April 25-26
The United States-Japan Cooperative Medical Sciences Program:
Mycobacterial Diseases
Joint Panel Meeting 2024
Okinawa, Japan
Thank you note from the Chairperson:
Dear colleagues,
Thank you very much for participating in the "The United States-Japan Cooperative Medical Sciences Program: U.S.-Japan Joint Mycobacterial Diseases Panel Meeting 2024" despite your busy schedules. We sincerely appreciate your attendance. Despite the unfavorable weather for a real sense of Okinawa, the conference saw meaningful discussions during the session.
Mycobacterial diseases remain a serious threat to human health. It is imperative that we, as researchers, continue to unite our efforts towards further exploration for the prevention and treatment of mycobacterial Diseases. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage in lively discussions with all of you again.
Once again, we express our heartfelt gratitude for your dedicated participation, making the journey to Okinawa, and contributing to the vibrant discussions.
We look forward to your continued support.
Warm wishes,
Chairperson of The U.S.-Japan Cooperative Medical Sciences Program:
Mycobacterial Diseases Panel Meeting 2024
Masayuki Umemura, Ph.D
Letter From The Chairperson
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.
Chairperson 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