Kyoto University

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), first generated worldwide in 2006 by Prof. Shinya Yamanaka, the 2012 Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine, are one of key technologies to realize the new era of medicine. They can differentiate into any type of cell in the body and proliferate indefinitely in culture. iPS cells will be useful in elucidating the causes of disease and developing new drugs and new therapies such as cell transplantation. To bring the benefits of such iPS cell research to patients in the shortest time possible, Kyoto University established the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) in Kyoto with Prof. Shinya Yamanaka as a director in fiscal year 2010. iPS cell technology is a new technology that will have a significant impact on the future of medicine, and everyone can benefit from it. However, bringing iPS cell technology to clinical use requires a long time and a large amount of research funding. "iPS Cell Research Fund" is an effective way to help CiRA achieve its mission: "to develop new medical applications using iPS cells." How we utilize your gift Support for medical applications and innovative research Employment of brilliant researchers and research support staff Establishment and protection of intellectual properties on iPS cells Support for research projects and infrastructures at CiRA, etc.