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The human brain is an infinitely complicated system that developed over millions of years of evolution. It processes information and is the root of our mental activities. Understanding the brain means understanding human beings. The brain has constructed an information processing system with astonishing capabilities through the inconceivably ingenious actions of its molecules. Therefore, to understand its operation, we must adopt an integrated approach that includes not only biology, but also human sciences and information science. Brain science for the twenty-first century must be established as an all-encompassing science.
Since RIKEN BSI's establishment five years ago, its researchers have been absorbed in activities to achieve this goal. Through these efforts, BSI has achieved renown throughout the world, and in Japan, as an inter-disciplinary and international brain science research institute. This is, of course, the result of the splendid research work of all of its personnel.
But a steep road lies ahead of us. Not only is the task of establishing BSI as an international research institute incomplete, but also our goal for inter-disciplinary research has yet to be reached. The only way to attain these objectives is through continuous research.
I have diligently conducted my own research in a favorable environment, but now I must continue my research while I fulfill my new responsibilities as BSI director. My mission is to make BSI a vanguard of truly interdisciplinary, international research in brain science in the twenty-first century. To do this, I must create an environment that permits our researchers to fully exploit their capabilities. As an institution with a mission that differs from those given to universities and other education and research institutes, BSI operates in uniquely beneficial conditions. However, our responsibilities are heavy and we are under increasing pressure. I will strive to alleviate this pressure so that our researchers are free to express their capabilities and display their powers.
Let's pursue these goals and reach new heights together.
In the autumn of 1997 at the opening ceremony held on the site of the present main building, my dream to establish a basic brain research institute became reality. Among the enthusiastic participants attending the celebration were all those who had worked together to establish the world's largest brain science research center. BSI has grown steadily since that day and now has 43 laboratories with 440 researchers and support staff. Having reached the age for mandatory retirement, I stepped down from my role as BSI's Director, a post I occupied since its founding, on March 31st. I am grateful to the many people who have assisted me in developing this institute. I will remain at the institute as a special advisor and look forward to BSI's continuing advancements under the leadership of its new director, Dr. Shun-ichi Amari.
The high level of the research activities of BSI is reflected in its published research. During its initial five-year period (from 1998 to 2002), 1,172 English language were published. BSI also released 112 research summaries and applied for 141 patents-six of which were licensed. Reports from one of our laboratory heads have been cited almost 800 times and those from four other lab heads, more than 200 times each. Average number of citations per report published by five lab heads (including three of the above five) is between 20 and 32, a testimony to the high international level of research performed at BSI. I am confident that by surpassing these levels, the institute will earn its place in the history of science and contribute greatly to society.
BSI has determinedly faced challenges over the years and accomplished astonishing feats. One notable success stems from its adoption of an advanced interdisciplinary approach that permits close cooperation between researchers from many fields ranging from biology, medicine, and agriculture to mathematics, engineering, and information technology. This created an environment that encourages fresh concepts be combined with comprehensive and extremely effective research. Another fait accompli is the strong international atmosphere at BSI, where English is the common language spoken. Currently nearly 100 foreign support staff and researchers, including seven team leaders, are employed at the Institute. Yet another success lies in providing the best opportunities to young researchers in their thirties: a period when their creativity is extremely high. The average age of researchers at BSI is 34.
BSI's short history includes a few unpleasant incidents. All of RIKEN was humiliated by a poisoning incident in 1999 and an economic espionage scandal in 2001, but these events provided valuable insights. They reminded us of the importance of safety and crisis management, and that intellectual property rights issues at modern research institutes are of growing importance. From these incidents we developed new measures to deal with these vital issues.
BSI's contribution to the development of research ethics is also notable. By building on all of its past successes, I fully expect that BSI will continue to be a model of a superior twenty-first century research organization.
RIKEN BSI gets a new outfit in 2003
RIKEN Brain Science Institute greeted its new year with new branch in its research organization-a new research theme, Nurturing the Brain. This theme will join the other three established research themes: Understanding the Brain, Protecting the Brain, and Creating the Brain, to contribute to our growing understanding of the human brain.
Nurturing the Brain's goal is to clarify the mechanisms of healthy brain development, and it is expected to make big contributions to human society.
The following page details RIKEN BSI'S new organizational structure from 2003. |
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