The completion of the genome project has revealed the full genome sequences of many species, greatly advancing our understanding of biological phenomena. At the same time, progress in analytical chemistry and related technologies have made it possible to directly detect and quantify molecules that were once invisible, and to capture their dynamic behavior. Moreover, the widespread availability of comprehensive datasets and advanced informatics approaches increasingly enable the identification of essential elements and regulatory factors underlying complex biological systems. I believe that research in which scientists themselves measure, observe, and create such critical molecules and systems that drive multilayered and dynamic biological processes will open the way to the future of basic medical and pharmaceutical sciences.

This panel strongly encourages original and ambitious research that seeks to elucidate fundamental biological phenomena at the molecular level, free from the constraints of prevailing concepts or trends. We value not only bold attempts to uncover molecules and mechanisms not yet catalogued in any database, but also the seemingly modest yet essential discipline of formulating new questions through careful and attentive observation of biological processes. Technologies such as AI will demonstrate their full potential precisely when they are coupled with human curiosity and intuition. As John Nash once remarked, “Something can be more interesting if it is not immediately accepted.”

The long-term support—up to seven years—is intended to provide time to step back from short-term outcomes or immediate utility and to cultivate new concepts deliberately. There is no need to worry excessively about “what practical use it will have.” I believe that elucidating the principles at the core of natural laws is what will ultimately lead to advances in medicine and pharmaceutical science. Exchanges with researchers and advisors within and beyond the panel, as well as dialogue across disciplinary boundaries, will serve as important opportunities for generating new ideas. I hope young researchers will embrace free thinking and bold challenges. This program is also a place for researchers to become independent and to establish their own research style and aesthetics.

Science is a form of self-expression. I look forward with great anticipation to encountering research proposals filled with your own questions, sensibilities, and aesthetic vision.