Letter From The Chairman

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce that as part of the research project for the promotion of global health issue resolution organized by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), a 2-day event, "The U.S.-Japan Cooperative Medical Sciences Program: Mycobacterial Diseases Panel Meeting 2024," will be held on April 25-26, 2024, at the 50th Anniversary Hall, University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa.

The U.S.-Japan Cooperative Medical Sciences Program was initiated based on discussions between Prime Minister Eisaku Sato and President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965. The program aims to share research between Japan and the United States on diseases prevalent in the Asian region. Currently, there are ten specialized panel meetings, including the Mycobacterial Diseases Panel meeting.

Infections caused by mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are widespread, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, posing a continuing threat to life even in developed countries, including Japan. Effectively developing preventive, diagnostic, and treatment methods are essential in addressing this threat. However, the number of researchers and institutions conducting fundamental, applied, and clinical research on mycobacteria in Japan is limited. To make progress in such an environment, I believe it is crucial to organically build a network of researchers, create an environment that facilitates research efficiency, and, based on that network, nurture young researchers engaged in mycobacterial infections. The US-Japan Mycobacterial Diseases Panel meeting has such social and scientific roles.

This event will take place in Okinawa, the southernmost part of Japan. Despite being held in late April, Okinawa experiences a very pleasant climate. I hope to create a conference where passionate discussions on mycobacterial research take place in this wonderful tropical setting and look forward to the participation of many individuals.

I am looking forward to seeing you in Okinawa, Japan.

Yours faithfully,

Masayuki Umemura, PhD.

Chairman of the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Medical Sciences

Program: Mycobacterial Diseases Panel Meeting 2024

Molecular Microbiology Group, Department of Infectious Diseases, 

Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus