The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation is pleased to announce the eight researchers from Japan’s pharmaceutical research community selected to participate in the Mansfield-PhRMA Research Scholars Program this year. This will be the seventh exchange under the Research Scholars Program, which was launched in 2013 to provide opportunities for young Japanese scientists to learn about U.S. translational research, healthcare policy, and regulatory practices. The seventh group of researchers will explore the U.S. system for fostering translational research during a two-week program of meetings and site visits in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Boston this September. This program is sponsored by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
The researchers selected for the program this year are:
Hiroki Akiba, Project Researcher, Laboratory of Pharmacokinetic Optimization, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition
Seiji Kishi Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School
Takahiro Kogawa, Physician, Breast and Medical Oncology Department, National Cancer Center Hospital East
Narihito Nagoshi, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine
Hitomi Okuma, Medical Staff, Clinical Trial Management Section, National Cancer Center Hospital
Kazutaka Otsuji, Assistant Professor, Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital
Masamichi Takahashi, Staff, Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology,
National Cancer Center Hospital
Hiroyoshi Tanaka, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
“The eight researchers in this year’s group of Mansfield-PhRMA Research Scholars have been selected for their important contributions to medical innovation in Japan, including pharmaceutical development,” said Mansfield Foundation Vice President Benjamin Self. “These researchers are addressing critical challenges in diagnosing and treating diseases and traumas. The Mansfield-PhRMA Researchers Scholars Program has a proven record of helping researchers further their careers by providing opportunities to share information and best practices with their U.S. counterparts and broaden their understanding of U.S. translational research, healthcare policy, and regulatory practices.”
During their two-week U.S. study tour, the researchers will meet with senior leaders in major medical research programs, including specialists in translational science within the U.S. government and private sector experts who translate research breakthroughs into commercial opportunities. Upon their return to Japan, they are expected to share what they learned with their Japanese colleagues, apply their experience to their work, and contribute to Japan’s R&D policy reforms and medical innovation.
With the addition of the eight new researchers, the Mansfield-PhRMA Research Scholars network now includes 69 researchers representing national institutes, private universities, and university-affiliated hospitals across Japan. Alumni from the program meet regularly and are contributing to the development of translational research in Japan by initiating collaborative studies, establishing study groups, and introducing new ideas to their institutions.
The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes understanding and cooperation in U.S.-Asia relations. The Foundation was established in 1983 to honor Mike Mansfield (1903-2001), a revered public servant, statesman, and diplomat who played a pivotal role in many of the key domestic and international issues of the 20th century as U.S. congressman from Montana, Senate majority leader, and as U.S. ambassador to Japan. Maureen and Mike Mansfield’s values, ideals, and vision for U.S.-Asia relations continue through the Foundation’s exchanges, dialogues, research, and educational programs, which create networks among U.S. and Asian leaders, explore the underlying issues influencing public policies, and increase awareness about the nations and peoples of Asia. The Foundation has offices in Washington, DC, Tokyo, and Missoula, Montana.