The Subgroup Support System

The Subgroup support system of the Biophysical Society of Japan

An essential role of the Biophysical Society of Japan (BSJ) is to provide a place for academic exchanges among members. However, there is often not enough time for a thorough discussion due to time constraints inherent to the annual meeting.
Therefore, BSJ have established the “subgroup" support system in 2021 to activate thorough discussion by supporting small- to medium-sized group activities and meetings, including those held online (up to 50,000 yen per meeting). Candidate meetings and activities include those that i) promote deep discussion on individual specialties (specialty groups), ii) promote the emergence of new academic fields (new academic field groups), or iii) promote the exchange of research ideas by young researchers who will lead the next generation (young researcher groups). The requested expenses are used for fees of online meeting tools and conference facilities, banquet (only for invited speakers) and food/beverage expenses, part-time work expenses, and travel support for speakers. If you have any questions, please contact the secretariat. In each year, we set the deadline on March 31st for submission, and application will be announced by the News in this website. Please refer to the support system regulations for details. We look forward to your applications.

Application form
Regulations of the Subgroup System

Place of submission︓
Secretariat
bsj@nacos.com

Name of the group, Chairperson, the number of group member

  Subgroup name Representative The number of people Point (e.g. of a statement)
1 Genome Biophysics TSUYOSHI TERAKAWA 10 Diverse biological phenomena such as replication, transcription, and repair occur simultaneously on genomic DNA. These phenomena are intricately regulated by the genome's three-dimensional structure. To understand the principles of genome structure formation and structure/function relationships using a biophysical approach, researchers from diverse fields need to interact with each other, transcending experimental and theoretical frameworks and methodological boundaries. The purpose of this subgroup is to provide a place for interaction.
2 Phase separation biophysics KIYOTO KAMAGATA 12 Liquid-liquid and liquid-solid phase separation forms biomolecular assembles and produce a variety of life functions as a group. Recently, phase separation phenomena were measured in detail using biophysical techniques such as NMR, Raman spectroscopy, pressure, single molecule measurements, and molecular dynamics simulations. Our understanding of phase separation has progressed rapidly. Additionally, tools for phase separation phenomena have been developed and applied to artificial cells. This subgroup will provide an opportunity to present and discuss these latest results.
3 Biomolecular simulation and modeling KEI MORITSUGU 32 We aim to establish a regular meeting for a diverse group of researchers engaged in the simulation and modeling of biomolecular systems, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipid membranes, to provide a forum for specialized discussions and networking. The meetings will cover topics such as structural modeling and simulation of biomolecular systems, mathematical modeling that integrates simulation and experimental data, as well as predictions and design of structure and function. With the recent advancements in technologies like machine learning, rapid information exchange is essential for the development of this field.
4 Mechanobiology NAOTAKA NAKAZAWA 20 Mechanobiology has developed as a discipline that aims to elucidate mechanisms of the sensing and response to physical stimuli in our body at different scales. Since the field covers perspectives and experimental approaches on trans-scales, from the molecular to the cellular and tissue levels, further development of mechanobiology needs a subgroup where multidisciplinary researchers can discuss their ideas closely. We will contribute to enhancing the presence of the Biophysical Society of Japan through joint activities with other biophysical societies worldwide, exchanges with the field of medical biology, and future collaboration with private companies.
5 Hikari-juku, a society for young and ambitious researchers using microscopy AKIRA KITAMURA 14 The imaging technology using microscopy is extremely valuable for elucidating biological mechanisms. To elucidate biological mechanisms using microscopy, motivated young researchers gather to provide a platform for discussion, information sharing, and interpersonal exchange, with purposes including the initiation of collaborative research, alleviation of imaging-related concerns, and promotion of new research directions. In line with this purpose, the 'Hikari-juku' has been held annually since 2009, with every participant presenting their research, contributing to the advancement of related studies. In the fiscal year 2023, experts in structural analysis using X-rays and electron beams also joined and formed a venue for discussing the versatility and application expansion of imaging technology. We aim to continue this initiative and contribute to the advancement and promotion of the field of imaging utilizing not only light but also electromagnetic waves and quantum phenomena.
6 Artificial Cell Model & Molecular Robotics HIRONORI SUGIYAMA 91 Peering into the molecular mechanisms of life has long attracted researchers from all over the world. As more discoveries have been made into the inner workings of living systems, we not only gain understanding but also an ability to utilize this knowledge and play with the building blocks of life. As research into artificial cells and molecular robotics is trending, we have established this subgroup to connect and foster an international research community for discussions that incorporate a wide range of research fields which intersect with this topic. Last year we organized a highly successful Japan-Korea workshop on bottom-up synthetic biology (more than 100 registered participants) and an introductory seminar on protein design (more than 400 registered participants). Our research community has attracted considerable interest from young researchers, including postdocs in their early careers, PhD students, and even undergraduates. In our annual seminar, we provide exciting opportunities for these young scientists to share their work, as well as invited lectures from established researchers. We hope that the continuation of the subgroup will highly encourage researchers with diverse expertise, which should accelerate the related science and increase Japan's presence in this field.
7 SSTB – Spring School for Theoretical Biology KOICHI FUJIMOTO 10 Our goal is to make discoveries possible through collaboration between experiment and theory that would be difficult to achieve with either alone, and to help develop the human resources to make such discoveries possible. Various experimental and theoretical researchers who are active in a wide range of life science fields, from micro to macro, will be invited to give lectures and participate in group work. While being exposed to the latest experimental findings, participants will learn viewpoints approaching from mathematical and physical perspectives, in an attempt to gain a broad overview of the entire life sciences from lower to higher levels. Participants are invited to make poster presentations, providing an opportunity for active exchange. This is the third time this school has been held, and the first (March 2023) and second (February 2024) sessions attracted about 70 participants from all over Japan.
8 Next generation NMR working group in Japan Biophysical Society HAJIME TAMAKI 51 The Next generation NMR working group has been active since February 2020, aiming to realize a future where NMR technology is creatively utilized. Since 2021, this initiative has been expanded through the support of the subgroup funding provided by the Biophysical Society of Japan. In this subgroup, activities include hosting the end-of-month online seminar 'Friday SPINOFF Meeting' aimed at fostering researcher interactions, conducting technology surveys among members, and sharing experimental protocols and tips, all with the goal of accumulating and disseminating measurement and analysis techniques. Additionally, the 'Hands-on workshop' is organized to further these aims. These activities are geared towards realizing that future.
9 The Society of Young Scientists in Biophysics KENTA TAKEMORI 11 The nationwide exchange event by the Society of Young Scientists in Biophysics is limited to the annual Biophysics Summer School for Young Scientists in Japan, which is only accessible to people who can afford the time and money. Here, we will hold an online research exchange meeting aiming to facilitate interaction among young researchers across the country. We will provide a platform for free research exchanges and presentations using Gather.town, a virtual space where people hold separate conversations in parallel. We hope that this attempt will encourage participants to incorporate interdisciplinary methods and ideas to further their own research.

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