Introduction to the Annual Meeting of Japan Society for Molecular Science
― With Aspiration and Determination ―

Molecules are ubiquitous everywhere from the interstellar space of the far reaches of the universe down to the insides of the cells within our bodies. We live, think, and sustain modern civilization on account of the structures, physical properties, and reactions of molecules. Molecular science has been established as a broad-ranging and well-rounded academic discipline that cuts across and breaks down the barriers between the conventional scientific disciplines of physics, chemistry, and biology by focusing on the “molecules” which constitute the shared elements between them. Cognizant of this fact, Japanese researchers have been pioneering and vigorously carrying out activities in the new academic research discipline of “molecular science.” The Symposium on Molecular Structure and Dynamics, which was the forerunner to the Annual Meeting of Japan Society for Molecular Science, was launched in 1964. In the roughly half a century from then down to the present day, Japanese molecular science has maintained its position as one of the world leaders through vigorous debate and study.

This meeting is an “open meeting” that does not restrict those qualified to take the stage to members. It serves as a venue in which everyone that has a profound interest in and passion for research on molecular science can gather, discuss the frontiers of science and technology, and learn. Experts who precisely determine molecular structure, researchers engaged in profound research on the electromagnetic properties of molecular substances who are searching for new substances, and graduate students analyzing the structure and functions of protein molecules through theoretical calculations all gather here. It is our desire that a great many people will take part, and that numerous researchers and students will interact with one another.

The major earthquake and tsunami that struck the coast of the Tohoku-Kanto region on March 11, 2011 was an enormous disaster of an unprecedented scale that destroyed many towns and in which many precious lives were lost. Amidst the heart-wrenching sadness and pain, the people have continued to entreat the victims who are straining hard to bear up under deep despondency to keep their heads up and not give up. The same sentiment has been coming in from overseas. The Japan Society for Molecular Science would like to support the restoration of educational and research activities in the afflicted regions at the earliest date possible. It would also like to offer its assistance to the utmost extent in order to ensure that the young people in particular can demonstrate their capabilities when it comes to study and research with great dreams and aspirations.

It is my ardent wish that as many people as possible will take part in this meeting held in Sapporo, and that it will serve as the beginning of a year filled with new aspirations, enthusiasm, and a determination to rebuild.

Toshinori Suzuki
President of the Japan Society for Molecular Science