Message on Accepting the Office of President

Dear members of the Japan Peptide Society and all other peptide societies around the world,

I am honored to serve as the 18th President of the Japan Peptide Society, succeeding Professor Kazuyasu Sakaguchi from Hokkaido University. I am committed to contributing to advancing our society and promoting research among our esteemed members. I hope to foster the growth and sustained development of peptide science in Japan with the board of directors, auditors, council members, and the secretariat.

With their remarkable properties, functions, and activities, Peptides continue to capture global attention as pharmaceuticals and versatile materials. In our country, peptide science has made significant strides across diverse research areas and garnered international acclaim. The inaugural “1st Peptide Chemistry Symposium” in Japan, organized by Dr. Shiro Akabori in 1962, marked the beginning of peptide science gatherings. Since 1998, our society has expanded these symposia, now known as the “Peptide Discussion Meetings,” to enhance comprehensive academic exchanges and enrich the content of peptide-related conferences. These meetings have evolved into international forums, with most research presentations conducted in English.

Looking ahead, the 2027 International Peptide Symposium (IPS) will be hosted in Japan under the guidance of Professor Hiroaki Suga from the University of Tokyo. We strongly encourage researchers from diverse fields related to peptides to participate in these discussions.

The Japan Peptide Society also recognizes the importance of nurturing talent for the future of peptide science. Initiatives such as the “Peptide Forum,” launched in 2001, provide a platform for young researchers to explore scientific challenges. Although the pandemic disrupted our activities, we eagerly anticipate the revival of the Peptide Forum. The “Young Researchers’ Summer Peptide Study Group,” organized by young scientists, has a history of over 50 years. More than 150 young researchers gather each year to exchange knowledge and ideas, fostering collaboration and camaraderie.

Our society awards, encouragement awards for young scientists, and poster awards during the discussion meetings. Starting this year, we have renamed the “Good Stone Award,” previously bestowed by the symposium organizers, as the “Japan Peptide Society Young Researcher Oral Presentation Award.” We thank President Kuniko Kato for her generous support of the award. Furthermore, the JPS Travel Award assists young members in presenting their research at international peptide-related conferences, including the American Peptide Symposium, European Peptide Symposium, IPS, APIPS, and symposia in Australia, China, and Korea.

May these efforts contribute to outstanding young researchers’ continued growth and exploration of peptide science. We also recognize the need for active participation of young and female members in our board of directors and council.

If you have any suggestions or requests for the society, please feel free to contact me, the board members, or the secretariat. Once again, I sincerely appreciate your support, and I wish all of you continued success in your research endeavors.

Warm regards