Greetings from RIKEN. We are always appreciative of your warm support and encouragement.
As you know, RIKEN is Japan’s only comprehensive research institute for the natural sciences. Since its founding in 1917, RIKEN has made innumerable scientific and technological contributions in a broad range of fields. We have undergone a number of transformations over the years, starting anew as an Independent Administrative Institution in 2003.
I became the president of RIKEN that same year, inheriting the outstanding achievements and strong traditions of my predecessors. I began my term by setting forth the Noyori Initiatives for a more visible RIKEN, a RIKEN that maintains its outstanding history of achievement in science and technology, a RIKEN that motivates researchers, a RIKEN that is useful to the world, and a RIKEN that contributes to culture.
We have been working diligently to implement these initiatives in our research activities, raising our level of expertise and strengthening our collaborations with industry to better serve society.
Some of the most outstanding of our recent achievements include (1) the inauguration of the world’s fastest supercomputer, the K computer; (2) formation of optic cup from ES cells; (3) trapping atoms of anti-hydrogen for more than 15 minutes; (4) new variety of cherry tree created using heavy ion beams; and (5) a new mobile robot for assisting in the care of patients.
RIKEN depends to a great extent on an operational budget from the Japanese government and competitive funds for strategic key national projects and the like. These are not enough, however, to cover the broad and diverse range of our activities. In this regard, donations are invaluable in helping us to support unique research endeavors and research support activities. We very much appreciate your donations and strong show of support.
Thank you.
Ryoji NOYORI
President
