Advanced Systems-Biology: Designing The Biological Function | Global COE

Systems biology is a research field that combines molecular structural analysis, information theory, and mathematical analysis to lead biology into a new era. However, for many life scientists who have focused on analyses of individual genes and have poor experience in the associated field, it is hard to begin work in systems biology. Furthermore, there is concern that Japan has a smaller population of scientists capable of leading in systems biology, as compared with the U.S. and Europe. In this GCOE program, therefore, we have decided to base our education and research on a platform built in two 21st-century COE programs ("System Bioscience: Integrative Study of Molecular Signal Networks" at Graduate School of Science, and "Plant bioscience concerning food in the new century" at Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences). By covering both basic and application aspects of systems biology, it will be possible to cultivate students and young researchers who have a balance between research spirit and social responsibility. We hope to train young scientists who can pass along to society the beneficial results of systems biology.

Program with cooperation between Graduate School of Science and Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences

The Division of Biological Science has already implemented basic research aimed at understanding biological events as systems; the platform of structural biology is also being put into place. Meanwhile, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences has been conducting studies aimed at the design and optimization of biological systems based on fundamental research in higher plants and a molecular genetic understanding of complex agricultural traits. Through cooperation between both Schools, promoting systems biology from both its basic and application-oriented aspects, it will be possible to construct a foundation for globally competitive research that covers the entire range of systems biology. At Nagoya University, Graduate School of Science and Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences are not only physically near one another, but also have enjoyed a long history of interaction, including cooperation in the Bioscience and Biotechnology Center, where molecular biology is the common language for both. In summary, we believe that we have the combined advantages of perfect location, situation, and people to ensure successful coordination of research and education.

In order to implement the aforementioned goals, the Global COE will encourage innovation in educational programs, as follows: promotion of participation in complementary lectures shared by both departments; establishment of a new structure for research guidance, including communication among laboratories; and development of support for international capacity in addition to conventional support for doctoral students. Through implementation of these wide-ranging plans, we provide an environment that will cultivate a spirit of independence and internationality among graduate students and young researchers. Furthermore, we will help our students and young researchers acquire the techniques required to conduct next-generation biology at the highest level. These techniques include structural biology, information technology, and mathematical analysis (simulation), as well as molecular biology and biochemistry. We intend our program to meet the needs of the most ambitious students. We have high hopes that our graduate students will not simply participate passively in these new programs, but will make their own constructive efforts, for example, by suggesting new projects.

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