Life science in the new era: Urgent need for improvement of research environment to enhance capability — MEXT committee issues interim report

The key to a successful future in the field of life science is the synergy brought about by the fusion of three elements: Curiosity (the drive to clarify the phenomena of life), Methodology (development of the latest measurement and analysis technologies), and a Mission (meeting and contributing to society's needs). On June 18, MEXT released an interim report on the future of life science research and specific measures to improve Japan's research capabilities. This report will be reflected in related national policies, such as the ministry's request for budget allocations for the next fiscal year and the third-term Healthcare Policy.

Life science research is a very interesting field and important in contributing to human welfare and industrial competitiveness, such as extension of healthy life expectancy and providing solutions to environmental and energy problems. It is a priority area for governments in all countries, and research papers in this field account for about half of the total number of papers produced worldwide. Thus, life science carries considerable weightage in evaluating research capabilities. Meanwhile, Japan is experiencing a serious decline in research capabilities, particularly in basic life sciences. Amidst drastic environmental changes, including a dwindling birthrate and super-aging population, changing disease structures, and changing lifestyles of individuals, advances in research methods in information science, such as AI, measurement and analysis technologies, and other areas have been changing research methodologies.

The Life Science Committee report states the importance of synergy via the fusion of the three elements of CMM (Curiosity-Methodology-Mission) in the future and proposes appropriate support measures in accordance with the trends in each element. For Curiosity, the report discusses the research areas attracting intellectual curiosity, including the relationships between life phenomena and gene sequences, research focusing on the "life course," a series of processes of life phenomena from development and regeneration, model formation based on an approach in which the entire life is considered as a system comprising the immune system, metabolism, the endocrine system, and other subsystems interacting with each other. In addition to the conventional organ-by-organ approach, new discoveries by comprehensively characterizing life phenomena via thorough measurement and observation, the evolution of life, clarification of higher brain functions, immune functions, and cancer mechanisms are highlighted. In Methodology, the subjects discussed in the report include wet technologies such as sequencer technologies, multiomics, metabolomics/transcriptomics/epigenomics; dry technologies such as mathematics, artificial intelligence, communication, and computing; effective use of optical engineering, electromagnetic fields, sound waves, radiation, quantum technology, and other technologies for non-invasive measurement of whole organisms; linkage with quantum technology and nanotechnology; and linkage with senescence/aging studies and cultural anthropological approaches is also expected. As for Mission, the report lists expectations in terms of health and medical care, including the drug discovery process and seed creation, comprehensive promotion of research and development focusing on the life course, personalized medicine and personalized preventive and preemptive medicine, and clarification of gender differences, individual differences, and intraindividual changes for personalized nutrition. It is also important that life science contributes to the realization of a bioeconomy through, for example, biotechnology for the production of desired substances using genetic technology; the creation of biofuels and other products; and the production of substances from atmospheric carbon dioxide.

To realize new life science through the fusion of CMM, the report stresses the importance of and calls for government actions to strengthen fundamental capabilities consisting of three elements: basic research, human resource development, and research infrastructure. Another important area is translational research to bridge a gap between the results of basic research and innovation or social implementation. Other specific measures proposed in the report include: the ideal research funding system; international expansion and diplomacy for science and technology; and regional life sciences. In addition to supporting challenging, exploratory, and emerging research that is a source of research diversity and the promotion of basic life science research on all living organisms, examples of important areas in basic research include exploration for drug targets (e.g., causative proteins) through disease mechanism research, genome analysis, and other means, and elucidation of biological functions (e.g., mRNA modification), and the exploration for compounds for use as pharmaceuticals.

In terms of human resource development, various efforts are required. Examples of such efforts to improve the research environment include an environment in which researchers can concentrate on their research; a system that allows young researchers to become independent at the optimal time and start-up support; streamlining of academic societies; and simplification of documents related to research funds. For university hospitals and medical schools where research hours are reduced due to workstyle reforms, initiatives to develop human resources and improve research capabilities, and the creation of programs to provide integrated support for researchers working on projects of strategic importance for the country. The report lists a number of initiatives, including: the active introduction of cutting-edge analysis technology through the centralization of analysis equipment as core facilities; and support for omics analysis and intellectual property applications as business rather than joint research. The report also outlines measures regarding research infrastructure, such as research equipment-related support mechanisms like BINDS; improving and increasing databases; collection and integration of clinical data; standardization of data; and improving bioresources and biobanks. The report further proposed research funding, including seeding/watering-type research grants, funding for researchers rather than projects, and increasing the budget for basic expenses and improving the success rate of competitive funds.

Life science research is not only conducted solely by the government, but is promoted by universities, research institutions such as national research and development agencies, private entities such as companies and foundations, and researchers who are actually involved in research activities. Therefore, mechanisms and the environment should be urgently established to revitalize the research bodies. Currently, attention is paid to how many suggestions in the interim report will be reflected in the budget for the next fiscal year and the third-term Healthcare Policy is being formulated.