Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University

Medical Institute of Bioregulation (MIB) focuses its research on "biodefense", a crucial aspect of maintaining homeostasis in living organisms. It seeks to elucidate the control mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels and to develop strategies to overcome diseases that result from the breakdown of these biodefense mechanisms. Building on a history of internationally recognized contributions to the understanding of the nature of life phenomena and the mechanisms of disease development, MIB is further strengthening the collaboration between biology and technology to become a global research and education center capable of comprehensively elucidating the biodefense system.

MIB was established in April 1982 through the integration and reorganization of Kyushu University's Hot Spring Therapy Research Institute (located in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture) and the Medical School (Hospital District) Cancer Research Facility. In April 2001, a major reorganization was implemented through the integration of the Genetic Information Laboratory Facility, resulting in the formation of three research departments and two affiliated facilities, covering a total of 20 divisions. In April 2022, the Integrated Immunology Research Center and the High-Depth Omics Science Center were newly established, further strengthening the foundation for advanced medical and biological research. In addition, from April 2025, MIB launches the Department of International Cooperative Research and the Department of Multidisciplinary Life Science, with the latter being established in line with the adoption of the Reiwa 7 Fiscal Year Budget Request Project. These departments aim to promote research from a global perspective and open up new fields.

MIB places the elucidation of biodefense-essential for maintaining biological homeostasis-at the center of its research. By elucidating its regulatory mechanisms at multiple levels and striving to overcome diseases caused by its failure, MIB continues to deepen the integration of biology and technology to advance innovative medical and biological research. To support these efforts, the Institute provides cutting-edge research equipment and support technologies-including single-cell profiling, spatial omics, cryo-electron microscopy, and genome editing-to researchers at home and abroad. As a Joint Usage/Research Center, MIB collaborates with leading research institutions worldwide to collect and analyze high-precision big data related to the mechanisms of disease onset, including those of infectious diseases, cancer, and allergies.

In graduate education, MIB is responsible for teaching and research guidance in the Master of Medical Science program, the Doctoral Program in Medicine, and the 5-year Integrated Doctoral Program in Life Medical Sciences, serving as a cornerstone for interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition, the joint research facilities have been reorganized into a Research Promotion Unit. The establishment of the Laboratory of Data Analysis and Infrastructure and the Advanced Research Initiative has enabled the Institute to address contemporary challenges in big data analysis and information security, and to support the independent research activities of young researchers.

Looking ahead to fiscal 2025, MIB will establish new departments for the first time in 43 years to strengthen its international research capabilities. In the Department of International Cooperative Research, distinguished professors from overseas partner institutions will be invited as visiting professors to serve as external advisors. At the same time, the Department of Multidisciplinary Life Science will recruit internationally competitive principal investigators (PIs) and establish a tenure-track system to promote independent associate professors over the medium to long term, with the goal of opening up new areas of research.

Thus, with its new organizational structure, advanced technologies, and robust international collaborative framework, MIB will continue its pursuit of elucidating biodefense mechanisms and overcoming disease. All faculty, students and staff remain committed to achieving medical innovation through groundbreaking research. We sincerely ask for your continued support.