Keiji Wakabayashi

The President of JEMS (2006-)

Research activities in JEMS have been declining gradually in the past 10 years since 1995. In this past decade, the completion of human genome sequencing has created a demand for more diversified research. The rapid advances in biological research also created unfocused research outcomes with less originality. Chapter two of JEMS bylaws says “An objective of this society includes the promotion of basic research and distribution of related information and technology on mutagens in human, biological, and global environments, particularly for those with an important association with public health.”

What is important to get our society refocused? This subject has been frequently discussed by JEMS’s Committee for Future Planning, which is headed by the former president Takehiko Nohmi. Based on the discussions, the committee recommends the following points:

1. Extensive promotion of basic research concerning “gene-environment interaction”, which is the principal of our society.

2. Change the language of the official journal of JEMS to English and spread research outcomes in our society internationally. (The first English issue of Genes and Environment was released in February 2006 by the contribution of the chief editor, Dr. Nagao and other editors.)

3. Improve the relationship between Asian Environmental Mutagen Societies and JEMS (the First Asian Conference on Environmental Mutagens will be held from 28^th to 30^th November 2007 in Kitakyushu.)

It is not well understood what environmental factors are responsible for carcinogenesis in human. However, in order to reduce the risk factors of carcinogenesis, it is important to elucidate these factors one by one in relation to their carcinogenic mechanism, and to take an overview on a wide variety of carcinogenic factors. There are many subjects to be solved with the main contribution by our society, such as identification of unknown mutagens/carcinogens in diet, atmosphere, and water, elucidation of their carcinogenic mechanisms, identification of endogenous carcinogenic factors, asbestos exposure and its mechanism for carcinogenesis, safety of new chemical products, individual susceptibility for carcinogenesis, and the real risks of environmental mutagens/carcinogens for human carcinogenesis. Asian countries such as Korea and China seem to have similar problems. I hope to build an active and progressive society with a common understanding and the help of society members.