program   abstract   

Mr. A. Ishikawa, Director-General, The Research Promotion Bureau, MEXT Prof. Mauro Ferrari, The Ohio State University Prof. Kazunori Kataoka, The University of Tokyo Symposium Poster Session Dr. Mihail Roco, Senior Advisor for Nanotechnology NSF Chair, NNI

During 5 years from 2002 to 2006, MEXT and NSF have agreed to hold symposia twice a year (once in Japan and once in U.S) with the purpose of promoting research collaboration in nanotechnology. The 1st symposium, "Tools and Metrology for Nanotechnology", was held at Connell University, U.S in Jan. 2003. The 2nd symposium based on "Nanomedicene" as an essential theme was held at Yokohama Prince Hotel, Japan in Oct. 9-11, 2003.

Nanotechnology has made it possible to develop new characteristics and functions, and its practical use is highly expected. The most expected of all is "Nanomedicine", which would develop the innovative technique to treat various disease such as a cancer and degenerate tissue. Especially, drug and gene deliveries, imaging technology for earlier diagnosis for cell and tissue labeling and regenerative medical technique have gotten a lot of attention.

In this symposium, Prof. Kazunori Kataoka, The University of Tokyo and Prof. Mauro Ferrari, The Ohio State University, delegates of Japan and U.S, and 26 participants (14 researchers from USA, 12 from Japan) in nanomedicine held lectures. Furthermore, young researchers presented 13 different posters. Over 70 participants joined through 2 days and vigorous discussions were seen among researchers in Japan and U.S.

After the opening address presented by Mr. A. Ishikawa, Director-General, The Research Promotion Bureau, MEXT and Mr. Martin Murphy, Deputy Minister-Counselor for EST, U.S. Embassy, with the expectations for the relevant field and research cooperation between JP and U.S., Prof. Ferrari gave a speech of the plan of National Cancer Institute to achieve the goal for "no more suffering and death due to cancer" by 2015.

The research presentation was divided into 3 sessions, (1) "Nanotechnology for medical therapeutics", (2) "Nanotechnology for medical diagnostics" and (3) "Nanotechnology for fundamental life and medical science". From basic researches of diagnostic technology to practical researches related to drug deliveries, biochips and imaging technology etc., various presentations were given in every session. We expect that these presentations bring further opportunities to cooperation researches in both countries.

As a closing address, Dr. Mihail Roco, Senior Advisor for Nanotechnology NSF Chair, National Nanotechnology Initiative stated his expectation toward forming nanotechnology network among researchers and developing JP-US cooperation, with the importance of this symposium.