AMED President engages Japanese Researchers in New England to further Japan-U.S. life science collaboration

On September 1, 2026, Consul General Takahashi hosted a roundtable discussion. The event brought together with Dr. Hitoshi Nakagama, President of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), who was visiting Boston, and Japanese researchers active in the New England region, including Principal Investigators (PIs) leading research programs at universities and research institutions. Approximately 50 participants attended including Japanese PIs from across New England, representatives of Japanese government-affiliated organizations such as the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), and members of the local venture capital community.
 

This roundtable was held as a key part of the Consulate's ongoing efforts under J-NEXUS to build and strengthen a network of Japanese PIs in the New England region. Since the launch of J-NEXUS in February 2026, the Consulate has continuously expanded this network through proactive outreach and community-building activities, with the PI roster now comprising  approximately 60 researchers across a wide range of disciplines.
 

The New England region, particularly around Boston, stands as one of the world's leading hubs for life sciences and biotechnology, bringing together universities, hospitals, startups, investors, and other key stakeholders in a dynamic drug discovery and innovation ecosystem. Reflecting this strategic importance AMED officially established its Boston office in September 2026, aiming to further strengthening its engagement with researchers, institutions, and industry partners in the United States.
 

During the discussion, AMED presented the objectives of its new Boston office and outlined its initiatives to support the global development of Japanese drug discovery startups. In response, participants engaged in a lively exchange of views on a range of topics, including the promotion of medical and research data utilization, international talent development for early-career researchers, and approaches to advancing U.S.-Japan collaborative research. Discussions also explored opportunities to commercialize innovative Japanese drug discovery seeds, promote international clinical trials, and further strengthen ties with Boston's vibrant life sciences and innovation ecosystem.
 

The Consulate-General of Japan in Boston remains committed to strengthening the Japanese researcher network in the New England region. We will continue to promote collaboration among Japanese and U.S. research institutions, government organizations, industry partners, and investors, thereby contributing to deeper U.S.-Japan cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.