Tadashi Isa
Director General, National Institute for Physiological Sciences


In ancient Greece, the term meaning "physiology" was derived from the combination of φύσις (phúsis), meaning "nature, origin," and -λογία (-logía), meaning "study of," and was widely used to refer to "natural science." Over time, through the eras of Hippocrates, Aristotle, and Galen, the term Physiology was first introduced in the 16th century by Fernel, and it gradually came to refer specifically to the study of biological functions. Today, physiology encompasses all research that investigates the functions of living organisms, making it an exceptionally broad academic discipline. This is also the reason why the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is named as such. It is truly remarkable that Japan has a research institute dedicated to "physiology," which aims to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of life, as part of the academic foundation supported by inter-university research institutions.

In modern life sciences and medical research, the scope has expanded extensively from basic research to clinical applications. This sometimes creates the impression that applied research is prioritized. However, it is clear that without a solid foundation, the development of applied research would not be possible. As the Institute for Physiological Sciences, we must always be aware of the significance of being entrusted with this most fundamental area of research.

Personally, I first became captivated by physiological experiments as a medical student, which led me to pursue further studies in graduate school. It has now been 40 years since I began my journey in physiology. Initially, my research focused on motor control mechanisms in the brainstem and spinal cord, using classical electrophysiology and anatomy to analyze cats—an approach that was standard from the 1950s to the 1970s. However, during the 1980s and 1990s, new paradigms such as molecular neurobiology, higher brain function research using primates, non-invasive human brain imaging techniques, and computational neuroscience rapidly emerged. Recognizing the need to expand my expertise, I shifted my focus to molecular physiology, specifically studying glutamate receptors. However, this field was highly competitive, and I struggled against top laboratories in Europe and the United States.

It was during this time, unexpectedly, that I was selected to join the National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS) at the age of 35, establishing my own research lab. The institute's leadership, including then-director Dr. Kiyoshi Hama, foresaw that although molecular biology was dominant at the time, the era of using molecular biology to unravel brain systems would eventually arrive, and I was chosen to contribute to this vision. At that time, I had no clear idea of how to achieve this goal, but research trend progressed at an astonishing pace. The era of optogenetics and chemogenetics arrived, allowing us to develop methods for pathway-selective functional manipulation in primates using a combination of two viral vectors. This enabled us to elucidate the normal function of specific circuits in the primate sensorimotor system and their role in functional recovery after brain and spinal cord injuries.
Nine years ago, I moved to the Graduate School of Medicine at Kyoto University, where my collaborations expanded, allowing my research to extend into higher-order decision-making and neuropsychiatric disease models in primates. Through these efforts, I was able to lead research that truly embodied "unraveling brain systems in primates using molecular biology." Now, I am returning to NIPS as its director. Since NIPS played a crucial role in shaping my career, I am deeply honored to contribute to its further development.

Today, many research institutions and funding programs push young researchers toward short-term, outcome-driven evaluations, often causing them to feel overwhelmed. In such times, based on my own experiences, I want to ensure that NIPS remains a place where young researchers can take risks, explore through trial and error, and establish their own scientific paths without fear of failure. Many preceding distinguished scientists have taken their first major steps at NIPS. By fostering this environment, I aim to solidify NIPS as a Center of Excellence, brimming with truly original research.

At the same time, as an inter-university research institute, NIPS has the mission of supporting physiological science research across Japan. During my nine years at a university, I witnessed firsthand the increasing difficulty universities face in acquiring high-cost research equipment due to worsening national financial conditions. Given these circumstances, the role of inter-university research institutes is becoming ever more critical. Therefore, at NIPS, we will actively seek input from the research community to swiftly introduce cutting-edge equipment and provide training courses on their use. In doing so, we aim to support the foundation of scientific research in Japan. My goal is to maintain a balanced approach between top-level research and collaborative studies at NIPS, ultimately elevating physiological and neuroscience research in Japan to a world-class level.

Lastly, to those considering a future in research, I would like to say this: NIPS is a place where cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art research facilities come together. The institute offers a doctoral program affiliated with the Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), with a low student-to-faculty ratio, enabling highly personalized and attentive mentorship. Additionally, researchers from Japan and abroad frequently visit NIPS for conferences and seminars, making it an excellent hub for information exchange and networking. Furthermore, the city of Okazaki provides a calm and focused environment for research, with a close connection between work and home. At the same time, the nearby mountains and ocean offer a beautiful natural setting. I strongly encourage young researchers to spend a part of their academic journey in this wonderful environment.
April 2025