Outcome: Review of RIKEN-MIT Neuroscience Research Center
The six laboratories in the RIKEN-MIT Neuroscience Research Center (RMNRC, Director: Prof. Susumu Tonegawa) underwent a two day research review at MIT (Cambridge, MA) in May 2007. The research committee was chaired by Prof. Stephen Heinemann of the Salk Institute.
Citing the large number of papers recently published by the Center, the committee determined that RIKEN-MIT collaboration has been remarkably successful for the two partners and enhanced scientific collaboration between Japan and the United States. Working within the challenging demands of NIH's funding system, the committee commented that the research targets and discoveries of the researchers at RMNRC were impressive. In addition, several new technologies for genetic engineering have emerged from joint research project that support research on brain functions and contribute to ongoing progress at RMNRC and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory also at MIT. The benefits of these projects to RIKEN and other Japanese organizations were also noted.
Since Prof. Tonegawa managed scientific and administrative aspects, he was able to focus research on memory and learning as well as on the search for novelty and reward and extend findings from those projects to yield insights on neurological disorders. The collaboration also helped recruit first-rate researchers to MIT that led to the establishment of new laboratories.
RIKEN-MIT Joint Workshop for Younger Researchers
To help younger researchers at RIKEN BSI and MIT the RIKEN-MIT succeed, a joint workshop was held on May 29, 2007 at the Picower Institute for Leaning and Memory in Massachusetts. This workshop included lectures by Dr. Manabu Tanifuji of the RIKEN Laboratory for Integrative Neural Systems, Dr. Teiichi Furuichi of the RIKEN Laboratory for Molecular Neurogenesis, Drs. Lih Huei Tsai and Yasunori Hayashi from the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory. The lectures triggered active question and answer sessions. BSI researchers also visited three laboratories as part of the exchange program.
The MIT Picower Center Annual Retreat 2007
Ten BSI researchers joined the Picower Institute for Leaning and Memory retreat in North Falmouth, Massachusetts at the end of May 2007.
On-going projects from all eleven laboratories of Picower were introduced in lectures by principal investigators (PIs) and graduate school students. In addition, 120 researchers and students joined in the poster sessions. One BSI researcher noticed that many of the lecturers introduced some exciting projects-showing that there are rising stars among the younger researchers
BSI researchers also had time to talk with Prof. Mark Bear, the new director of the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory and with Prof. Susumu Tonegawa.
RIKEN BSI-OLYMPUS Collaboration Center Opened
On June 1, 2007, the RIKEN BSI-OLYMPUS Collaboration Center (RIKEN BOCC) opened to provide a space for joint research between RIKEN and Olympus Inc in developing better optical imaging techniques for science. This is the first time a new project at RIKEN has openly marked the participation of a for-profit organization in a partnership. BSI Group Director Dr. Chitoshi Itakura will lead this Center with support of Group Director Dr. Atsushi Miyawaki. Two engineers from Olympus will also be working at the center.
The "Industry-Academia Collaboration Center System" which was launched in February made this project possible. RIKEN BOCC will contribute to mid- and long-term life science projects that will benefit RIKEN and Olympus as each draws off the assets of the other. The Center hopes to develop and make available optical devices and related technologies for bio-imaging. In addition, it will hold workshops and symposia inside and outside of RIKEN to develop imaging skill prowess throughout Japan.
