25 March 2025 – Noriko Osumi is vice president of public relations and the promotion of diversity at Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan. After the Japanese Government announced Tohoku as the first recipient of the new national University for International Research Excellence programme, we spoke with Osumi about her research and the future of life sciences in Japan.
Can you tell us about your personal research and its aims?
My lab focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanism of brain development and developmental disorders. Our recent research is centred on kinesin 23, which we have demonstrated to be crucial for neurogenesis in the developing neocortex.
In addition, we are pursuing a unique line of research exploring the paternal effect on offspring development and we have a developed a mouse model showing that advanced age increases neurodiversity, with epigenetic mechanism playing a very important role.
Parental age is one of the highest risks for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder. So where might this lead? Any differences in the mechanism of brain development can lead to the diverse pattern of the brain formation ultimately shaping the individuality of each person. This variability contributes to the rich capacity of human neurodiversity, and in a modern society the advancing average age of marriage and parenthood has shifted significantly, with many people having children later in life compared to a century ago.
As diversity becomes more evident it challenges us to rethink societal norms and practices. We must foster inclusivity not only in education and employment but also in health care and social policies to accommodate the unique strength and the needs for the individuals across the diversity spectrum. By understanding and embracing these differences, we can build a more supportive and equitable society.
How did your initial interest evolve into this current focus?
I have always been fascinated by the dynamic process of change over time. How does a single cell develop into a complex organism and as animals grow in age how do diverse organisms evolve? These kinds of intricate processes are precisely orchestrated, and they fascinate me! I also have a strong interest in psychology, particularly understanding how individual differences shape behaviour and cognition. This interest aligns with my commitment as Vice President for my university in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. I believe that recognizing the varying differences among people is an essential starting point for creating a more inclusive environment.
How did you react to election as an EMBO Associate Member?
It was a great honour for me and underscores EMBO’s recognition of the scientific excellence beyond Europe. For Japan, EMBO has a crucial role in fostering global connections, promoting high quality research and supporting young scientists particularly through its collaboration with the Molecular Biology Society of Japan (MSBJ). A notable example of this partnership is the joint workshops at the MBSJ annual meetings. I have attended these workshops several times and had the privilege of giving a talk last year.
Through my EMBO involvement, I strive to strengthen bridge between Japanese researchers and international society, encouraging greater participation in the enabling programmes and initiatives. Unfortunately, not all younger Japanese generations know about EMBO and I would like to better advertise the opportunities.
Is international mobility a particular issue for younger Japanese?
Unfortunately for the past 20 years there has been a gradual decrease in the number of Japanese young people studying abroad. Part of the reason is that Japan is very safe and clean. They need to take a risk and move outside their comfort zone. We need to encourage them to go abroad and open their eyes.
Japanese academia is more and more internationalized nowadays. The Japanese population is shrinking, so we need to accept more international people especially at higher academic level as well. Experience outside Japan can be very highly evaluated for future jobs.
What advice would you give a student considering a career in life sciences?
First, stay curious and embrace the joy of discovery. Pursue questions that. genuinely excite you as passion is essential. Build resilience in this challenging field by engaging with your mentors and peers as asking questions and fostering discussions will greatly enrich your journey.
Second, uphold research integrity! Even small achievements should be conducted with fairness and honesty. In this era of open science, data are increasingly shared and utilized by others, making your contributions equally valuable. Your data are not just your own, they are part of your scientific community and can serve as a foundation of others work.
Finally, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams is key. Don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone. Explore new techniques to broaden your knowledge and skills and present your work at international meetings to connect with diverse people and perspectives.
Science is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate small victories along the way and remain open to new opportunities and directions. The journey is itself is as rewarding as the destination.
