Application for Academy Center Certification
World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)
Host Institution

Kyoto University

Research Center

Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS)

Host Institution HeadJuichi Yamagiwa

Center Director

Susumu Kitagawa

Administrative Director

Mitsuru Hashida

Please prepare this application based on the content of your center’s progress report and the progress plan you submitted for the center’s
final evaluation. Summarize the center’s future plans with regard to the following 6 items within three A-4 pages. (Also fill out theappendices at the end of this form.)

1. Overall Image of Your Center* Describe the Center’s overall image including its current identity.

iCeMS, founded in 2007 in line with the WPI program,gathered an exceptional collection of internationally known cellbiologists, material scientists and chemical biologists from Kyoto
University, from Japan and from around the globe. Theseeminent researchers who gathered at iCeMS, all motivated by its
difficult but rewarding challenge, were given the freedom todefine, through their collaborations, the framework of what a
new interdisciplinary movement would like. The iCeMS
leadership of Prof. Susumu Kitagawa, a world-class leader inmaterial science, facilitated the dialogue on even ground amongits researchers in the two major fields of cell biology and material science. This allowed iCeMS toidentify its core values in the last 10 years, which resulted in the determination of its final goal as
creation of “Materials for Cell Elucidation and Control”. In order to achieve this goal, iCeMS
concentrates on the study of three essential properties of cells and cell biology: Cell
Communication; Nucleus Information; and Membrane Compartments. Also, now being a research
institute of the Kyoto University Institute for Advanced Study (KUIAS), iCeMS undertakes importantroles to further advance its cutting-edge research capitalizing on the strengths of Kyoto University,
cultivate the next generation of research professionals, and promote the circulation of outstanding
research talent both within Japan and overseas.

2. Research Activities* Describe how the center will challenge new research fields andadopt new strategies.

True integration of cell and material sciences
should be bidirectional, making ground-breaking
contributions to both cell biology and materialsciences. iCeMS will achieve such trueKyoto University- 1iCeMS

integration through two platform concepts of “Utilization of cells” and “Inspiration to materials”, andalso through an engine for its “Translation to society”.
Platform 1. Synthetic paradigms for cell programming and its utilization
iCeMS will continue its research for the development of new materials chemistries andtechnologies to monitor and control differentiation of stem cells into functional cells and tissues.

Platform 2. Breathing, cleansing and transformation through cell-inspired materials
iCeMS will strive to generate Smart Materials with functionalities equivalent to those of
membrane compartments in living cells, which simultaneously “select” and “condense”
molecules, and will seek their application in the fields of medicine, energy and environment.

Translation Engine. A crucible for creativity
iCeMS will further enhance its public relations effort in order to convey its research results,achieved through the two platforms mentioned above, to a broader part of society in a morecomprehensible manner.

3. System for Managing the Research Organization* Describe the research organization and management system that the center will use to carry out the research strategy and plan
described above.
* In Appendix 1-3, list the Principle Investigators, enter the number of center personnel, and provide a diagram of the center’smanagement system.

For the sake of research objectives and strategies mentioned in 2 above, iCeMS’ team ofprincipal investigators (PIs) has been reorganized as shown in Appendix 1. Suzuki, Horike andTamanoi have been employed as PIs from outside iCeMS, while young talented researchers(Furukawa, Kamei, Hirori, Sugimura and Hasegawa) have been newly appointed to PIs. iCeMS also
maintains some world-renowned professors within Kyoto University as its adjunct PIs.
Meanwhile, Kyoto University entered into a basic agreement with RIKEN in June 2016 to seek
comprehensive partnership and cooperation. Preparation of collaborative projects is currently
under way with KUIAS as a key player, in order to promote frontier research in a research
environment/system achievable by neither of the two institutions alone, and also to develop future
human resources. In addition, the AIST-Kyoto University Chemical Energy Materials Open
Innovation Laboratory (ChEM-OIL) was established in April 2017 as a new collaborative research
center of KUIAS. Through this fusion of iCeMS’ world-leading basic research of cutting-edge
materials and the applied research of device chemistry conducted by the National Institute ofAdvanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Kyoto University implements various newapproaches, including those to the development of non-conventional technologies for energy
conversion and storage, based on the organization management system cultivated at iCeMS.

4. International Circulation of Best Brains* Describe your policy and concrete plan for promoting the international circulation of the world’s best brains, which is an importantfunction of the WPI Academy.

4-1. Policy for international circulation of best brains
Through international symposiums and joint research projects with overseas institutes,iCeMS will encourage active exchanges among researchers to promote creation of international
research networks and a rise in global competitiveness of young researchers. Support systems
will be established for the planning and implementation of policy measures.
4-2. Concrete measures to promote international circulation of best brains
Below are measures to be taken by iCeMS to shape its policy for international circulation ofKyoto University- 2iCeMS

best brains.
4-2-1. iCeMS “Young Researcher Internationalization Program to Promote World
Premier International Research Center Initiative”
Opportunities for overseas education and research will be provided to young researchers, sothat they will strengthen their global competitiveness and establish research networks throughdiscussions with overseas researchers.
4-2-2. Introduction of cross-appointment scheme
The cross-appointment scheme, which started with Prof. Tamanoi of UCLA employed as PI
last year, will continue to be used for hiring excellent researchers of overseas universities tofacilitate joint research and internationalization of research environment.
4-2-3. Hosting of international research meetings
iCeMS will host international research meetings both in Japan and abroad, not only aspresentation venues for young researchers talented enough to become PIs in the future, butalso as places where researchers from different disciplines gather and exchange to acquire newinsight, to boost motivation of individual researchers and encourage networking. International
research meetings outside Japan will be co-hosted by local research institutes, as a potential
opportunity for the establishment of a new satellite laboratory.
4-2-4. Joint retreats by iCeMS and partner institutes
Annual domestic retreats have been held since 2009 for generation of new collaborations andacceleration of ongoing multidisciplinary projects. From now on, iCeMS will host joint retreats
with its overseas partner institutes, for such purposes as conducting joint research and foundinga satellite laboratory, and also with the hope that they will provide iCeMS with a chance to findtalented postdocs or researchers for possible employment.
4-2-5. iCeMS CaravaniCeMS has hosted delivery-style workshops by its young researchers, targeting senior highschool students in Japan. The target is going to be expanded to cover overseas postgraduate
and undergraduate students as well, so that local workshops abroad will help such students takeinterest in research pursued by iCeMS and will eventually stimulate them to consider joining
iCeMS as postdocs.
4-2-6. iCeMS Seminar Tours by young researchers
Young researchers will conduct seminar tours on their employment or promotion. They willvisit three overseas institutes to undergo evaluation of local researchers from a global
perspective, while also building their network of contacts as their personal assets. The tours will
also help iCeMS create its own international research networks and will contribute to its
circulation of best brains.
4-2-7. Allocation of specialists to deal with international circulation of best brains
To plan and support activities associated with the international circulation of best brains
mentioned above, iCeMS will deploy international affairs specialists with planning ability andforeign language proficiency.

5. Support by Host institution

Kyoto University- 3iCeMS* Describe measures that the host institution will take to support and sustain your WPI center. Describe your strategy for extending thesystem reforms achieved by the center via the WPI program to the host institution and other institutions.

5-1. Support Policy of Host Institution to Sustain the Center
To secure resources for operations and research activities of iCeMS, Kyoto University will
implement the following measures:
1. As a necessary financial measure for the iCeMS’ operation, the university will provide indirect
costs associated with competitive grants to iCeMS.
2. The university will provide positions and expenses for principal investigators (PIs).
3. The university will provide full-time positions and expenses to support the administrative part.
4. The university will provide postdocs (tenure-track researchers) and overseas researchers withtenure positions.
5. Aiming to maintain a world-class institute, the university will offer a research environment of
the highest quality, with fully-equipped facilities for exclusive use.
6. The university will support maintenance cost for large-scale facilities and equipment.
5-2. Strategy for extending the system reforms achieved by the center via the WPI
program to the host institution and other institutions
The system reforms implemented by iCeMS, with its achievements and experience throughthe 10-year WPI program since 2007, has received a high evaluation at Kyoto University andmade certain contribution to the university-wide reforms of various systems. iCeMS is expected
to remain as a model for leading-edge approaches to be taken by the university in the future.
1. WINDOW Concept: Kyoto University’s vision for the future
In August 2015, President Yamagiwa formulated “WINDOW Concept” as the future vision ofKyoto University. The word “WINDOW” stands for: Wild and Wise; International and Innovative;
Nature and Noble; Diverse and Dynamic; Original and Optimistic; and Women, Leaders in theWorkplace. In its Strategic Priority 2-2 for being “International and Innovative,” Kyoto University
set a goal of founding a World Premier International Research Center (WPI Research Center) asa hub of front-line research, and actually established the Kyoto University Institute for Advanced
Study (KUIAS) in April 2016. KUIAS was founded in order to optimize the experience andknowledge obtained by iCeMS and seek university-wide practice of its excellent approaches.
iCeMS joined KUIAS in April 2017 as an its research institutes, assuming major roles to further
advance its cutting-edge research, cultivate the next generation of research professionals, andaccelerate the circulation of outstanding research talent both within Japan and overseas.
2. Personnel management
In response to its increased need, a new salary system including cross-appointment scheme
and annual salary system has been introduced into the personnel management of whole Kyoto
University. Abolishment of the retirement age has also been implemented in the Center for iPS
Cell Research and Application, the Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human
Survivability, the Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences, and KUIAS; further increase of its target
institutes is expected in the future, along with a rise in the maximum salary for such positions asspecialist staff members.

3. Overseas researchers support
The Overseas Researchers Support Office, established in 2009, has assisted foreign
researchers in quickly and smoothly adapting not only to their new research environment but

Kyoto University- 4iCeMS

also to their new lives in Japan. They specifically provide assistance with immigration
procedures, resident status updates, housing arrangements and other matters related to dailylife. Their accumulated know-how now allows them to support departments outside iCeMS aswell. Continued expansion of this assistance system will be pursued, targeting various otherdepartments of Kyoto University.
4. University-level administrative reforms
In July 2013, Kyoto University undertook substantial administrative reforms such asrelocation and centralization of staff members, new positions for supporting education andresearch, implementation of rigorous evaluation and training systems to increase administration
efficiency, and consolidation of back-office organizations into common administrative
departments. iCeMS has come to support and accelerate internationalization beyond its own
framework, for such institutes as the Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human
Survivability, as well as the Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences established in 2013. At theInstitute for Liberal Arts and Sciences, more than one hundred overseas faculty members areemployed as tenured staff to teach classes in English.
iCeMS’ rich accumulation of experience in internationalization is anticipated to have a large
impact on such new institutions as mentioned above. For example, former staff members ofiCeMS often remain active in international services even after being transferred to otherdepartments, utilizing their expertise and experience gained while working for iCeMS.

6. Financial Measures* In Appendix 4, describe the measures to be taken by the host institution for sustaining the center’s functions and activities over a periodof 5 years, and describe what external funding will be used to carry out the center’s research activities.

Kyoto University- 5iCeMS

Appendix 1World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)
List of Principal InvestigatorsIf the number of principal investigators exceeds 10, add columns as appropriate.
Place an asterisk (*) by the name of the investigators who are considered to be ranked among the world’s top researchers.
Give age as of 1 April 2017
For investigators who cannot participate in the center project when its application, indicate the time that their participation will startin the “Notes” column.

NameAge

1. Kitagawa, Susumu*

65

2. Kageyama, Ryoichiro*

60

3. Uesugi, Motonari*50

4. Kengaku, Mineko*50

5. Sivaniah, Easan*

45

6. Wang, Dan Ohtan

41

7. Packwood, Daniel

31

8. Ueda, Kazumitsu*

63

9. Sugiyama, Hiroshi*

60

Current affiliation(organization, department)

Professor, Institute forIntegrated Cell-MaterialSciences, Institute forAdvanced Study,
Kyoto University
Professor, Institute for
Frontier Life and MedicalSciences, Kyoto
UniversityProfessor, Institute for
Chemical Research,
Kyoto University
Professor, Institute forIntegrated Cell-MaterialSciences, Institute forAdvanced Study,
Kyoto University
Professor, Institute forIntegrated Cell-MaterialSciences, Institute forAdvanced Study, Kyoto
UniversityAssociate Professor,
Institute for IntegratedCell-Material Sciences,
Institute for AdvancedStudy,Kyoto University
Junior AssociateProfessor, Institute forIntegrated Cell-Material
Sciences, Institute forAdvanced Study,
Kyoto University
Professor,
Graduate School ofAgriculture,
Kyoto University
Professor,
Graduate School ofScience,
Kyoto University

Kyoto University - 6

Academic degreeand current
specialties(Notes)Enter “new” or “ongoing”

Ph.D.
Coordination
Chemistry

Ongoing

M.D. Ph.D.
Developmental
BiologyOngoing

Ph.D.
Chemical
BiologyOngoing

Ph.D.
Developmental
Neurobiology

Ongoing

Ph. D.
Physics

Ongoing

Ph. D.

Ongoing
Neuroscience,
Chemical biology

Ph. D.

AppliedMathematics,
Theoretical
Chemistry

Ongoing

Ph.D.
Cellular Biochemistry

Ongoing

Ph.D.
Chemical
BiologyOngoingiCeMS

Appendix 1Name

10. Imahori, Hiroshi*

11. Tanaka, Koichiro*

Age

Current affiliation(organization, department)

Academic degreeand current
specialties

55

Professor,
Graduate School ofEngineering,
Kyoto University

Ph.D.
Organic
Chemistry

Ongoing

54

Professor,
Graduate School ofScience,
Kyoto University

Ph.D.
Terahertz
Optical Science

Ongoing

M.D.
Ph.D.
Germ Cell
BiologyOngoing

Ph. D.
Molecular andCell Biology

Ongoing

12. Saitou, Mitinori*46

13. Carlton, Peter43

14. Tamanoi, Fuyuhiko*

15. Suzuki, Jun*

16. Kamei, Ken-ichiro

17. Furukawa, Shuhei*

18. Horike, Satoshi*

19. Hirori, Hideki

69

39Professor,
Graduate School ofMedicine,
Kyoto University
Associate Professor,
Graduate School ofBiostudies, Kyoto
UniversityProfessor, Institute forIntegrated Cell-MaterialSciences, Institute forAdvanced Study, Kyoto
UniversityProfessor, Institute forIntegrated Cell-Material
Sciences, Institute forAdvanced Study, Kyoto
University

41

Associate Professor,
Institute for Integrated
Cell-Material Sciences,
Institute for Advanced
Study, Kyoto University

39

Associate Professor,
Institute for Integrated
Cell-Material Sciences,
Institute for Advanced
Study, Kyoto University

39

Associate Professor,
Institute for Integrated
Cell-Material Sciences,
Institute for Advanced
Study, Kyoto University

39

Associate Professor,
Institute for IntegratedCell-Material Sciences,
Institute for Advanced
Study,Kyoto University

Kyoto University - 7(Notes)
Enter “new” or “ongoing”

Ph. D.

Nanoparticles
and Cancer
TherapyNew

Ph. D.

MedicalBiochemistry,
Cell Membrane
BiologyNew

Ph. D.
Nano materials, New
Nano bioscience

Ph. D.

Coordination
Chemistry

Ph. D.

Materials
Chemistry

Ph. D.
Terahertz
Optical Science

New

New

New

iCeMS

Appendix 1

Name

20. Sugimura, Kaoru

Age

Current affiliation(organization, department)

38

Associate Professor,
Institute for Integrated
Cell-Material Sciences,
Institute for Advanced
Study, Kyoto University

21. Hasegawa, Kouichi

44

22. Nishida, Eisuke*

63

23. Matsuda, Michiyuki*

58

24. Mori, Yasuo*57

25. Hamachi, Itaru*

56

26. Kitagawa, Hiroshi*

55

27. Kageyama, Hiroshi*

47

28. Abe, Ryu*

43

Junior Associate
Professor, Institute forIntegrated Cell-MaterialSciences, Institute forAdvanced Study, Kyoto
University
Professor,
Graduate School ofBiostudies,
Kyoto University
Professor,
Graduate School ofBiostudies, Kyoto
University
Professor,
Graduate School ofEngineering,
Kyoto University
Professor,
Graduate School ofEngineering,
Kyoto University
Professor,
Graduate School ofScience,
Kyoto University
Professor,
Graduate School ofEngineering,
Kyoto University
Professor,
Graduate School ofEngineering,
Kyoto University

Kyoto University - 8

Academic degreeand current
specialties(Notes)
Enter “new” or “ongoing”

Ph. D.

Biophysics,
Developmental
biologyNew

Ph. D.

Cell biology,
Developmental
biology

Ph. D.

Cell Biology

NewNew

Ph. D.

Experimental
pathology, Cell
biology

Ph. D.

MolecularBiology

Ph. D.

Syntheticchemistry

Ph. D.

Solid statechemistry

Ph. D.

Solid statechemistry

NewNew

New

New

New

Ph. D.
New
Catalyst science

iCeMS

Appendix 2

World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)
The number of Center personnel
FY2017
Principal Investigators

28Other Researchers

9Post-Doctor researchers

32

Research Support Staffs

45

Administrative Staffs

15

Kyoto University -9iCeMS

Appendix 3

World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)
Diagram of management system

Kyoto University -10iCeMS