Imagine a world where science doesn't just advance knowledge but actively shields us from the worst disasters and diseases. That's the bold vision driving the Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), which launched its Visionary Initiatives (VIs) in the 2025 academic year. These aren't your typical research projects; they're cross-disciplinary powerhouses aiming to co-create solutions with society, focusing on three pillars: 'Better Life,' 'Better Society,' and 'Better Planet.' But here's where it gets even more ambitious: six VIs are currently tackling these challenges, each with its own unique vision for societal transformation. And this is the part most people miss: one of these initiatives, led by Professor Tomoko Ishino, is dedicated to building a world resilient to disasters and pandemics – a world where COVID-19, malaria, and future threats don't hold us hostage.
Professor Ishino, from the Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, heads the VI: Resilience Tech-Society. Her journey to this point is as fascinating as the initiative itself. It began with a passion for pharmaceutical sciences and a deep desire to make a difference in Asia, fueled by encounters with poverty and the resilience of children during study tours. This led her to a crossroads: international aid or fundamental research? She chose both, finding her calling in tropical disease research, a field that bridges the gap between scientific discovery and tangible impact.
But here's the controversial part: while some might prioritize diseases prevalent in wealthier nations, Ishino focuses on malaria, a disease that disproportionately affects the developing world. This choice, driven by both scientific curiosity and a deep sense of compassion, raises important questions about global health priorities and resource allocation. Should we focus on diseases with the highest death toll, or those affecting the most vulnerable populations? Ishino's work challenges us to consider the ethical dimensions of scientific research.
Her research delves into the intricate dance between malaria parasites and the human body, specifically how these microscopic invaders target liver cells. This meticulous work, conducted in collaboration with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in Ghana, aims to unravel the infection mechanisms and develop new strategies to combat this ancient scourge.
As leader of the Resilience Tech-Society VI, Ishino's vision extends beyond the lab. She aims to build systems that ensure essential services like environmental recovery, lifeline restoration, and medical care continue even in the face of disasters or pandemics. This involves tackling both emerging threats like COVID-19 and re-emerging ones like malaria, which require global cooperation and innovative solutions.
And this is where it gets truly inspiring: Ishino believes in the power of collaboration across disciplines. Her partnership with Professor Kazuo Takayama, who develops 'liver-on-a-chip' technology, exemplifies this. By combining their expertise, they've gained unprecedented insights into how malaria parasites infect liver cells, paving the way for potential new vaccines. This interdisciplinary approach, Ishino argues, is crucial for tackling complex global challenges.
Building a resilient society, Ishino emphasizes, requires more than just scientific breakthroughs. It demands robust preparedness, international collaboration, and a commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. It's about fostering a culture of mutual aid and human consideration, where science serves as a tool for protecting lives, livelihoods, and dignity.
Ishino's work is a call to action, urging us to rethink our relationship with science. It's not just about convenience and novelty; it's about using scientific knowledge to build a better, more equitable world. Her vision of a 'resilient society' is one where science and compassion work hand in hand, creating a future where disasters and diseases no longer hold us captive.
This interview leaves us with a powerful question: Are we ready to embrace this vision and work together to build a truly resilient future? The answer, Ishino believes, lies in our collective will to act, to collaborate, and to prioritize the well-being of all.
