Message from President

The late Dr. Yuichi Yamamura, a respected teacher of mine, had an outstanding vision during his tenure as the president of Osaka University to make Northern Osaka a life science “mecca”.  Dr.Yamamura’s vision is quickly becoming a reality as a number of research institutes have been established in Northern Osaka and many others have moved here including the Medical Department of Osaka University and the various businesses and laboratories that have gathered to establish the Saito Life Science Park. Historically, Osaka has been home to a booming pharmaceutical industry, boasting top-class domestic drug production. Furthermore, the Kansai region has traditionally been known for its strength in the lifesciences which form the base for the bio industry. In addition to Osaka University, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, universities conducting cuttingedge research in the life-sciences, and other research institutions, Osaka is also home to major industries focusing on electronic, chemical, and precision equipment that supports technological development, as well as smaller manufacturing companies with formidable technologic strength, all of which provides for a high potential in the field of biotechnology. Amid this environment, we seek to further propel Osaka’s strong bio-industry in a manner that leads to the expansion of Osaka’s industry and prosperity for residents. To this end, we have established the “Osaka Bio Headquarters” encompassing industrial, academic and governmental organizations across Osaka, such as the “Osaka Bio Strategic Promotion Conference” and the “Osaka Bio Support Group”. The “Osaka Bio Strategy” was decided at the Osaka Bio Strategic Promotion Conference. This action plan was drafted with the goal to make Osaka with the “Northern Osaka Bio Medical Cluster” at its core, rank 5th in the biomedical field world-wide within 10 years with yearly progress monitoring. The office of Osaka Bio Headquarters was established at the Senri Life Science Center Building in September，2008． A system has been created to implement Osaka Bio Strategy and communicate with local and international researchers, bio-related ventures and pharmaceutical companies. We aim to strengthen bonds between local and international bio-clusters by providing a one-stop center for consultations concerning various topics. We hope that it proves a reliable resource to those with an interest in Osaka’s bio-technology and industry． March,2010 President of Osaka Bio Headquarters Chairman of Osaka Bio Strategic Promotion Conference Tadamitsu Kishimoto