Message

Message

The Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists (JSDB) was established in 1968, and for over half a century has served as a community for researchers in Japan working in areas related to developmental biology. The fundamental question of developmental biology is understanding the mechanisms of how a single fertilized egg gives rise to an individual body, and the roots of this discipline can be traced back to ancient Greece. Our understanding of the development of multicellular organisms (animals and plants) has advanced rapidly in recent years, however, there are centuries-old unresolved mysteries as well as new questions that arise*1 that continue to stimulate our intellectual curiosity and love for taking on challenges. The scope of research has also expanded from embryonic development to encompass individual growth, homeostasis and aging.

To address these problems, we are working across disciplinary boundaries and incorporating advanced technologies. Indeed, our understanding of the developmental phenomena has been dramatically enhanced by the development of new technologies such as the establishment of pluripotent stem cells, single-cell analyses, whole-embryo live imaging, super-resolution microscopy, structural analyses of chromosomes and nuclei, and synthetic biology approaches such as organoids. The hints for the sources and applications of these innovative technologies that have propelled the life sciences have actually been found inside the tiny embryo that undergoes changes over time. However, further technological innovations and new perspectives are needed to understand the principles of development. The JSDB has created a platform to encourage free and active exchanges between researchers, and actively welcomes ideas from younger members of the community as well as participation from different disciplines. In a time where science and technology is becoming increasingly subdivided and specialized, we would like to be open and welcoming to researchers from a wide range of fields*2.

If you are interested in developmental phenomena or if you feel a sense of wonder for developmental phenomena, please feel free to participate in the services*3 offered by the JSDB, and come experience the essence and spirit of modern developmental biology. We also invite you to consider the next generation of life science technologies and perspectives by tackling developmental biology’s toughest questions. You can start by following the JSDB Twitter account!


*1) Examples of challenging topics are the control of developmental time, epigenetic memory, stress and the shape and behavior of cell/organ (cell populations), visualization of morphogens, oscillating cellular functions. All of these topics encompass animals, plants, and unicellular organisms.


*2) Particularly relevant fields include stem cell biology, mathematical biology, mechanobiology, genome biology, evolutionary biology, temporal biology, systems biology, and structural biology.

*3) Annual Meeting, various research meetings, Twitter, DGD
The 3,000 yen annual membership fee for students may be waived in conjunction with an event. Check the website periodically for details.
More information on the services can also be found at the JSDB website:
https://en.jsdb.jp/Sign_up.html
About JSDB logo
The logo symbolizes the multi-cellular network originated from single cell (egg), along with the connections among individuals interested in developmental biology. It was created with the message of aspiring to be an academic society where new discoveries constantly emerge.