Ten Researchers Launch the Japan Disease Stem Cell Society (JDSCS)
— Aiming to Establish a Foundation for the Advancement and Social Implementation of Disease-specific Stem Cell Research —

On June 20, 2025, ten founding researchers, including Professor Shinya Yamanaka and Professor Haruhisa Inoue of Kyoto University and Professor Hideyuki Okano of Keio University, established the Japan Disease Stem Cell Society (JDSCS) as a general incorporated association.

JDSCS brings together experts from diverse fields—including stem cell biology, basic and clinical medicine, molecular biology, engineering, and information science—with the mission of advancing disease-related stem cell research and establishing a solid foundation for its implementation in society.

Founding Members (in Japanese alphabetical order)
• Haruhisa Inoue      (Kyoto University) – Representative Director
• Takumi Era               (Kumamoto University)
• Hideyuki Okano     (Keio University)
• Kenji Osafune         (Kyoto University)
• Shimpei Gotoh       (Kyoto University)
• Megumu K. Saito   (Kyoto University) – Deputy Representative Director
• Toshiro Sato            (Keio University)
• Kazuo Takayama   (Institute of Science Tokyo)
• Junya Toguchida   (Kyoto University) – Auditor
• Shinya Yamanaka  (Kyoto University)

Background and Objectives
Disease stem cell research plays a vital role in elucidating the mechanisms of intractable diseases, driving drug discovery and gene therapy, and promoting new medical treatments. In particular, the use of patient-derived iPS cell models has accelerated the development of therapies that were previously considered difficult to achieve. In recent years, advances in technologies such as cell culture, organoid technology, artificial intelligence, and genome editing have made this research increasingly sophisticated and diverse.
Against this backdrop, there is a strong need for interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of a robust academic foundation. JDSCS seeks to foster collaboration among its members, contribute to improving the quality of research, nurture the next generation of researchers, and promote dialogue with society, thereby advancing the academic community as a whole.

Upcoming Events
The 1st Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Disease iPS Cells
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Venue: Station Conference Tokyo
Theme: New Horizons in Disease Stem Cells: A Shared Vision, A Shared Future
Chair: Haruhisa Inoue (Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University)
URL: https://jdscs2026.umin.jp/

About the Japan Disease Stem Cell Society
Name: Japan Disease Stem Cell Society(JDSCS)
Established: June 20, 2025
Representative Director: Haruhisa Inoue (Kyoto University)
Membership Categories: Regular Members, Student Members, Corporate Regular Members (for general companies), and Corporate Associate Members (for venture companies)
Official Website: https://www.jdscs.jp/en/

Contact
Secretariat of the Japan Disease Stem Cell Society (JDSCS)
Email: admin-jdscs@jdscs.jp