The foundation was established in July 1990, based on the vision of the late Yuichi Yamamura,former Osaka University President, who aimed to make the northern Osaka area, centered around Senri, into a hub for life science. The foundation serves as “the exchange base of wisdom,” where life science researchers in industry, academia, and government can freely and openly exchange information and ideas, transcending the boundaries of their respective organizations. The northern Osaka area hosts a cluster of medical and research institutes such as Osaka University, the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center (NCVC), and the National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition (NIBIOHN), as well as research laboratories and factories of pharmaceutical companies. Hubs like Saito Life Science Park, KENTO (Northern Osaka Health and Biomedical Innovation Town), and Nakanoshima (International Hub for Future Medicine) are also being established here.

In this environment, the foundation was accredited as a public interest incorporated foundation in 2010, and has since been further enhancing its role as “the exchange base of wisdom.” It has expanded and reinforced its activities across various areas, including cultivating research talent in the field of life sciences, research grants and support, public awareness, and assistance in the practical application of research, all with the goal of promoting cutting-edge and socially beneficial endeavors. The field of life sciences, which explores the mechanisms of life, encompasses a broad range of academic disciplines. Its outcomes are expected to make significant contributions not only to medical and health, but also to the foundation of human life, including areas such as the environment and food to create a prosperous and happy human society. However, we believe that achieving this requires us to steadfastly accumulate a diverse range of research with a solid foundation in science. The foundation aims to support such research endeavors and widely provide information. 　

With the spread of the new coronavirus infection from 2020, the nature of our business activities has changed completely. Web-based events have become the primary format, bringing benefits such as increased accessibility for a wider audience, including those from distant locations. As a result, this has contributed to enhancing the foundation’s visibility and the satisfaction level of our programs. On the other hand, there is concern about whether we are fully fulfilling the role of “the exchange base of wisdom” as envisioned by Dr. Yamamura in creating a casual networking place like an “Aka-chochin*” in Senri. In the “With Corona” and “Post Corona” era, even with the hybrid format combining web and on-site components, we are actively exploring program development to create a sense of unity between speakers and audience, and encouraging participation of large audiences at the venue. We aim to continue contributing to society as the exchange of life sciences.
We appreciate your ongoing support and cooperation in the foundation’s activities.
*Aka-chochin: Japanese traditional pub showing a red lantern(Aka-chochin) in front of it.