Kyoto University

KYOTO UNIVERSITY IS located in Kyoto, Japan; it is the second oldest Japanese University. The mission of the university is “to sustain and develop its historical commitment to academic freedom and to pursue harmonious coexistence within human and ecological community on this planet.” It is known for focusing on basic science research, then generating industry from this research, and finally sharing the knowledge gained with the community in educational endeavors. There are three campuses—two are in Kyoto while the third campus is technically in Uji; nevertheless, the campuses are within close proximity and can be said to all be in Kyoto.

Kyoto University has a long and eventful history. Notable events include the founding in 1897 as Kyoto Imperial University, with a college of science and engineering (currently these units are two separate colleges). Two years later, the College of Law and Medicine, as well as the university hospital and university library were built. In 1947 the name was changed to Kyoto University, and the Center for Molecular Biology and Genetics was established in 1988.

One of the many institutes at the university is the Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences. The institute was established in April 1998 to promote research and science in regenerative medicine with a mission to carry out basic science investigations as well as to foster regenerative medicine. An adjunct facility within the institute is the Stem Cell Research Center. The Center was founded in April 2002 “to advance basic research and medical application in the field of the regenerative medicine using stem cells such as human embryonic stem cells.” It is composed of the five Laboratories of Cell Processing, Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Reprogramming Research, Stem Cell Differentiation, and Stem Cell Engineering.

The Laboratory of Cell Processing collaborates with the Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research. It began in 2005 to develop the production and maintenance of lines of stem cells for research and clinical purposes. The laboratory aspires to be a stem cell bank for future scientists. The Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research uses self—renewable human embryonic stem cell lines from three consenting donors to conduct investigations into the molecular mechanisms of this self—renewing property. The Laboratory of Stem Cell Differentiation studies the stem cells of the cardiovascular system, specifically in the functioning, angiogenesis, and repair of this system. The Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering focuses on nuclear reprogramming events that determine the switch from the state of being one type of cell such as a stem cell into another cell type. The knowledge gained may one day be used to cause the reverse; that is, to induce pluripotent stem cell identity in a somatic (adult, differentiated) cell.

The university is overseen by a president, with four vice—presidents and two auditors. Additionally, a board of seven executive directors manages the university.