Aims and Goals

In the 21st century, the civilization of the 20th century that relied almost entirely on fossil resources should be dramatically reoriented so that a sustainable society can be built up. The basic requirement for achieving this aim is the use of solar energy to expand and utilize the capability of plants to make organic matter from inorganic matter. The committee will reach solutions to difficult problems the earth and humankind are faced with regarding population, food, the environment, natural resources, etc., by promoting the advancement of plant molecular biology and genome information science, enhancing the assimilating capabilities of plants, and providing plants with resistivity to compound stresses by using genetic modification technology and other methods.

Research Themes

1. Basic and practical research in plant biotechnology for food security
Basic and practical research in plant biotechnology for environmental conservation and environmental restoration
Basic and practical research in plant biotechnology and metabolic engineering for natural resources
Development of technology roadmap for green-innovation
2. Promotion of public relations and public engagement activities in plant biotechnology
Promotion of international cooperation in plant biotechnology

Committee Chairperson

Fumihiko Sato
Professor
Graduate School of Biostudies
Kyoto University

Duration

January 2011 to December 2015 (Fourth term, Five years)

Membership Composition

Academia: 41
Industry: 15
Total membership: 56

Committee Web Site

http://www.lif.kyoto-u.ac.jp/jsps160c/