrastrong light confinement phone Corporation (NTT) ally, a photonic crystal is just such a mate- in a small volume, which can enhance 2001-present: Distinguished Technical Mem- ber, NTT Basic Research Laboratories, NTT rial, artificially made using state-of-the-art light-matter interaction and dramatically 1999: Senior Research Scientist, NTT Basic nano-fabrication technology. reduce energy consumption. In addition, Research Laboratories, NTT they are ideally suited as platforms for 1997: Received Ph.D. from The University of What can photonic crystals do? Appropri- densely-integrated photonic circuits. Tokyo ately designed photonic crystals behave 1988: Joined NTT Optoelectronics Laborato- strangely beyond our conventional under- Photonics is currently an enabling technol- ries, NTT standing of optics. As an example, I have ogy in the ICT domain, especially for 1986: Graduated from The University of Tokyo demonstrated that a certain type of photonic high-speed broad-band services, such as nipulate than photons. I believe that pho- crystals behaves as if it possesses a nega- fiber-to-the-home transmission. Electronics, tonic crystals may change this paradigm, tive refractive index, although this index is however, continue to play the leading role in and dream of the day when a tiny photonic- normally positive. As conventional optics information processing. This is primarily crystal integrated chip will handle various assume a positive index, negative-index because electrons are much easier to ma- complicated functions.

SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 5 FEATURE

Biological Sciences; Agricultural Sciences; Medical, Dental, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Regulation of Brain Functions by Glia

Glia, Greek for “glue,” was discovered by true character of brain function. I would say Rudolph Virchow, a German anatomist, in that to know neurons is not enough to un- the mid-19th century. The term reflects the derstand the brain. We should learn much original view that glial cells play only struc- about glia. tural or supportive roles for neurons. Thus, almost all brain scientists were more inter- I am especially interested in the involve- ested in neurons than this “glue.” To know ment of glia in brain pathology. When neurons was to understand the brain. traumatic brain injuries or degenerative However, glial cells, especially astrocytes, neuronal diseases occur, both astrocytes are much more than just glue; they are and microglia dramatically change in mor- active, not quiescent, as can now be seen phological and functional character. In fact, Dr. Schuichi Koizumi by means of fluorescent Ca2+ imaging. They prognosis after brain strokes is greatly can receive inputs, assimilate information, affected by microglial dysfunction, and 2007-present: Professor, Interdisciplinary Grad- uate School of Medicine and Engineering, and send instructive chemical signals to neuropathic pain is triggered by activation of University of Yamanashi both neurons and other neighboring cells by spinal microglia. I think that many brain 2002: Senior Scientist, National Institute of so-called “gliotransmitters.” In a gliotrans- diseases start with glial pathology, and Health Sciences mitter, adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP) therefore, glia could be a prime target for 1995: Research Scientist, National Institute of Health Sciences plays a central role. ATP is well-known as therapy. I would also say that to know glia is 1992: Postdoctoral Fellow, Japan Health an energy currency produced by mitochon- to understand brain diseases. Sciences Foundation dria within cells. When released, however, it 1992: Received Ph.D. from Kyushu University acts on its specific “P2 receptors” and can I will keep investigating glial functions in rela- 1987: Graduated from Kyushu University mediate glia-to-neuron communication. Such tion to brain diseases, with the ultimate aim neuron-to-glia coupling can be seen as a of pioneering a new field of “Neurogliology.”

New Director Appointed for Research Center for Science Systems

From 1 January, Dr. Makoto Kobayashi As the director of the Research Center assumed the directorship of JSPS’s for Science Systems, Dr. Kobayashi Research Center for Science Systems. carries out a wide range of responsi- He holds this new post concurrently bilities, which include the selection and with his position as executive director performance evaluation of researchers at JSPS (held since 2007) and honorary who serve as application examiners professor emeritus at the High Energy under JSPS’s programs, most notably Accelerator Research Organization its very large Grants-in-Aid for Scien- (KEK). tific Research and Research Fellow- ships for Young Scientists programs, As a researcher, Dr. Kobayashi spe- while providing advice on how to en- cializes in the field of particle theory. hance JSPS programs based on leading From 1979 to 2006, he held successive scientific imperatives and trends. posts at KEK, where he became direc- Dr. Makoto Kobayashi tor of its Institute of Particle and Nu- In FY 2009, the Center is staffed by 116 clear Studies in April 2003 and trustee researchers, headed by the director and serves as the Center’s senior advisor. in April 2004. Last year, Dr. Kobayashi three deputy directors: Dr. Michio Under them are 18 senior program received the Nobel Prize for his discov- Muramatsu, Dr. Motoya Katsuki, and officers and 93 program officers. ery of the origin of broken symmetry. Dr. Toshio Kuroki. Dr. Shiro Ishii - Research Center for Science Systems

6 SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ Message from New Office Director

By Mr. Osuke Komazawa, JSPS Nairobi Research Station

The main task of the Station has been Another peculiarity I have is being a to support fieldwork conducted by member of Japan’s “lost generation,” a Japanese scientists mainly in East term used by Japanese newspapers to Africa. Since the time my predecessor, refer to people born between the Mr. Itsuhiro Hazama, arrived in this mid-1970s and early 1980s. When we post in 2005, the activities of JSPS were teenagers or in our early twenties, Nairobi Research Station have seen Japan had already matured as an af- tremendous expansion. This despite the fluent country making it difficult for us fact that he was the only Japanese to secure permanent employment. So, posted at the Nairobi Station. Under many of us became temporary or What comes to mind when you hear the his direction, the Station started to day-wage workers, setting us in stark word “Africa,” particularly sub-Saharan sponsor and hold symposia, while suc- contrast to previous generations. We Africa that is the focus of this message? ceeding in co-establishing the Eastern are often criticized as lacking a com- You may imagine wild animals such as Africa (Kenya) JSPS Alumni Associa- petitive spirit or sufficient eagerness to lions, elephants, giraffes, gorillas or the tion. His achievements have been so promote ourselves. Being a member of beautiful scenery of the savanna, remarkable as to defy improvement; I this “lost generation” gives us, however, tropical rain forests, high mountains, will, nevertheless, do my best to main- some special traits. I believe, for exam- even glaciers. You might also envision tain and strengthen the network of ple, that we possess more originality extreme poverty or people living under scientists forged in East Africa by Mr. and creativity along with freer ways of miserable conditions. Of course, such Hazama. thinking gained from having grown up stereotypes represent some actual as- in the less-structured, what critics call pects of Africa. Unfortunately, very few There are two aspects to my back- “aimless,” era following Japan’s period people associate Africa with science. I, ground that I believe give me a rather of rapid economic growth. As creative however, see Africa as the “home” of unique profile as a director of a JSPS work takes longer to bring to fruition, science, as it is the place from whence overseas research station. One is that I I’d like to ask you to understand and be all human beings ascended. Research have been a practicing physician. For patient with my generation as we go conducted in Africa can be focused on five years, I’ve worked in public hospi- about moving things forward. fundamental human issues, such as tals in Japan as an ear-nose-throat where we came from and where as a doctor. The JSPS Nairobi Research Back to Africa: It is a very attractive race we are going; how to understand Station has established a tradition in place for scientific pursuit. If you our place in the world and to survive its human research as its directors have haven’t been here, you should consider hardships. The so-called developed been mainly primatologists, paleo- coming to Africa to engage in creative countries of the world may be veering anthropologists, cultural and social pursuits aimed at science’s ultimate astray in addressing such ultimate anthropologists, or linguists. Medical goals. Let’s work together. The JSPS goals of science. science is also a field of this genre. I am Nairobi Research Station is always very glad to be qualified in this way as ready to entertain requests from scien- The Nairobi Research Station was es- a new director who inherits and must tists wishing to do research in Africa. tablished in 1965, making it the oldest develop the tradition of human re- Karibu Kenya na Afrika! (Welcome to of JSPS’s overseas research stations. search in Nairobi. Kenya and Africa.)

Japan-UK Higher Education Symposium Held in London

On 11-13 February, the first Japan-UK sium was attended by presidents and tional institutions (HEIs) to regional Higher Education Symposium was chancellors of 16 Japanese and 18 development, developing appropriate held, cosponsored by the Japan Society British universities. Including repre- curricula for the workplace of the 21st for the Promotion of Science and the sentatives of science-promotion agen- century, and internationalisation of British Council. Venued in London, the cies from both countries, altogether research. Each was examined and dis- event celebrated the 150th anniversary about 90 people participated. cussed in the working sessions. In the of Anglo-Japanese exchange. Aimed at plenary session, Dr. Tsutomu Kimura, promoting ever-closer partnership be- The symposium focused on three president, National Institution for tween the UK and Japan, the sympo- themes: Contribution of higher educa- Academic Degrees and University

SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 7 Evaluation (NIAD-UE), delivered a on the subject “Higher Education’s keynote address on the theme “Japa- Contribution to Knowledge Economy,” nese Challenges for Higher Education introducing related programs initiated Reform in Recent Years.” In it, he spoke by the UK government and budgetary about how Japan is emulating the measures to support them. British model in carrying out its proc- ess of university reform and introduced In response to the various issues ad- the Japanese government’s 300,000 dressed in the sessions, the partici- International Students Plan and other pants engaged in active discussions Dr. Kimura giving keynote speech initiatives to open the country more that shined clearer light on points of widely to the world. On the British overlap and difference between the cided to continue this dialogue toward side, Prof. David Eastwood, chief ex- higher education systems of the two the implementation of tangible forms ecutive, Higher Education Funding countries. The representatives of the on inter-collegiate exchange. Council for England (HEFCE), spoke Japanese and British universities de- - Research Cooperation Division I/JSPS London Office

JSPS Holds Briefing for the Science & Technology Diplomatic Circle

On 24 February, JSPS held a briefing International Program Department. Grants-in-Aid program, international for members of the Science & Technolo- exchange programs, and support pro- gy Diplomatic Circle (S&TDC) at Ho- In her presentation, Ms. Oyama de- grams for advancing university reform tel Monterey Hanzomon in Tokyo. Con- scribed JSPS’s organization, budget, and fostering young researchers. The vened at S&TDC’s request, this brief- attendees showed keen interest in the ing on JSPS’s programs was attended briefing and asked volleys of questions by 27 people including science and in the following Q&A session. technology counselors and first secre- taries of various countries’ embassies in In a continuing exchange of views, the Tokyo. On the JSPS side, the briefing S&T staffs of the embassies talked with was attended by JSPS executive direc- each other and JSPS executives about tor Mr. Naoki Murata, International expanded networking and information Program Department director Ms. Mami exchange. Oyama, and all division heads of the Ms. Oyama giving briefing to participants - Research Cooperation Division Ⅰ

ESF-JSPS Frontier Science Conference Series for Young Researchers Held in Italy

On 27 February–4 March, an ESF-JSPS scientific topics. Frontier Science Conference Series for Young Researchers was held in the The theme of this year’s suburbs of Naples, Italy. These con- conference was “Social ferences are held once a year at alter- Cognitive Neuroscience.” nating venues between Japan and Twenty-two Japanese Europe based on a proposal in the re- and European specialists port issued by the Japan-EU Work- delivered lectures to 62 shop, jointly convened in 2001 by JSPS young researchers se- and EU institutions in Japan for the lected via open recruit- purpose of invigorating scientific col- ment. On the Japanese laboration between Japan and Euro- side, the Co-chair was pean countries. Cosponsored by JSPS Prof. Shun-ichi Amari, and the European Science Foundation RIKEN Brain Science (ESF), the conferences lodge the young Institute, with Prof. Atsushi Iriki, Prof. Tetsuro Matsuzawa, Kyoto Uni- participants together in a seminar RIKEN Brain Science Institute; Prof. versity; and Prof. Toshikazu Hasegawa, format designed to probe cutting-edge Shigeru Watanabe, Keio University; the University of Tokyo, serving on the

8 SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ Organizing Committee. Language, and Theory of Social Neuro- during an excursion, mealtimes and science. In addition to lectures, each breaks. The networks formed between The program centerpieced the following session featured short talks by the par- the participants and lecturers through five session themes: Mirror Neuron ticipants, who used the opportunity these interactions promise to expand System and Evolution of Social Intelli- along with poster sessions to introduce collaboration in the field of social cog- gence, Development of Human Social and exchange views on their respective nitive neuroscience. Cognition, Problem Solving and Deci- research activities. The participants - Research Cooperation Division Ⅱ sion Making, Communication and also enjoyed informal conversation

First General Meeting Held of Bangladesh-JSPS Alumni Association

On 21 March, the Bangladesh-JSPS delivered lectures at it. One was Prof. Alumni Association held its first an- Shigenao Kawai, Faculty of Agriculture, nual general meeting at Radisson Water Iwate University, who had hosted some Garden Hotel Dhaka. Past Bangladeshi of the Bangladeshi alumni members participants in JSPS’s postdoctoral and during their fellowship tenures in Ja- invitational fellowship programs had pan. In his lecture, he spoke about re- for some time shown a strong desire to cent advances in research in biological form a researcher network. As there is sciences and introduced Iwate Univer- no JSPS liaison office in Bangladesh, JSPS executive director Mr. Naoki sity along with his own research activi- the Embassy of Japan offered vigorous Murata, followed by Alumni Associa- ties. The other lecturer was Alumni cooperation in helping to establish the tion vice-president Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Association general secretary Dr. Md. alumni association and convening this, Hashem, who read a message on behalf Khabir Uddin, associate professor, De- its inaugural general meeting. Among of Association president Prof. Naiyyum partment of Environmental Sciences, the ten countries with JSPS alumni Choudhury, who was unfortunately Jahangirnagar University, who spoke associations, this makes only the third unable to attend the meeting. Then, on the topic “Effect of Textile Waste- without a JSPS liaison office, the other Mr. Masayuki Inoue, Ambassador of water on the Environment, and Some two being India and Korea. Japan to Bangladesh; Prof. A.A.M.S. Indigenous Remediation Approaches.” Arefin Siddique, vice chancellor, Uni- The two lectures spurred a vigorous Bangladesh ranks among the ten top versity of Dhaka; and Prof. Dr. Alauddin exchange of views between the attend- countries in the number of researchers Ahmed, adviser in charge of Education, ing researchers. coming to Japan each year under Social Development & Political Affairs JSPS’s postdoctoral fellowship program. to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, In the months and years ahead, the extended hearty congratulatory re- Bangladeshi researchers belonging to The general meeting was very suc- marks from their respective vantage the new alumni association are expected cessful, attended as it was by some 70 points on the establishment of the to forge close working networks with alumni members and Bangladeshi alumni association. their Japanese colleagues, ones that university faculty and staff, among will spawn wide and long-enduring other interested persons. The meeting A scientific colloquium was held after exchange between the two countries. began with introductory remarks by the general meeting. Two researchers - Overseas Fellowship Division

Symposium on Advanced Nanoscale Materials Held in the US

On 6-7 March, the US JSPS Fellows The symposium was organized by four The symposium was addressed by 13 Alumni Association co-sponsored a members of the alumni association—Dr. researchers from Japan and 14 from the symposium with the JSPS Washington Abhijit Sarkar, Michigan Molecular US, who spoke on various topics on the Office, Michigan Molecular Institute, Institute; Dr. Elena Rozhkova, Argonne cutting edge of research in the subject and Argonne National Laboratory. National Laboratory; Prof. Arup Neogi, field. Over 100 people attended the Entitled “Multifunctional Nanoscale University of North Texas; and Prof. symposium, with the audience compris- Materials for the 21st Century,” it was Longjian Liu, Drexel University—and ing alumni association members, re- held at Argonne National Laboratory in Dr. Hirotaka Sugawara, who is the searchers from Argonne National Labo- Argonne, Illinois. director of the JSPS Washington Office. ratory and Michigan Molecular Insti-

SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 9 tute, and interest members of the public.

The event opened with welcoming re- marks from Dr. Sugawara, who was followed by Ms. Mami Oyama, director of JSPS’s International Program De- partment. On the first day, the keynote poster session and laboratory tour were was held in the evening. Opening re- speakers in the morning sessions were held. More than 20 posters were pre- marks were delivered by Mr. Yoshiharu Dr. Eric D. Isaacs, director of Argonne pared by young researchers and doc- Kato, deputy consul general of Consu- National Laboratory, and Dr. Stephen toral students from Japan and the US. late General of Japan at Chicago. It K. Streiffer, director of the Center for offered the participants a good oppor- Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National On the second day, the plenary speaker tunity to discuss the day’s topics in Laboratory. Dr. Isaacs spoke about was Prof. Ohtsu, whose talk was titled greater detail while making new con- “Nanomaterials for Energy” and Dr. “Nanophotonics: Exchanging the Dressed tacts that could spark the beginning of Streiffer about “X-Ray Methods for Photons.” A full day of talks followed future collaborations. Studying Nanomaterials.” Prof. Ohtsu’s interesting and engaging presentation. Three more sessions fol- An annual general assembly of the US The afternoon sessions were chaired by lowed, with Prof. Kazushi Kinbara, JSPS Fellows Alumni Association was Prof. Motoichi Ohtsu, the University of Tohoku University, Prof. Petar R. held concurrently with the symposium. Tokyo, and Prof. Haim Grebel, New Dvornic, Michigan Molecular Institute, Jersey Institute of Technology. The ses- and Dr. Takashi Yatsui, the University For further information on the sympo- sions addressed the subjects of “nano- of Tokyo, each chairing one of them. sium, please visit the following website: photonics” and nanoscale materials for http://www.nanoscale21.com/. biology, respectively. In between them, a Going back to the first day, a reception - JSPS Washington Office

A Joint Effort for Combining Space Science with Archaeology

“Disturb and be cursed!” delivered a lecture with his colleague Prof. So Hasegawa, Waseda University’s Mummies of the Pharaohs may be cry- Institute of Egyptology, on achieve- ing indignantly from their subterra- ments in detecting sand-hidden ruins of nean tombs of eternal repose at being several thousand years old using satel- disturbed by what has been state-of- lites from high above the earth. the-art technology. After dying, the bodies of these dynastic rulers were Prof. Yoshimura is a frontrunner in processed and placed in caskets in such Egyptology, having not only advanced a manner that they might live on for- milestone research in this field but also task to spot buried tombs long forgotten ever in the necropolis. As time lapsed, making archaeology very popular among for several thousand years. NARSS sand storms covered these tombs sink- dilettantes in Japan. The flow of Japa- scientists are endeavoring to detect ing them into oblivion, except for those nese tourists to Egypt is influenced to a these underground sites of priceless found and routed by grave diggers or certain degree by his books or lectures. historical and cultural heritage by foreign excavators. Also attending the event were Prof. Dr. analyzing satellite-transmitted data. Haruhisa Shimoda, director of Tokai To move forward in exploring this an- University’s Space Information Center, This symposium brought together sci- cient past in a technologically friendly and Dr. Masahiro Etaya, chief of the entists from Egypt and Japan in an manner, an Egypt-Japan Joint Sympo- Image Processing Section, Tokai Uni- exchange of views on the newly created sium on Remote Sensing Applications versity’s Research & Information Cen- scientific domain of “space archae- in Archaeology was convened on 14-15 ter. They are both experts in space- ology.” This kind of celestial technology February at the Supreme Council of based genre of highly sophisticated can also be applied for terrestrial pur- Antiquities in Cairo. Along with sensing and imagining techniques. poses such as exploring for natural Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education resources, including gas and oil. In and Scientific Research, it was spon- On the Egyptian side were several spe- these ways, the Egypt-Japan collabo- sored by JSPS’s Cairo Research Station. cialists from the National Authority for ration in remote sensing is proving very Remote Sensing and Space Sciences fruitful, contributing as it does to both From the Japanese side, Prof. Sakuji (NARSS), who reported on their re- past and future exploration. Yoshimura, president, Cyber University, spective research results. It is no easy - JSPS Cairo Research Station

10 SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ JSPS-NRCT Summer School Held on Biomass Energy in Asia

On 21-23 February, the JSPS Bangkok projects being carried forward in the two Office co-organized an educational countries. Addressing the subject from a seminar with National Research Coun- wide range of perspectives gave the cil of Thailand (NRCT) and Graduate participants an overall view of biomass School of Agricultural and Life Sci- energy and its applications. Each ses- ences, the University of Tokyo. Titled sion began with lectures by senior Thai “JSPS-NRCT Summer School: Biomass and Japanese researchers, followed by Energy in Asia,” it was held in Bangkok. presentations from and discussions among the participants. At a night Burgeoning global imperatives, in- search activities and discuss topics of session, Prof. Yasuo Igarashi, the Uni- cluding energy security and greenhouse mutual interest with seniors and peers versity of Tokyo, moderated a wrap-up warming countermeasures, have spurred from each other’s countries. In this discussion in which the participants an increased use of biomass energy. process, they expanded their multi- were asked to rethink the thrust of Japan’s collaboration with Southeast faceted knowledge of the subject, while their various activities, thus broaden- Asian countries, blessed with an embarking upon network building. A ing their perspectives and horizons. abundance of biomass resources, will be total of nine Thai and Japanese re- vital for both increasing the energy searchers delivered lectures to a “class” The third day featured a study tour supply and mitigating global warming. of 24 young participants. to a biomass energy power plant in Concomitantly, there is an urgent need Phetchaboon Province. The plant gen- to foster researchers capable of carry- On the first two days of seminar, the erates electricity by gasifying waste ing out both international and inter- following three sessions were held: from local furniture manufacture and disciplinary research on biomass en- Biomass Energy Policy and Issues in agriculture. This privately operated ergy utilization. Japan and Thailand; Transformation of plant sells the energy it produces to the Biomass into Energy; and Actions to- provincial power company, thus pro- In this seminar, young Thai and Japa- ward Sustainable Biomass Energy. In viding a unique experiment for the nese researchers (mainly postdocs and them, the participants learned about the participants to observe in the effective doctoral students) were given the op- current state of biomass energy usage, use of local resources. portunity to report on their own re- research on related technologies, and - JSPS Bangkok Office

Todai Forum Held in the UK

For a four-day period from 27 through rum were held at City University Lon- 30 April, the Todai Forum was held at don, Imperial College London, Univer- multiple venues in the UK. For this sity of Cambridge, and Manchester forum, the University of Tokyo (Todai) Metropolitan University. Each venue dispatched some 60 students and fac- overflowed with attendees interested in ulty to the UK. As one of the sponsoring the latest research being presented and organizations, the JSPS London Office discussed. Under each of the themes, a provided full support for the forum simultaneous student forum was also from its preparation through successful held. This wide intellectual exchange, conclusion. trans-generational as well as trans- Prof. Hamada delivering remarks national, is one salient characteristic of Todai holds these fora in collaboration the Todai Forum. tor Prof. Yuko Furukawa, who said a with universities in the host country. few words before proposing a toast. At They serve to widely introduce cutting- For the opening ceremony on the first the reception, conversation abounded edge research being advanced at the day, a reception for all four day’s par- across lines of nationality, research University of Tokyo. This forum in ticipants was held at the Royal Society. field, and generation. the UK was the seventh in the series, With Prof. Akihiko Tanaka, managing the first having been held at the Mas- director, executive vice president, the At each of the forum venues, the Lon- sachusetts Institute of Technology University of Tokyo, presiding, the don Office set up a booth for providing (MIT). reception started with opening remarks information on JSPS’s fellowship and from Prof. Junichi Hamada, president, other programs. Through face-to-face This Todai Forum featured three the University of Tokyo. Then, Mr. exchanges of view with British stu- timely themes: Human Security and Wataru Nishigahiro, Minister Plenipo- dents and researchers, the staff was Business, Harmonization of Nuclear tentiary, Embassy of Japan in the UK, able to relay them information that met Utilization with Society, and Disability delivered a congratulatory message, their individual interests and needs. and Economy. Components of the fo- followed by JSPS London Office direc- - JSPS London Office

SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 11 Second China-Japan Science Forum Held on 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake

The Second China-Japan Science Fo- rum, titled “2008 Wenchuan Earth- quake and Natural Disaster Mitiga- tion,” was held on 9-10 March at the Lake View Hotel in Peking University Science Park.

On 12 May of last year, a magnitude tute of Geophysics, CEA, chaired allel at three locations. In the final 8.0 mega-earthquake epicentered in the Chinese side. Preparations were summary session, reports were deliv- Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province, made by many cooperating institutions ered by each session moderator and a China, took the precious lives of 87 and researchers working together from summary of the overall forum results thousand people and uprooted the re- both sides. given by the two chairmen. gion’s living environment by destroying its societal infrastructure. Japan is no The forum comprised an opening cere- Over the course of the forum, a total of stranger to destructive earthquakes mony, keynote speeches, presentation 55 oral presentations were given, along having experienced very many of them, sessions, a poster session, and a final with 29 poster presentations and five most notably the Great Hanshin-Awaji summary session. As one of the keynote corporate displays. Altogether, the event Earthquake. It was out of a desire for addresses, Mr. Hiroshi Masuko, direc- enjoyed the participation of about 150 Japan to combine forces with China in tor, Earthquake and Disaster-Reduction researchers and other engaged persons, post-disaster reconstruction in the Research Division, Ministry of Educa- among whom nearly 60 came from Ja- wake of the Wenchuan Earthquake and tion, Culture, Sports, Science and Tech- pan. After the forum, 18 of the Japanese in investigating ways to mitigate injury nology, and Mr. Toshitami Kaihara, participants repaired to Chengdu to and damage from future natural disas- former governor of Hyogo Prefecture conduct a three-day field investigation, ters that JSPS’s Beijing Office planned (currently, president, Hyogo Earth- led by researchers from the Earthquake the holding of this forum. quake Memorial 21st Century Research Administration of Sichuan Province, of Institute), introduced in some detail the state of post-earthquake recon- It was cosponsored by JSPS and the Japan’s research system for disaster struction in the area. China Earthquake Administration prevention and mitigation, which was (CEA), with support from the National largely strengthened after the Great Besides being very successful in carry- Natural Science Foundation of China. Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. After the ing out a wide-ranging bilateral inter- For the forum, an organizing committee speeches, sessions were held on the change on natural disaster mitigation, was established with cochairs on following three themes: Seismological the forum also laid groundwork for the Japanese and Chinese sides. Prof. and Geological Aspects; Effects on In- advancing highly anticipated Sino- Masanori Hamada, Faculty of Science frastructures, Buildings and Slopes, Japanese collaboration in this vital and Engineering, Waseda University, and Reconstructions; and Long-term domain. was the Japanese cochair, while Prof. Recovery of Society and Community. - JSPS Beijing Office Mengtan Gao, deputy director, Insti- These sessions were convened in par-

Colloquium on Sun & Earth Connections Held in Stockholm

On 10-11 March, the JSPS Stockholm Making milestone advances in this field ozone observation and research con- Office held a colloquium on the re- requires international collaboration, as ducted at IRF in Kiruna. It is also a search theme “Sun & Earth Connec- it would be difficult for any one country leader in providing satellite manage- tions.” It was convened in the audito- to take on such a complex, large-scale ment and other space-development rium “Beijersalen” of the Royal Swed- universe observation program by itself. services. This colloquium worked to ish (KVA) in That, in turn, mandates building build networks among several research Stockholm, Sweden. Cosponsoring the multi-national networks. Within the institutes and universities in the two event were KVA and the Swedish In- global scientific community, Japan plays countries with an eye to promoting new stitute of Space Physics (IRF). Some 60 a leading role in such fields as X-ray depths and dimensions of scientific Japanese and Swedish researchers and astronomy, space plasma physics and investigation in related fields. students participated in it. solar physics, whereas Sweden plays a pivotal role in aurora and stratospheric The meeting was opened by KVA per-

12 SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ manent secretary Prof. Gunnar Öquist, On the first day, presentations were who described the history of the Royal delivered by Japanese and Swedish Swedish Academy of Sciences, includ- researchers on a range of state-of- ing its establishment of the Kiruna the-art topics, including “The Sun as Geophysical Observatory, IRF’s prede- Driver of Heliospheric Activities—New cessor, in 1957, while going on to state Views from the Results of Solar-Physics the expectations KVA has for research Satellite HINODE,” “The Plasma En- cooperation with Japan. Then, JSPS vironment of Giant Planets,” “Solar Stockholm Office director Prof. Hiroshi Wind Interaction with Inner, Earth-like, Sano spoke about the importance of the Planets,” “Auroral Processes in the participants to propose fields conducive subject research fields from the view- Solar System,” and “Explosive Events to future collaboration between Sweden point of tackling global issues such in Space.” The day finished up with a and Japan. That spurred a spirited as climate change. In his talk, Prof. poster session by the participating exchange of views on mid- to long-term Anders Karlsson, science & technology postdoctoral researchers and doctoral research possibilities from a diverse counsellor, Embassy of Sweden in students. range of perspectives. Japan, touched upon topics relevant to the recent state of space science in On the second day, more presentations It was decided to post the colloquium’s Sweden and Japan; Swedish astronaut were given on such topics as “Japanese presentation abstracts and a compila- Dr. Christer Fuglesang’s experience in Plan for Solar System Explorations,” tion of its discussion results on the Japan; and the launch of the IBUKI “MHD Simulation of Interaction be- Stockholm Office’s website for open greenhouse-gases observing satellite tween Jovian and Kronian Magneto- access and viewing. The curtain closed (GOSAT) from Tane-ga-shima in Jan- spheres and Solar Wind,” “Plasma Sur- on the event amidst high expectation uary 2009. He also introduced an face Interaction in Space,” and “Labo- that the colloquium constituted a first agreement for future cooperation con- ratory Plasma of Relevance to Space.” big step in an unfolding path of ex- cluded between the Japan Aerospace They were followed by a discussion to change between the two countries’ par- Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the wrap up the two day’s proceedings. In ticipants and their institutions. Swedish National Space Board (SNSB). it, IRF Prof. Rickard Lundin asked the - JSPS Stockholm Office

Fifth Japan-Germany Colloquium Held on “Evolutionary Genomics”

On 8-11 March, the JSPS Bonn Office participants. Observing this setting, held a colloquium on the theme “Evo- the Bonn Office staff gained a renewed lutionary Genomics,” venued in Bad perception that good old face-to-face Honnef on the outskirt of Bonn. exchange can still outrival the new communication modes available over The colloquium organizers were Prof. the Internet. Dr. William Martin, Institute of Botany III, University of Duesseldorf, and Prof. On the last day, Prof. Dr. Martin was Dr. Naruya Saitou, National Institute kind enough to lead the group of Japa- of Genetics. They selected the partici- dynamic chromosome…, and (7) Evolu- nese participants on a tour of his uni- pants and planned the sessions. Twenty- tion at work in the wild. versity’s Institute of Botany III. The five speakers were selected mainly experience was very much enjoyed as it from the cadre of young participants, In all the sessions, very active Q&A offered the young participants a glimpse including six female researchers, from periods exceeded the time parameters. of an overseas research environment. Germany and Japan. The Japanese They gave the participants the chance participants comprised research asso- to ask the speakers directly about the During breaks and meal times, the ciates and postdoctoral researchers, intricacies of their research, creating a staff observed Japanese and German with the exception of the organizer. The give-and-take that was both stimulat- researchers talking over plans to start following seven sessions were held over ing and inspirational. Many larger new joint initiatives. It is our hope that the two-day event: (1) All things start academic conferences, attended by holding this colloquium has given con- small…, (2)…and things can get tan- mostly male researchers, have an in- text and impetus for advancing new gled, (3) Duplications and development, sular feeling about them. In contrast, collaborative projects in and around the (4) Getting things sorted into their the Q&A periods in this smaller-scale field of evolutionary genomics. proper places, (5) The dynamic chro- colloquium allowed an open discussion - JSPS Bonn Office mosome…, (6)…and the even more enriched by inputs from the female

SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 13 Science The following fellows participated in JSPS’s Science Dialogue Program during the period from February through March 2009. For details about the program, please see its webpage: http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-plaza/e-sdialogue/ Dialogue - Overseas Fellowship Division

Aomori Prefectural Hachinohe-kita High School Nara Prefectural Nara High School

Date: 19 March Dr. Francisco J. Jimenez-Espejo Date: 16 February (Spain) Dr. Michael S. Chae (Canada) Host institution: Japan Agency Host institution: Saitama Univer- for Marine-Earth Science and sity Technology Title: “The Mechanisms of Age- Title: “Climate Change and Ma- ing: Lessons from a Fungus” rine Sciences”

Chiba University Faculty of Education Attached Niigata Prefectural Niigata Minami High School Junior High School

Date: 4 February Date: 9 February Dr. Yana Supriatna (Indonesia) Dr. Farid Kendoul (Algeria) Host institution: Gunma University Host institution: Chiba University Title: “A Brief Study from My Title: “Aerial Robotics and Its Country on Unity in Diversity, and Applications in Our Daily Life” Learn from My Research about Gastrointestinal Studies from Gene to Disease” Ehime Prefectural Matsuyama Chuo High School Saitama Prefectural Warabi High School

Date: 13 March Date: 20 February Dr. Darren C. Peets (Canada) Dr. Robert C. Johns (Canada) Host institution: Kyoto University Host institution: Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute Title: “Introduction to Supercon- Title: “Insect Ecology—The Foundation of Forest Ecosystem ductivity” Management”

Fukui Prefectural Fujishima Senior High School

Date: 24-25 February Ms. Ramona T. Bajema (USA) Host institution: Waseda Univer- sity Title: “Japanese Artists in the United States, 1840-1942” Seishin Girls’ High School (Okayama) Ishikawa Prefectural Kanazawa Izumigaoka High School Date: 10 February Dr. Shubash C. Das Date: 16 March (Bangladesh) Dr. Guy D. Williams (Australia) Host institution: Hiroshima Uni- Host institution: Hokkaido Uni- versity versity Title: “Prolonged Sperm Surviv- Title: “Antarctic Bottom Water” ability in Hen Oviduct”

Kumamoto Prefectural Daini High School Senior High School Attached to Kyoto University of Education Date: 20 February Dr. Aqil Muhammad (Indonesia) Date: 20 February Host institution: Tokyo University Dr. Erik D. Reese (USA) of Agriculture Host institution: The University of Title: “Development of Environ- Tokyo mental Restoration Measures of Title: “Cosmology: The Universe Degraded River Basin in Tropical in Under an Hour” Countries”

14 SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ Shizuoka Prefectural Iwata Minami High School Shizuoka Prefectural Kakegawa Nishi High School

Date: 4 February Date: 16 March Dr. Nicolas Delsuc (France) Dr. Luca Baiotti (Italy) Host institution: Kyoto Univer- Host institution: Kyoto University sity Title: “New Windows on the Uni- Title: “Selective Recognition and verse” Detection of Proteins on Cell Membrane” Wakayama Prefectural Koyo Junior High School

Date: 4 February Date: 12 February Dr. Yuri Bolshan (Canada) Dr. Mark J. Doubell (Australia) Host institution: The University of Host institution: Tokyo University Tokyo of Marine Science and Technol- Title: “Transition Metals in Organic ogy Synthesis” Title: “Oceans, Light and Life”

Recent Visitors to JSPS (February-April 2009)

Foreign Secretary,

On 21 April, a group from the British Acad- They exchanged information and views with emy headed by Prof. Duncan Gallie, foreign JSPS president Prof. Motoyuki Ono on secretary and vice-president, and including recent trends in JSPS and the British Acad- Prof. Peter Kornicki, chair of East Asia emy (BA). Afterwards, JSPS executive Panel, and Ms. Sharon Strange, interna- director Mr. Naoki Murata, JSPS Research tional manager, Asia, made a visit to JSPS. Center for Science Systems senior advisor Dr. Shiro Ishii, deputy director Dr. Michio JSPS and the British Academy have been Muramatsu, and senior program officer carrying out a program to support bilateral Prof. Kazuo Seiyama joined the discussion academic cooperation in the humanities and and engaged the BA delegation in a spirited social sciences (HSc) since signing a exchange of views on HSc trends in Japan memorandum of understanding (MoU) in and the UK and on Japan and the UK’s with East Asian countries. 1973. roles in promoting scientific cooperation - Research Cooperation Division Ⅰ

Director General, Swedish Research Council

On 23 April, a Swedish delegation headed explanations of the recent incorporation of by Dr. Pär Omling, director general, Swed- Japan’s national universities, Japan’s S&T ish Research Council, and including Dr. budgetary situation, efforts to international- Sylvia Schwaag Serger, director, Division of ize Japanese universities, and moves afoot International Collaboration and Networks, in Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research. In Swedish Governmental Agency for Innova- turn, Dr. Omling and the others described tion Systems (VINNOVA); Mr. Lennart the situation surrounding Swedish universi- Stenberg, senior advisor, International ties, including a move away from concen- Cooperation & Analysis, VINNOVA; and trating support on individual researchers Prof. Anders Karlsson, science & technol- and towards establishing research hubs in ogy counsellor, Embassy of Sweden in individual universities. They also described They also engaged in an active exchange of Japan, paid a courtesy visit to JSPS presi- how efforts are being made through the views on promoting scientific exchange dent Prof. Motoyuki Ono. operation of these hubs and cooperation between Japan and Sweden, and iterated a among multiple universities to elevate, both mutual commitment to advance such bilat- They expressed interest in recent trends in cooperatively and competitively, the univer- eral cooperation. Japan and listened intently to Prof. Ono’s sities’ research levels. - Research Cooperation Division Ⅰ

SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 15 For further information on JSPS’s organization and programs, please visit our website [www.jsps.go.jp/english/], or mail or fax inquiries to Cover photo: JSPS Fellows Plaza using the address or fax number given below. JSPS Quarterly and our brochure may also be downloaded. ThT e roof of a beautifully decorated two-story yamaboko float, paraded ● JSPS Fellows Plaza tht rough town during summer 6 Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8471 festf ivals. Tel: +81-3-3263-1872 Fax: +81-3-3263-1854 http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-plaza/ Information can also be obtained from our regional offices listed below.

● JSPS Washington Office 1800 K Street N.W., Suite 920, About JSPS Washington, D.C. 20006, USA Tel: +1-202-659-8190 Fax: +1-202-659-8199 The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) operates E-mail: [email protected] as an independent administrative institution to perform the http://www.jspsusa.org/

following main functions: fund scientific research, foster ● JSPS San Francisco Office researchers, promote international scientific exchange, and 2001 Addison Street, Suite 260, advance university reform. Berkeley, CA 94704, USA Tel: +1-510-665-1890 Fax: +1-510-665-1891 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.jspsusa-sf.org/

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16 SUMMER 2009 No. 28 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/