Message from the Director

Since 2022, I have had the honor of serving as the director general of the historic Institute of Microbial Chemistry. I am committed to preserving the traditions and assets created by our founder, Dr. Hamao Umezawa, and his predecessors, while striving to further advance the field of natural product science.

Vision and Policies of the Institute of Microbial Chemistry:

1. We promote independent research in various fields such as biology, chemistry, structural biology, and molecular structure analysis, based on the creative ideas of each researcher.

2. We undertake projects that have the potential to lead to significant developments or drug discovery as a whole institute. In this process, we regularly review and adjust our research themes and personnel assignments.

3. We focus on mastering fundamental techniques such as the collection, cultivation, extraction, and purification of microbes, and ensure these skills are passed on to the next generation of researchers.

4. We offer a library of over 40,000 actinobacteria extracts, including new species, for broad research use.

5. As a public interest incorporated foundation, we advance the social contribution of our results and our public relations and outreach education activities, and we open the adjacent Hamao Umezawa Memorial Hall to the public.

We sincerely look forward to your support and active participation in our research activities. Additionally, we provide postdoctoral systems and research support programs for young researchers.

Takao Shimizu
Director
Institute of Microbial Chemistry