Greetings
President NAKAMURA Yusuke
The NIBIOHN, a national research and development agency, was established in 2015 by the merger of the National Institute of Biomedical Innovation (NIBIO) and the National Institute of Health and Nutrition (NIHN). Since the merger, multiple initiatives to expand the NIBIOHN's capabilities have been taken per the First Mid- to Long-Term Plan. As a first step, four new centers, including the Center for Drug Design Research, were established under the NIBIO, which now consists of six sub-centers. These centers have enhanced our visibility and recognition in the academic and private communities.
As a national research institution, we have identified intractable and rare diseases as one of our priorities, because they often fail to attract industrial investments. We have also focused on interdisciplinary studies for drugs development and nutrition/health to take advantage of the NIBIO-NIHN merger. Our interdisciplinary efforts have opened up new possibilities, especially in research on gut bacteria. We will continuously work hard to obtain maximum benefits from the organizational restructuring.
In the second 7-Year Mid- to Long-Term Plan starting in FY 2022, we will address various new challenges as we look ahead to the 100-year-life era. One of the key phrases in this plan is "individual optimization." In the near future, guidance and suggestions regarding diet, physical exercise, and clinical care should be tailored to maximize individual benefits. To optimize health benefits, we have utilized the most-advanced artificial intelligence (AI) analysis technology in drug-target discovery, drug development and nutrition science. We will do our best efforts to increase the benefits that individuals may be eligible to receive.
We will contribute to extending healthy longevity by developing innovative drug discovery technologies, conducting food and nutrition research and surveys, and generating and implementing creative basic research ideas. We cordially ask for your support.
Executive Director　TSUGANE Shoichiro
The NIHN was originally established in 1920 as the Nutrition Research Institute of the Home Ministry. It has a 100-year legacy of contributing to nutrition science in Japan and many countries around the world.
To gather scientific evidence on nutrition, diet, and physical activity, we conducted many years of basic and epidemiological research. At the same time, we made a series of policy recommendations based on best scientific evidence to assist in the formulation and revision of guidelines for healthy eating and physical activity. Since 2014, the NIHN has been designated as a WHO Collaborating Center, and contributes to international cooperation by disseminating accumulated knowledge and experience to Asia-Pacific countries.
Per the second Mid- to Long-Term Plan starting in FY 2022, the NIHN will launch new key projects while advancing recently launched researches such as AI-nutrition disaster nutrition, gut microbiome, in addition to the proven researches to date.
One key project is to propose evidence-based food-based dietary guidelines by 2030, which we registered as our commitment at the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth Summit 2021. These guidelines will foster healthy and environmentally sustainable eating practices. Considering Japan's famed longevity, we expect that the prospective guidelines will contribute to extending healthy lifespans in many parts of the world.
Another key project relates to researches on effective and efficient social implementation methods of healthy lifestyles as indicated by guidelines and reliable health information. This project will explore new approaches to raising public awareness through industry-academia-government collaboration. In cooperation with local communities, this project will help people embrace healthy eating and exercise habits.
To extend healthy life expectancy and reduce health disparities in Japan and other countries, we will conduct research that informs national health and nutrition policies. We sincerely ask for your support and cooperation.