Ohsumi Frontier Science Foundation (OFSF)

Our aim is to support science relevant to scientists: basic research addressing fundamental questions. We also want to provide a collaborative environment that allows researchers and industry to forge new links. Through this, we hope not only to rge new links. Through this, we hope not only to establish a new funding body for the basic sciences, but also to spur society to rethink how we nurture and encourage the pursuit of science as a cultural activity. In Japan, there is a current tendency to demand speedy results, where sound basic research is disregarded. This short termism is weakening researchers’ minds and preventing the next generation of researchers in basic science from making progress. OFSF thus aims to contribute to the development of the scientific foundation in Japanese society by assisting far-sighted and original research that can pioneer biology and related new fields ahead of the rest of the world, as well as building an organic network between advanced researchers, citizens, and businesspeople. Assistance in the following basic research in biology and related fields: ①Far-sighted and original basic research ②Basic research that has less chance of gaining support from national or public institutions ③Basic research that will become difficult to continue due to term limits, retirement, etc. Activities to build new collaboration between researchers and society: ①Organizing study/exchange meetings with managers and researchers working for companies and those from universities or other institutions ②Educational campaigns to promote basic science for citizens and students ③Hosting gatherings with leading scientists for elementary, junior, and high school students who will lead the next generation ...view more