Dr. Sakanishi received a bachelor’s degree in 1983, a master’s degree in 1985, and a doctor’s degree in 1989 from Kyushu University. He served as Assistant Professor at Kyushu University (1987-1999), Senior Researcher, National Institute of Resources and Environment (1999-2001), Senior Research Scientist, Energy Utilization Research Institute, AIST (2001¬¬-2004). He currently serves as Director, Biomass Technology Research Laboratory, AIST (since June 2005); Director, Biomass Technology Research Center, AIST (since October 2005); Representative, Asian Biomass Energy Research Core, AIST (since April 2007) and Adjunctive Professor, Hiroshima University (since April 2007).