On Assuming the Presidency ~ Looking Ahead to the Next Century ~
It is a profound honor to assume the presidency of The Japanese Pharmacological Society. To take on this responsibility in a society with such a long and distinguished history is both a privilege and a solemn duty. I wish to express my deepest respect to many predecessors whose dedication has built the Society’s strong academic foundation and fostered its enduring scholarly community. Having myself been nurtured within this Society as one of its members, I regard it as my responsibility to carry this legacy forward and to guide the Society toward a new era of growth and achievement.
The Japanese Pharmacological Society will soon commemorate the significant milestone of its 100th anniversary. At this important juncture, I am guided by the principle of learning from the past to shape the future. By drawing upon the knowledge, accomplishments, and spirit of those who have come before us, and by building on that legacy as our foundation, we can articulate a renewed vision for the Society that meets the needs and aspirations of our time.
One of the Society’s greatest strengths lies in the openness and breadth of pharmacology itself. Pharmacology is a discipline that deepens our fundamental understanding of biological processes and responses, while extending across diseases and specialties to advance drug discovery and technological innovation. In recent years, the very concept of therapeutics has expanded remarkably. In addition to conventional small molecules, pharmacology now embraces a broad range of modalities, including antibodies, nucleic acids, and cell-based therapies. It also plays an essential role in addressing the societal impact and public acceptance of medicines and therapeutic interventions. I believe that the distinctive appeal of pharmacology resides in this expansive perspective, which spans basic science, clinical research, drug discovery, regulatory science, and implementation in society.
Our Society is also enriched by the diversity of its membership. Researchers, educators, and professionals from medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, dentistry, nursing, veterinary medicine, agriculture, science and engineering, as well as industry, come together under the shared language of pharmacology. This diversity is among our greatest strengths. Looking ahead, it is important not merely to preserve this diversity, but to elevate it into a driving force for deeper scholarship and new directions in research.
At this time, I would especially like to invite all those engaged in pharmacology in Japan, regardless of their field or background, to renew their connection with the Society, while warmly welcoming the participation of colleagues from around the world. Amid increasing specialization, changes in the research environment, and the demands of professional life, some may feel that their ties to the Society have become less immediate than before. I sincerely hope that many such colleagues will choose to engage with us once again. When individuals from diverse fields and backgrounds bring together their knowledge and experience, the interdisciplinary character of pharmacology and its unique capacity to bridge basic and applied science become ever more evident. I hope that this Society will be a place not only of inspiration for early-career researchers, but also one to which established scientists, clinicians, and colleagues from other disciplines and industry can connect, contribute, and help shape new directions for the future.
With this in mind, during my term I will place particular emphasis on fostering the next generation of researchers, promoting dialogue across disciplines and sectors, and strengthening collaboration with related academic societies and neighboring fields of research. Through our annual meetings and other scientific activities, we will continue to highlight the intellectual vitality, originality, and interdisciplinary strength that define pharmacological research. We will strive to ensure that the fresh perspectives of young scientists, the promise inherent in each research endeavor, and dialogue between basic and clinical science, as well as between academia and industry, all contribute to the vitality of the Society as a whole.
At the same time, we will continue our efforts to promote diversity, advance international engagement, strengthen our communications and information infrastructure, and establish a sustainable financial foundation. Creating an environment in which individuals from a wide range of backgrounds can participate fully, and ensuring that the value and appeal of our Society are communicated effectively both within Japan and internationally, will be essential to the future of The Japanese Pharmacological Society.
Our forthcoming centennial is not merely a milestone, but the starting point for the next century. Building on the traditions that have shaped us, I look forward to working together with our members in Japan and around the world to create a new future for The Japanese Pharmacological Society. I would be most grateful for your continued support and collaboration as, across disciplines and generations, we work together to advance pharmacology in Japan and contribute to the broader global scientific community.
Tomoyuki Furuyashiki
Institute of Science Tokyo,
Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences
