Research Outline

For more than 15 years, we have implemented the international cooperative research programs of Core University Program (1998-2008) and Asian Core Program (2008-2013) to achieve many leading-edge studies on tropical microbial resources (genetic resources), for example, development of capability of “thermotolerant microbes” or establishment of fundamental technologies for a next generation and economic “high-temperature fermentation”. In this Core to Core Program for Advanced Research Networks, we aim to establish a world-class research hub via collaborative researches in the fields from genome-based and basic microbiology and physiology to applied sciences of development of new technologies and also fostering young scientists through practical education, together with new four Core Universities and one cooperative University besides the original Japanese and Thai Core Universities.

In this program, in addition to projects on exploration or application of microbial resources as in the previous Core Programs, we carry out advanced projects including high-speed genome sequencing to understand complex microbial ecosystems, interaction between microbes and plants and also between microbes and animals for agricultural production or material production, and to study on biomass conversion by microbes for production of bioenergy or useful materials or for environmental conservation. These fundamental to applied studies on microbes in tropical environments are regarded as innovative researches leading to a new bio-research field, via scientific definition of thermotolerant microbe, analyses of molecular mechanism of thermotolerance, basic research on high-temperature fermentation technologies and its pilot scale application. Technologies thus established are expected to be utilized for solution of world-wide issues of energy, environment, medicine, hygiene or foods, and for new innovative industries. Simultaneously, we contribute to fostering of young scientists, to spread of advanced scientific technologies so as to raise the level of scientific capability in ASEAN countries, and to establish an international network in the field. We aim to form an international research hub on the tropical microbial resources by developing this program looking ahead to the future and being as the first runner to perform the fundamental to applied researches on this subjects.

 Research Projects

 Seminar Schedule

 Fostering of Young Scientists