Promoting Seeds Research and Advancing toward Future Medical Care
Promoting Seeds Research and Advancing toward Future Health Care
-Efforts from the first stage to the second stage of the program –

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology promoted the “Coordination, Support and Training Program for Translational Research (1st stage program)” project from 2007 to 2011, aiming to improve Japan’s medical standard, and to develop and promote the medical industry.
Under the project, Hokkaido University, Sapporo Medical University and Asahikawa Medical University participated in the 5-year Center Building Project as one of the seven centers in Japan. During these five years, the Hokkaido Organization for Translational Research was founded and assistance for seeds research was provided.
The second stage of the translational research project began in April 2012 under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Program for a Network Accelerating Translational Research. In this project, we are firmly committed to accelerate the translation of basic research to clinical study and research, promote the development of outstanding medications and medical device, and contribute to effective life innovations so that we can make the best use of the existing infrastructure for translational research.
As the three universities were allowed to continue the project, HTR will strive to (1) enhance seeds research management, (2) improve its network functionality, and (3) establish sustainability while making good use of the translational research project support framework.

Translational Research involves non-clinical and early stage clinical trials and related studies, which are conducted to bring the results of basic studies into practical use.

Future Perspectives of the Hokkaido Organization for Translational Research

Enhancing partnerships with TR bases nationwide

Research infrastructure is being developed in seven TR projects nationwide based on the Coordination, Support and Training Program for Translational Research of MEXT. The HTR intends to enhance partnerships with other TR bases in order to further develop the All Hokkaido Translational Research Project for Advanced Medicine.

What distinguishes the HTR: A system for supporting basic research on “Seeds Research”

For the purpose of benefitting the public with results translated from advanced medical studies on “Seeds Research,” the HTR will actively provide extensive support to studies on the development of medical instruments, extracorporeal diagnostic agents, and new drugs effective for treating cancer and other diseases as well as for controlling their symptoms. The HTR will step up efforts for improving the support system such that this system will distinguish the HTR.

The HTR’s links with overseas organizations

European countries and the United States are advanced in translational research, and the HTR plans to develop and enhance links with research institutes and medical-related companies in these countries. The HTR’s efforts are described in English on the HTR website.