Life sciences are generally described as “a comprehensive scientific field encompassing everything from basic science aimed at understanding life to its practical applications.” Taking a broader view of this, we established the Graduate School of Life Sciences in April 2012, comprising the four courses of Applied Chemistry, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Sciences, with the aim of pursuing research across a wider range of fields that includes chemistry, one of the foundations of the life sciences, and of developing talent capable of contributing to society in these areas. These four courses are built upon disciplines that have developed from foundations in science, engineering, agriculture, informatics, and medicine, and together they constitute the core academic fields of chemistry and the life sciences.

Today’s society faces a wide range issues that must be resolved on a global scale. Among these, issues related to resources and energy, the environment, food supply, and healthcare are considered the most pressing. In order for humanity to pursue, sustain, and further develop a more prosperous way of life and society, these issues must be addressed steadily and reliably. Achieving this requires not only the practical application of research findings generated through interdisciplinary collaboration and integration across academic fields, but also the cultivation of talent capable of playing active roles in these fields. The fields of chemistry and life sciences are central to these efforts. This Graduate School provides an environment where students can engage in interdisciplinary research that transcends these academic fields and pursue cutting-edge research aimed at solving a diverse array of social issues.

The Graduate School of Life Sciences has established its own programs to encourage international engagement, including support for graduate students to present their work at international conferences and publish in international journals, as well as support for participating in internships at overseas research institutions. Many students have already taken advantage of these support programs, and they have applied those experiences to both their research and career development. In addition, we proactively welcome international students through a variety of programs. By conducting research together, both Japanese and international students deepen their intercultural understanding and exchange. Many of our graduates go on to apply the specialized skills and international perspectives they developed here to tackle the many challenges facing humanity in fields such as chemistry, food science, information technology, and healthcare.

I am confident that the education and research opportunities offered by the Graduate School of Life Sciences will fully meet the expectations of students who aspire to address the many issues facing modern society and contribute to the creation of a more prosperous world. It is my hope that students who come to this Graduate School will gain advanced expertise, discover the joy of research, develop psychological resilience (or mental toughness, so to speak), hone the sensibility to generate and refine ideas, and experience the sense of accomplishment that comes with conducting research. Armed with these experiences, I look forward to seeing them succeed in the global arena.