BMB2026 Special Symposium /
BMB2026 Symposium

BMB2026 Special Symposium

The Special Symposium features distinguished speakers from around the world who are leading experts in their respective fields. Each speaker will present the latest research findings and future perspectives in their areas of specialization.

Date and Time:
December 3, 2026, 9:00–12:20 (tentative)

Organizers:
Noboru Mizushima (The University of Tokyo)
Hitoshi Kurumizaka (The University of Tokyo)
Yukiko Gotoh (The University of Tokyo)
Kazushige Touhara (The University of Tokyo)
Speakers:
Yukiko Yamashita (Whitehead Institute/MIT/HHMI)
Masashi Yanagisawa (University of Tsukuba)
Feng Zhang (The Broad Institute)
David Julius (University of California)

BMB2026 Symposium

We are planning to hold the following three sessions.

1. Ingenious Molecular Machines: Expanding Frontiers in the Life Sciences

Date and Time:
December 1, 2026, 9:00–11:00 (tentative)

Organizers:
Hitoshi Kurumizaka (The University of Tokyo)
Speakers:
Hitoshi Kurumizaka (The University of Tokyo)
Jian-Ren Shen (Okayama University)
Yasushi Okada (RIKEN)
Atsuko Yamashita (The University of Osaka)

In this symposium, we will explore groundbreaking research on molecular machines that operate at the nanoscale to orchestrate life. Presentations will delve into the functional regulation of motor-driven intracellular transport, photosynthesis, sensory receptors, and protein complexes on chromatin. These innovative studies offer remarkable insights into the intricate machinery of life at the molecular level.

2. The Journey of Life: Regulation of Cellular Fate from Beginning to End

Date and Time:
December 2, 2026, 9:00–11:00 (tentative)

Organizers:
Yukiko Gotoh (The University of Tokyo)
Speakers:
Emi Nishimura (The University of Tokyo)
Katsuhiko Hayashi (The University of Osaka)
Kenneth Zaret (University of Pennsylvania)
Keiko Sugimoto (RIKEN)

Understanding how cells acquire, maintain, and eventually lose their identity is fundamental to decoding the entire arc of life—from its inception to aging. In some contexts, cells also exhibit remarkable regenerative potential, allowing tissues to repair or renew themselves. This symposium brings together leading researchers who explore cell fate regulation across different biological systems, life stages, and regenerative processes, using a wide range of approaches.

3. From Basic Research to Disease Control

Date and Time:
December 4, 2026, 9:00–11:00 (tentative)

Organizers:
Noboru Mizushima (The University of Tokyo)
Speakers:
Keiichi Nakayama (Institute of Science Tokyo)
Kenya Honda (Keio University)
Michisuke Yuzaki (Keio University)
Motoko Yanagita (Kyoto University)

Recent advances in basic research are rapidly narrowing the gap between fundamental science and clinical application. Increasingly, the development of effective therapeutic strategies depends on a deep understanding of core biological processes. In this symposium, leading researchers from diverse fields will present groundbreaking approaches that connect fundamental discoveries with translational impact.