The Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR) was established in April 2014 to strengthen Gunma University’s research capabilities for promoting world-class research in fields such as integrated oncology (elucidates carcinogenesis mechanisms and develops cancer treatments), endocrinology, metabolism and cell signaling (elucidates intracellular signal transduction and the pathophysiology of lifestyle-related diseases), and element-function chemistry (material development utilizing the elemental properties of carbon, silicon and fluorine), which are some of the unique strengths of Gunma University. At GIAR we have also established the International Open Laboratory, and conducted a series of joint research with the world’s leading research institutions to expand our advanced research on a global scale.
In 2015, the Big Data Center was established at GIAR for the collection and integrated analysis of biometric and medical information. This center develops research methods that contribute to new personalized preventive medicine, and trains specialist personnel in collaboration with internal organizations, including local medical institutions. It is also responsible for our university’s information and communication technology (ICT) education, and has since evolved into the Center for Mathematics and Data Science.
In October 2019, the GIAR Viral Vector Core was also established within this institution. The GIAR Viral Vector Core is advancing research and development of vector tools that enable gene therapy for intractable diseases, etc., and provides more than 100 virus vectors per year inside and outside of Japan.
GIAR serves as a platform for promoting advanced research that addresses issues which need to be solved on a global scale and for social change, by promoting collaboration among researchers and research institutions in Japan and abroad, and fostering talented young researchers so that they can do scientific research worldwide, and serves as a core for strengthening Gunma University’s education and research functions.
HANAYA Minoru
Executive Director of Gunma University(Research & Planning Department)
Director of GIAR
In order to conduct world-class research, GIAR has established the Division of Integrated Oncology Research and the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Signal Research, fields in which Gunma University already conducts outstanding research, as well as three research programs with high affinity for each division, and the International Open Laboratory which invites foreign researchers. GIAR recruits distinguished researchers from Japan and abroad in each research field, and has introduced Future Sessions for promoting exchange among researchers.
GIAR is an organization that was established beyond the boundaries of departments under the leadership of the President of Gunma University, and is operated by a system that enables its agile and strategic management. To ensure the governance of the President of Gunma University, actual administrative operations are carried out by the GIAR’s Steering Committee, which is made up of the President and the Director of GIAR, who are appointed by the President of Gunma University. In addition, an International Advisory Board that consists of world-class researchers has been established as a body for receiving advice and evaluation from a global perspective.
SUGINO Steve Advisor of Gunma University
KIM Won Gu Professor, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan
KAWASHIMA Takayuki Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo
