1. INTRODUCTION

　Human physiology, which investigates the mechanisms of human body function, provides us with scientific guidelines for healthy living and scientific knowledge that forms the basis for elucidating the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. The National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS) is an inter-university research institute for research and education on human physiology. The human brain is the key organ which makes a human being a 'roseau pensant' (a thinking reed). Also, the brain regulates and controls other organs and tissues in the human body through interactions with them. Therefore, the main subject of current investigations at the NIPS is the brain and nervous system. The NIPS can be described succinctly as an institute where investigations on human body and brain functions are carried out through joint studies with domestic and foreign scientists, and where education and training for graduate students and young scientists are provided.

　The first mission of NIPS is to conduct cutting-edge research in the physiological sciences at many levels--from the molecule to the system or whole organism--and to elucidate the mechanisms of living body function by integrating the research results from the different levels. The recent progress in the life sciences is truly remarkable. The NIPS has always played a leading role in advancing the physiological sciences and brain science both in Japan and abroad (e.g. ISI Timed Citation Index Ranking (2002-2006): Neuroscience 1st place, in total 4th place).

　The second mission of NIPS, as one of the inter-university research institutes belonging to the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), is to conduct joint studies with researchers from domestic or foreign universities and research institutes. To do this, it provides specialized equipment, large-scale equipment, research facilities, databases, research techniques and congress facilities to the researchers. Typically, about 1000 domestic and/or foreign scientists per year are invited and present at the NIPS to perform joint studies, to utilize our equipment and facilities or to attend research meetings and international symposia. Since April 2008 the "Center for Multidisciplinary Brain Research (CMBR)" has been set up by the Government support in the NIPS in order to promote collaborative researches and education of multidisciplinary brain sciences with the efforts of many brain researchers. From this April, "Section of Visiting Collaborative Research Project" has been newly established. This section is for domestic brain researches to stay in NIPS for 3 to 12 months as guest professors/associate professors and conduct joint sabbatical studies.

　The third mission of NIPS is to educate graduate students and to train young scientists in the Graduate University of Advanced Studies and from many other universities. The NIPS is responsible for directing the Ph.D. course of study in physiological sciences in the Graduate University of Advanced Studies. The NIPS also contributes to the training or education of graduate students and young scientists from many universities and research institutes by providing various training and teaching courses. The CMBR is going to provide a nationwide platform for multidisciplinary education and training of young brain scientists.

　In addition to these three missions, the NIPS intends to extend its effort to disseminate scientific information and to publicize its work. Communication not only with scientists but also with the general public will be strengthened by enriching the NIPS website (http://www.nips.ac.jp/), participating in partnerships for physiological education in elementary and high schools, and giving lectures open to the public. For these purposes, the "Center for Communication Networks" has been set up in the NIPS this April. It can contribute to nourish future-scientists.

　The NIPS is henceforth going to report the offsprings and efforts through not only annual publication of 'the NIPS Catalogue' and 'the NIPS Annual Report' but also bimonthly 'SEIRIKEN News' as well as through the NIPS website renewed weekly. Furthermore, we have set up "Public Display Room" to introduce our activities to the public since last December. Please feel free to visit us (inquiry and visit reservation: public@nips.ac.jp).

　Your understanding, and continued support of our activities is cordially appreciated.