| May 15, 2003 |
Toray To Open Research Center for Biotechnology and Nanotechnology |
| As part of Toray’s celebration of the
75th anniversary of its founding, the company will open its New Frontiers
Research Laboratories on May 16 in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, for the purpose
of conducting new research activities focusing on biotechnology and nanotechnology. The newly established research laboratories will place emphasis on 1) strengthening research activities by concentrating on biotechnology- and nanotechnology- related projects, 2) inviting top researchers in the fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology at home and abroad and 3) cementing relationships with universities and organizations worldwide. The three-storied building occupies a site of approximately 3,200m2 with total floor space of 8,000 m2. About 50 researchers and staff have been hired, with plans to increase the number of researchers to 100 in the near future. Dr. Koichi Suzuki, professor emeritus of the University of Tokyo, was appointed director of New Frontiers Research Laboratories on April 1, 2003. He joined Toray on April 1 after completing his tenures at the University of Tokyo (director of Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (director of the Institute). The planned activities at New Frontiers Research Laboratories include research projects in biotechnology, nanotechnology and their integrated area. Research projects will target basic research on advanced microarray systems for genomics and proteomics, drug delivery systems, innovative cell therapy, extracorporeal circulation, bioprocesses such as production of chemicals from biomass utilizing green processes, and high-performance nano-structured materials. An open laboratory has been set up to promote closer relationship with external research organizations, with an invitation extended to a branch laboratory from the Institute of Science and Industrial Research, Osaka University through the 21st Century COE (Center of Excellence) Program. As part of a national project, an advanced Nano-Bio device project led by New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), the branch laboratory will conduct research on bio-chips for protein synthesis and its analysis. New Frontiers Research Laboratories together with Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories and the Toray Research Center, located in the same Kamakura area, will constitute a research center for bio- and pharmaceutical sciences. At the same time, Toray has now set up a comprehensive system to promote research on biotechnology, nanotechnology and their integrated region. Toray intends to create new business fields and new values for the company’s further growth in the 21 century originating from the research results that will be obtained by expanding collaboration with outer research facilities. |
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