{"id":4853,"date":"2026-06-23T18:20:39","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T09:20:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/?page_id=4853"},"modified":"2026-07-09T18:46:04","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T09:46:04","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About IMEG"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"about_obi\">About IMEG<\/div>\n<div class=\"box960\">\n<div class=\"about_me\">\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"..\/about\/#link1\">Message<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"..\/about\/#link2\">History and Organization<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"..\/about\/#link3\">Facilities<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"..\/about\/#link4\">Access &#038; Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/saigai\/\">Emergency<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/link\/\">Links<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"per90\">\n<div id=\"link1\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"about_title\">Message<\/div>\n<div class=\"box600\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shioda202607.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"275\" height=\"283\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4892\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Norifumi Shioda, Ph.D.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Director, IMEG, Kumamoto University<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>My name is Norifumi Shioda from the Department of Genomic Neurology. I am pleased to announce my appointment as Director of <strong>the Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG)<\/strong>. I look forward to working with you.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to the continuous efforts of all our institute members, our institute has established a unique position in Japan as an \u201cinstitute aiming to integrate life sciences and medicine from developmental perspectives,\u201d and we continue to disseminate the latest scientific evidence to the global science community. Moving forward, our institute must continue to achieve results that elucidate the fundamental principles of life and contribute to medicine and healthcare, based on original ideas. My core responsibility is to \u201ccontinue providing an environment where all institute members can pursue their own unique research.\u201d I have outlined the following management policies and future plans. By maintaining a broad perspective and ensuring smooth operations in coordination with the university administration, I aim to further advance our institute.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>(1) \u201cBalanced Institute Management\u201d that identifies issues through appropriate status reports, information sharing, and discussion, and determines the best course of action by organizing information<\/p>\n<p>(2) \u201cImprovement of the Research Environment\u201d through the ongoing projects and acquisition of new ones<\/p>\n<p>(3) \u201cProviding Opportunities for Scientific Exchange\u201d that enables researchers to accelerate research based on their own ideas<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>From the perspective of the history of all life, our human lifespan is a fleeting moment. Furthermore, from a biological point of view, humans are vastly less capable than other animals regarding running speed and the ability to fly. Fortunately, however, humans have been endowed with the \u201cpower of perception\u201d that allows us to look out across time and space. Humans can board a tiny boat traveling at incredible speeds\u2014the perception of time\u2014and, from a four-dimensional perspective on biological events, use our imagination to gaze upon the great river of life and uncover the endless history of life. By combining this power of perception with scientific discoveries, we may be able to glimpse the vistas of \u201cthe origin or the end of life\u201d accessible to us at this time. I am committed to ensuring that our institute remains a \u201cparadise for scientists\u201d where such an eternal journey can be enjoyed.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>To this end, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all institute members for their continued efforts, and to those outside the institute for their continued support.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>April 2026<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/past_directors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Past Directors<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"clear4\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"clear4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"link2\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"about_title\">History and Organization<\/div>\n<div class=\"box600\">\n<p>Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics was initially established in 1992, and extensively reorganized in both April, 2000 and April, 2009 having 3 divisions, 13 departments, and 2 laboratories as follows: Division of Developmental Regulation; Department of Medical Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Cell Maintenance, Department of Chromosome Biology, Department of Genomic Neurology: Division of Stem Cell Research; Department of Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology, Department of Cell Differentiation, Department of Cell Modulation, Laboratory of iPS Cell Research: Division of Organogenesis; Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Department of Kidney Development, Department of Germline Development, Department of Muscle Development and Regeneration, Department of Morphogenesis, Laboratory of Developmental Genetics. These departments take charge of education in the Graduate School of Medical Sciences or the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2002.<\/p>\n<div class=\"clear4\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/themes\/hassei\/images\/contents\/aboutus\/shocho_p4.png\" width=\"100%\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"clear4\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"clear4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"link3\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"about_title\">Facilities<\/div>\n<div class=\"box600\">\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/yoyaku\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Online Facilities Booking<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"about_facip\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/themes\/hassei\/images\/contents\/aboutus\/facility_p1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"100%\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"clear4\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"clear4\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"link4\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"about_title\">Access Guide<\/div>\n<div class=\"box920\">\n<div class=\"access_l\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3353.929272467778!2d130.71066611539106!3d32.79413458096684!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x3540f474253c1ca5%3A0xcc3e0a42d0675475!2z44CSODYwLTA4MTEg54aK5pys55yM54aK5pys5biC5Lit5aSu5Yy65pys6I2Y77yS5LiB55uu77yS4oiS77yR!5e0!3m2!1sja!2sjp!4v1450170473575\" width=\"100%\" height=\"320px\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<div class=\"access_r\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"..\/wp-content\/themes\/hassei\/images\/contents\/aboutus\/access_p1.png\" usemap=\"#Map\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<map id=\"Map\" name=\"Map\">\n<area class=\"lbp_primary\" coords=\"281,246,438,282\" shape=\"rect\" href=\"..\/wp-content\/themes\/hassei\/images\/contents\/aboutus\/map-2.png\" \/>\n<area coords=\"281,287,438,317\" shape=\"rect\" href=\"#link1\" \/><\/map>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clear4\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<table class=\"table_access\" border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th valign=\"middle\">Route<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\">Flights<\/th>\n<th valign=\"middle\">Flight Time<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr align=\"left\">\n<td valign=\"middle\">Haneda,Tokyo &#8212; Kumamoto<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ana.co.jp\/eng\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ANA<\/a><br \/>\n <a href=\"http:\/\/www.jal.co.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">JAL<\/a><br \/>\n SNA<\/td>\n<td>100 min.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr align=\"left\">\n<td valign=\"middle\">Osaka &#8212; Kumamoto<\/td>\n<td><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ana.co.jp\/eng\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ANA<\/a><br \/>\n <a href=\"http:\/\/www.jal.co.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">JAL<\/a><\/td>\n<td>65 min.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"clear4\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div id=\"link1\" class=\"about_p1\">Internal Location<\/div>\n<table class=\"table_access\" border=\"0\" width=\"100%\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<th style=\"height: 24px;\" scope=\"row\">9F<\/th>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/bunya_top\/genomic_neurology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Department of Genomic Neurology<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/bunya_top\/muscle_development_and_regeneration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Department of Muscle Development and Regeneration<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<th style=\"height: 24px;\" scope=\"row\">8F<\/th>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\">Common Laboratory<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\">\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<th style=\"height: 24px;\" scope=\"row\">7F<\/th>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\"><a href=\"..\/bunya_top\/cell_differentiation\/\">Department of Cell Differentiation<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\"><a href=\"..\/bunya_top\/medical_cell_biology\/\">Department of Medical Cell Biology<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<th style=\"height: 24px;\" scope=\"row\">6F<\/th>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\"><a href=\"..\/bunya_top\/molecular_neurobiology\/\">Department of Cell Modulation<\/a>\u3000<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\"><a href=\"..\/bunya_top\/brain_morphogenesis\/\">Department of Brain Morphogenesis<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<th style=\"height: 24px;\" scope=\"row\">5F<\/th>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\">Common Laboratory<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\">\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<th style=\"height: 24px;\" scope=\"row\">4F<\/th>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\"><a href=\"..\/bunya_top\/germline_development\/\">Department of Germline Development<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\"><a href=\"..\/bunya_top\/kidney_development\/\">Department of Kidney Development<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<th style=\"height: 24px;\" scope=\"row\">3F<\/th>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/bunya_top\/trophoblast_research\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Department of\u00a0Trophoblast Research<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\">Department of Cellular Lipid Metabolism<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<th style=\"height: 24px;\" scope=\"row\">2F<\/th>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/bunya_top\/stem_cell_biology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Department of Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\"><a href=\"..\/bunya_top\/department_of_cell_maintenance\/\">Department of Cell Maintenance<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Roof Garden<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<th style=\"height: 24px;\" scope=\"row\">1F<\/th>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\"><a href=\"..\/bunya_top\/medical_cell_biology\/\">Department of Medical Cell Biology<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 24px;\">Conference Room<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"clear\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"box960\">\n<div class=\"box920\">\n<div class=\"access_r\">\n<map id=\"Map\" name=\"Map\">\n<area class=\"lbp_primary\" coords=\"281,246,438,282\" shape=\"rect\" href=\"..\/wp-content\/themes\/hassei\/images\/contents\/aboutus\/map-2.png\" \/>\n<area coords=\"281,287,438,317\" shape=\"rect\" href=\"#link1\" \/><\/map>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>About IMEG Message History and Organization Facilities Access &#038; Guide Emergency Links Message Norifumi Sh [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page4_2.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4853","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4853","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4853"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4853\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4893,"href":"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4853\/revisions\/4893"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.imeg.kumamoto-u.ac.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4853"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}