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Centenary Hosts Internationally Renowned Scientist and Discusses Possible Collaboration

Centenary Hosts Internationally Renowned Scientist and Discusses Possible Collaboration

24 August 2009: In August, the Centenary Institute hosted Prof Thomas N. Sato, Head of the Division of Biodynamics and Integrative Biology at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) in Japan.  Prof Sato is one of the foremost researchers in understanding the molecular basis of cardiovascular disease.  

During his visit, Prof Sato gave a lecture on his research on the cardiovascular system to Centenary scientists.  The professor also met with faculty members to discuss how the two institutions can implement academic exchanges. 

Over the next few years, Centenary hopes to form a long-term collaboration with NAIST.  The Institute is currently looking into how the exchange of scientists and students, as well as the design and funding of collaborative projects will benefit both institutions.

Professor Mathew Vadas, Executive Director of the Centenary Institute, says, “This is a wonderful opportunity for the Centenary Institute to partner with other brilliant young scientists that are leading the world in scientific research.” 

Currently, NAIST is second in Japan in the number of prestigious publications per scientist.  Making a possible partnership even more attractive is that the University’s approach to research echoes that of the Centenary Institute. 

At NAIST, Prof Sato is undertaking a multidisciplinary process to investigate the biological, mathematical and mechanical basis of life and human diseases.  The professor uses not only classical molecular and cellular biological tools, but also concepts, principles, and tools from other disciplines such as physics, engineering, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics to challenge the big questions in life science.

Professor Vadas says, “By partnering with institutes that also use a multi- field approach as the core to their success, Centenary will be uniquely positioned to exchange valuable information in fields which are of interest to both parties.”

Centenary’s next step is to get an in-depth view of NAIST’s research when the University hosts a scientific symposium later this year.