Message from the President
The National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS), the largest basic life science research institute in the field of agriculture in Japan, was established on April 1, 2001, as an independent administrative institution of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Through the general understanding of biological phenomena of various agricultural organisms such as plants, insects and animals, NIAS plans to develop functional organisms and ways to use them in our society, and finally seeks to create innovative faming technologies and additional industry fields based on farm organisms for the solution of global food and environmental problems. In a span of 10 years since its establishment, the NIAS has made important contributions in both fundamental and innovative re search es for the world. The First Five-year Research Program (2001-2005) led to the sequencing of the entire rice genome, development of genetic recombination tech niques for silkworm, and the construction of genetically modified swine. The Second Five-year Research Program (2006-2010) focused on the utilization of the rice genome sequence in developing efficient breeding strategies, elucidation of the draft sequences of silkworm and swine genomes, and functional characterization of agronomically important genes. In April 2011, we started the fiscal year with the Third Five-year Plan, which outlines the activities for accomplishing major research goals by 2015. Our research is based on two major approaches which are obtaining genome information controlling the lifecycles of organisms, and collection and utilization of genetic resources. These approaches will allow us to extensively determine the characteristics of agricultural organisms for application of the most desirable characters in agriculture and industry. Accordingly, we have launched three research centers, namely, the Agrogenomics Research Center, the Geneticallymodified Organisms Research Center, and the Genetic Resources Center, and research divisions for Plant Science, Insect Science, and Animal Science to strongly and effectively promote the following research activities:
In the last decade, we have led the International Rice Genome Sequencing Project to complete the sequence of the first cereal genome. The high-quality and map-based rice genome sequence has contributed greatly to the progress of research in agriculture - particularly in developing new varieties that could sustain the increasing human population. To continue making an impact in global research, NIAS aims to intensify life science-based research and to focus its efforts in establishing a core research organization in the field of agriculture. Through the research projects carried out as part of the first and second five-year programs, the NIAS has accumulated enormous research resources including genetic resources in rice, silkworm, and swine. Practical utilization of these invaluable resources will be thoroughly pursued to achieve major breakthroughs in agricultural productivity. We believe that the commitment to pursuing large-scale research challenges will result in pioneering, innovative impacts on academia as well as major industries. In the Third Five-year Plan, we will pursue the development of next-generation genome-based breeding strategies, the sequencing of wheat and insect pest genomes, and practical utilization of recombinant technology based on the genetic resources, genome sequence information and research materials accumulated in the past. The advances made in recombinant technology will be used to maximize the potential of agricultural organisms to increase productivity. Towards this goal, we will research the practical uses of recombinant technology in rice, silkworm and pig. Additionally, we will collaborate with researchers in the fields of engineering and medical sciences to address a broad range of issues that are important in practical utilization. In research involving gene transfer and recombinant organisms, we will carry out the experiments according to the relevant laws and will take any measure required to ensure that safety is the highest priority. As a research institute for life sciences focusing on agri cultural productivity, we hope to contribute to the advancement of Japanese agriculture through the creation of new industries by obtaining the understanding, acceptance and approval of the general public. In concurrence with the rapid progress and competition in cutting-edge biotechnology throughout the world, the executives and employees of NIAS together have a firm resolve to strive for innovative research and effective administration. We thank all of those involved for their cooperation, and we look forward to your continued support, understanding, and collaboration.  President of NIAS Ph.D. Teruo Ishige |