The 3rd BSAC Meeting Prof. Michel Cuenod handing the report to Dr.M.Ito,Director of BSI The 3rd meeting of the Brain Science Advisory Council (BSAC) was held from April 12 to 14. The BSAC, composed of 19 experts of established academic standing from both inside and outside Japan, and chaired by Dr. Michel Cuenod (ex-Secretary-General of the Human Frontier Science Program) was organized to perform an overall evaluation of BSI. The council highly evaluated the remarkable speed and efficiency with which BSI incorporated the council's recommendations of last year into its management. The council also made various recommendations-key points of which are summarized as follows: ･ Taking account of the necessity of strengthening its institutional memory and the insecurity of young faculty concerned about their futures, BSI should give consideration to providing a limited number of permanent positions to exceptional scientists. ･ Because of international concerns about animal welfare, BSI should 1) become proactive in establishing policies and procedures for related experiments that meet the highest international standards; and 2) include outside members in the relevant committee that approves human and animal experimentation. ･ The BSI should consider innovative ways to attract graduate students and provide them with a wide range of training experience. This could be made possible by having BSI scientists obtain adjunct faculty positions in local universities and having graduate students enrolled in those universities carry out their research work at BSI. ･ In order to enhance its international character, BSI is encouraged to hire on contract or in temporary positions staff who are comfortable speaking and writing in English. ･ Efforts should persist in establishing mutually beneficial collaborations with the Genomic Science Center and the Genetic Polymorphisms Research Center. ･ The council agrees with the concept raised by faculty members that BSI should invest in its own bioinformatics facility. ･ Because of difficulties in attracting and accommodating foreign scientists, quality of life issues need to be considered, including spousal employment, schooling for children, and social integration. Science and Technology Agency Director-General Nakasone Visits BSI Minister visit BSI(from the left:Dr.Kobayashi, President of RIKEN,Director-General Nakasone, Dr.Ito,Director of BSI) Hirofumi Nakasone, Director-General of the Science and Technology Agency, visited BSI on May 25 as part of his visit to RIKEN. Dr. Masao Ito, Director of BSI, gave a brief description of the present situation, goals and objectives of BSI. Afterwards, Dr. Ito introduced some of the fMRI research projects and answered some of Mr. Nakasone's questions about brain visualization systems that use high-technology equipment and instruments. Following that, the Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience outlined their research and presented their latest results. This was followed by a lively discussion with the Lab. Head, Dr. Saido, on the possibility of conquering Alzheimer's disease. Finally, Mr. Nakasone was guided by Group Director Dr. Itakura to observe the BSI Animal Facility, one of the largest in Japan. The visit and ensuing discussion went over the originally scheduled time by almost ten minutes, indicating Mr. Nakasone's deep interest and anticipation with regards to brain science. Group Director Dr. Mikoshiba Awarded the College de France Medal On May 16, after giving a speech at the College de France, Developmental Brain Science Group Director, Dr. Katsuhiko Mikoshiba was awarded the prestigious College de France Medal. The College is one of France's premiere universities with a long tradition of excellence and was established in 1530 by Francois I for the advancement of science. Dr. Mikoshiba received the Medal for his research on IP3 receptors and Ca channels, which are key molecules in cell functions. BSI Third Anniversary Commemorative International Symposium This coming October will mark the third anniversary of BSI since being established back in October of 1997. To commemorate this special occasion , an international symposium entitled ﾒBrain Science in the 21st Centuryﾓ will be held with BSI scientists and top brain science researchers from around the world on hand. Details concerning application procedures and program schedules, etc. will be announced at a later date on BSI's web page (http://www.brain.riken.go.jp). We look forward to seeing you at the symposium. ･ Symposium for general participants Date: Thursday, Nov. 30 Time: 13:00 to 18:00 Location: Yakult Hall, Shinbashi Admission: Free Languages: Japanese/English (simultaneous interpreters will be available) ･ Symposium for specialists Date: Friday, Dec. 1 Time: 10:00 to 16:00 Location: RIKEN Ohkouchi Hall, Wako Admission: Free Language: English