On June 1, JMSA hosted the NY Life Science Forum at the University of Tokyo New York Office, co-sponsored by Arclev, Inc. and the Arclev Academia Strategists Network. The Forum highlights the Japanese life science researchers based in the U.S. and continues to serve as a valuable platform for fostering connections within the Japanese scientific community.

This year’s event was organized by Dr. Ayako Kawatake-Kuno (Neuroscience PhD candidate at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai), Dr. Sei Higuchi (JMSA Board Member), Dr. Keiichi Ito (JMSA Member), and Ms. Nina Harano (Neuroscience PhD candidate at NYU and JMSA student member).

The 2025 Forum centered on the theme of “diverse career development grounded in life science research,” and featured successful Japanese researchers who have pursued a variety of professional paths. Invited speakers included Dr. Shingo Kajimura (Professor at Harvard University),
Dr. Hiroshi Yano (Postdoctoral Fellow at Weill Cornell Medicine), and Dr. Mai Takahashi (Instructor in Clinical Investigation at Rockefeller University). In addition, Dr. Yuki Haba (Postdoctoral Fellow at
Columbia University), recipient of this year’s NY Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Scholarship, was invited to present. Attendees enjoyed learning about each speaker’s unique journey and scientific contributions.

Following the talks, participants gathered for a social session over drinks and sushi, catered by Sushi Tsushima, which also featured a live nigiri sushi demonstration by sushi chefs. Thanks to the efforts and collaboration of everyone involved, the event was a great success. We look forward to continuing the NY Life Science Forum in the years to come.