Message from Chair of Basic Biology Program

The National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB), established in 1977 in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, is a research institute that challenges innovative biological research on various life phenomena. We conduct advanced research in a wide range of fields, including cell biology, developmental biology, neurobiology, evolutionary biology, environmental biology, theoretical biology, and imaging science, with the purpose of unraveling the mysteries of life and contributing to the future of biology. In April 2022, we established the Trans-Scale Biology Center, which aims to comprehensively understand the biological hierarchy from the gene to the population level across a wide variety of organisms. The Center is also enhancing its use of AI for integrated analysis of big data, such as next-generation sequencing and image analysis data, to promote efforts to understand biological phenomena from vast amounts of data.
 
Graduate education at the NIBB is conducted at the Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI. SOKENDAI is a graduate university formed by 20 research institutions including NIBB. It aims to foster highly specialized researchers by utilizing research institutions as educational opportunities.
 
In the Basic Biology Program, we support each student to pursue their own research theme and grow as a world-class researcher. And we sincerely hope that your passion and curiosity will contribute to the future development of biology. The flexible ideas of young students will be a great stimulus to the faculty and will encourage new developments in research. It is important for us to engage in friendly competition with each other and grow together.
 
The path of research Is never smooth and is often described as a mountain climb. In the process of reaching the summit, you may get lost in deep forests, face steep walls, or encounter unexpected difficulties. However, to overcome difficulties, sustained effort, creativity, and above all, cooperation with those around you are essential. The difference between research and mountain climbing is that even after reaching the top, the next mountain appears, and the never-ending, endless quest continues.
 
My research subject, the fully metamorphosed insect, transforms itself from larva to pupa to adult in an amazing manner during its growth process. I hope that students who study at our institute will transform themselves as gorgeously as butterflies and grow up to be researchers who can freely flap their wings in the world of research.