RIKEN Center for Molecular Imaging Science
Director
Yasuyoshi WATANABE (M.D., Ph.D.)
In July 2005, the Center for Molecular Imaging Science (CMIS) was selected as a research base for exploring new drug candidates as part of the Molecular Imaging Research Program launched by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), in an effort to promote research and development in the life sciences to respond to societal needs. As of October 1, 2008, the Center consists of five laboratories and two units which focus their research on 1) using a range of molecular imaging technology, in particular Positron Emission Tomography (PET), to evaluate newly developed molecular probes and their functions, and 2) developing new imaging techniques to analyze molecular dynamics, all with the aim to shorten the pre-clinical phase period in the drug discovery process. As one of the core institutions in the nation-wide network for molecular imaging research, the CMIS is also committed to cultivating the talent of young researchers, who will be the future driving force in this field.
| Molecular Imaging Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory | Masaaki SUZUKI (D.Sci.) |
| Molecular Imaging Labeling Chemistry Laboratory | Hisashi DOI (D.Sci.) |
| Functional Probe Research Laboratory | Hirotaka ONOE (Ph.D.) |
| Molecular Probe Dynamics Laboratory | Yasuyoshi WATANABE (M.D., Ph.D.) |
| Cellular Function Imaging Laboratory | Yosky KATAOKA (M.D., Ph.D.) |
| Multiple Molecular Imaging Research Laboratory | Shuichi ENOMOTO (D.Phar.,Sci.) |
| Molecular Imaging Integration Unit | Kazuhiro TAKAHASHI (Ph.D.) |
| Drug Discovery Chemistry Platform Unit | Yoshinobu HASHIZUME (Ph.D.) |
| Drug Discovery Imaging Platform Unit | Yasuyoshi WATANABE (M.D., Ph.D.) |