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平成２０年３月２４日 平成１９年度 研究業績レビュー（中間レビュー）の評価結果について
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| 中央研究所、仁科加速器研究センター及び放射光科学総合研究センター研究業績レビュー実施規程（平成15年規程第75号）に基づき、松本分子昆虫学研究室（松本正吾主任研究員）の研究業績レビュー（中間レビュー）を下記のとおり実施いたしましたので、報告いたします。 １．松本分子昆虫学研究室（松本正吾主任研究員） １）評価体制 以下の4名の所外有識者を評価委員とするヒアリングレビューを実施。
２）評価結果の概要等 The following comments have been prepared by all 4 reviewers and represent a consensus statement from all reviewers: The Molecular Entomology Laboratory in the Discovery Research Institute at RIKEN has a history of producing world-class research as pioneers in the field. The Chief Scientist, Dr. Matsumoto, and his staff are to be congratulated for the high quality and quantity of the research they have produced over the past seven years. They have received world-wide recognition with numerous publications in highly respected scientific journals and invited presentations at International Symposia. Two recent notable achievements include breakthrough reports on the characterization and functional analysis of the first bi-functional pheromone desaturase gene and the first and only-identified pheromone reductase gene. The in-depth study of sex pheromone biosynthetic pathways and hormonal controls is the focal area of the Chief Scientist, and the research continually probes at new levels to keep the program at the cutting edge. It contributes to basic knowledge of the insect reproductive system and insect development. The Laboratory also includes diversification with major projects headed by five excellent Research Scientists. These projects allow for probing the frontiers in different directions, including sex-specific genes, Drosophila expression systems, and basic studies in baculovirology. The Chief Scientist has managed the various complexities of this diversity in a good manner by allowing scientists to develop their own niche and generate their own grants and publications. There also have been good efforts to increase communication among scientists with monthly meetings and 2-3 research presentations per year. The Laboratory has now reached a point at which it needs to assess its goals for the future. In order to move forward, it will be important to develop more synergy amongst the diverse projects with more interactions on a common theme involving the insect reproductive system and development. Also, in order to compete on a global basis, they need to collaborate more closely with other groups in RIKEN, such as those laboratories working on biochemistry, cellular interactions, molecular techniques, etc. Although institutional support appears to be adequate at present, it will be important that this support be continued for the expansion of these unique studies. A key component to new directions will be the addition of personnel, for example students, contract scientists, or research assistants, to assist in developing the collaborative projects. The Chief Scientist will need to maintain strong leadership as strategic plans are enacted for the future. |