1. INTRODUCTION

The National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS) was founded on May 2, 1977. The mission of NIPS is to conduct leading researches of physiological sciences at various levels of the organization of living body for the purpose of understanding the functions of the human body.

The recent progress of the life science is really remarkable; it has made tremendous progress especially in the molecular biology and the genetic engineering. The non-invasive recording technique of physiological functions has also given a big impact on the life science research. The NIPS has always played a leading role in the progression of physiological sciences both in Japan and abroad. The NIPS has also made a large contribution toward education and training of graduate students of many universities. Since October 1988, in particular, the NIPS has been in full charge of a Ph.D. course, "Physiological Sciences", in the Graduate University of Advanced Sciences.

The NIPS is open to the international community of natural science; it has not only collaborated with other domestic institutions including universities but also accepted many foreign guest scientists and students. The NIPS has further made every effort to contribute to the cultural activities in the local community, for instance, to natural science education in school and to scientific education for senior class society members.

We will continue to do our best to accomplish our mission. Your understanding and persistent support of our activity would be appreciated very much.