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Welcome to the HFSP Science Summit 2025 Satellite Event! Join us for a day of groundbreaking scientific discussions, networking opportunities, and insights into the future of interdisciplinary research. This event brings Nobel laureates, HFSP Nakasone Prize awardees, and young researchers together to share their recent discoveries and perspectives on the current state of science around the world.

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Featured Speakers

Dr. Martin Chalfie

Dr. Martin Chalfie

2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Columbia University

Investigates development and function of touch-sensitive nerve cells, pioneered GFP as a biological marker.
Dr. Jacob Hanna

Dr. Jacob Hanna

2015 HFSP Award, 2025 Nakasone Award

Weizmann Institute of Science

Focuses on embryonic stem cell biology, cellular reprogramming, and early embryo development.
Dr. Franz-Ulrich Hartl

Dr. Franz-Ulrich Hartl

2011 HFSP Award, 2022 Nakasone Award

Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry

Researches molecular chaperones in protein folding and protein aggregation diseases.
Dr. Stephen Quake

Dr. Stephen Quake

2013 Nakasone Award

Stanford University

Pioneers new biological measurement approaches, including DNA sequencing and microfluidics.
Dr. Randy W. Schekman

Dr. Randy W. Schekman

2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

University of California, Berkeley

Investigates membrane assembly and vesicular traffic in eukaryotic cells.

Date & Time

Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 9:00 – 15:40 (JST)

Workshop (9:30～): Participation only by invitation
Lectures (12:30～): For on-site participation (100 places), Registration required

Venue & Location

IRIDeS, Aobayama Campus, Tohoku University

Aoba Aramaki, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0845

From Sendai Subway Station of Sendai City Subway,
get off at "Aobayama" station on the Tozai Line bound for “Yagiyama Zoological Park” station.
It is about 3 minutes walk from the south exit.


Enquiry form

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Event Schedule

This event at Tohoku University provides opportunity for early-career researchers and students to meet Nobel Laureates and HFSPO Nakasone Award winners. The HFSP Science Summit Japan 2025 responds to a growing need to sustain and reinforce high-risk, discovery-driven science within an international framework. Initiated by the International Human Frontier Science Program Organization (HFSPO) in cooperation with its Japanese Management Supporting Parties—MEXT, METI, and AMED—the summit reflects on Japan's founding and continued support of HFSPO. Through a combination of scientific presentations and institutional dialogues, the summit brings attention to the structural conditions that enable scientific breakthroughs and highlights the importance of supporting early-career researchers engaged in frontier science.

Morning Schedule — Invitation Only

HFSP Science Summit Workshop for early career researchers (@Aobayama Commons)
9:00 - Welcome Coffee
9:30 - 9:45 Opening Remarks and Introduction to the Program
  • President Teiji Tominaga (Tohoku University)
  • Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Representative
  • Dr. Pavel Kabat, HFSPO SG
9:45 - 10:00 Flash Talks by Early Career Researchers in groups
10:00 - 11:30 Workshops with Eminent Researchers in groups
11:40 - 12:20 Luncheon Workshop for Early-Career Researchers
  • Dr. Almut Kelber, Dr. Barbara Pauly and Dr. Carolyn Johnson

Afternoon Schedule — Registration Required

HFSP Science Summit Lectures (@IRIDeS)
12:00 - 12:30 Venue Open
12:30 - 12:35 Opening Remarks
  • Dr. Pavel Kabat, HFSPO SG
12:35 - 13:25 Lectures by Nobel Laureates
  • Dr. Martin Chalfie (2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry)
    Title: The Continued Usefulness of "Useless Knowledge"
  • Dr. Randy W. Schekman (2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine)
    Title: How cells secrete proteins
13:25 - 13:45 HFSP Presentation and Research Grant and Fellowship Presentation
  • Dr. Pavel Kabat, HFSPO SG
    Title: Introduction and Future Prospects of HFSP
  • Dr. Almut Kelber, Director of Research Grants and Dr. Barbara Pauly, Director of Fellowships
    Title: Introduction of HFSP Research Grants and Fellowships
13:45 - 15:00 Lectures by HFSP Nakasone Award Recipients
  • Dr. Franz-Ulrich Hartl (2011 HFSP Award, 2022 Nakasone Award)
    Title: Understanding protein folding in the cell: Opportunities for improving human life
  • Dr. Jacob Hanna (2015 HFSP Award, 2025 Nakasone Award)
    Title: Modeling Embryogenesis from Stem Cells: Potential and Challenges
  • Dr. Stephen Quake (2013 Nakasone Award)
    Title: (TBD)
15:00 - 15:30 Messages from Invited Guests (Panel Discussion)
  • Moderator: Dr. Asako Sugimoto, Executive Vice President
  • Theme: How Should Researchers Respond in Times of Turmoil?
15:30 - 15:40 Closing Remarks
  • Dr. Asako Sugimoto, Executive Director and Vice President, Tohoku University

Co-hosted by

  • HFSPO (Human Frontier Science Program Organization)
  • Tohoku University
  • METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)
  • MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)
  • AMED (Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development)

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Detailed Speaker Information

Dr. Martin Chalfie

Dr. Martin Chalfie

University Professor, Columbia University

2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Dr. Chalfie shared the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering work on Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) as a biological marker. His lab investigates the development and function of touch-sensitive nerve cells in *C. elegans*. His work has revolutionized the study of gene expression and cell dynamics in living systems.

Beyond his Nobel work, he has served as chair of Biological Sciences at Columbia University, President of the Society for Developmental Biology and currently chairs the Committee on Human Rights at the National Academies, demonstrating his commitment to both science and society.

Dr. Jacob Hanna

Dr. Jacob Hanna

Weizmann Institute of Science

2015 HFSP Award, 2025 Nakasone Award

Dr. Hanna's interdisciplinary group focuses on understanding embryonic stem cell biology, the process of cellular reprogramming (induced pluripotent stem cells), and modeling early embryo development, aiming to advance stem-cell-based human disease platforms.

His work has been widely recognized, featuring innovations in regenerative medicine, high-impact publications in Nature and Science, and awards such as Prospect’s “Top Thinker 2021” and TIME’s Invention of the Year 2023.

Dr. Franz-Ulrich Hartl

Dr. Franz-Ulrich Hartl

Director, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry

2011 HFSP Award, 2022 Nakasone Award

Dr. Hartl's research centers on the crucial role of molecular chaperones in protein folding and the mechanisms underlying diseases associated with protein aggregation, such as neurodegenerative disorders.

His career has been recognized with several of the most prestigious awards in life science, including the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences and the Lasker Award. As an HFSP Nakasone Award recipient, his work exemplifies the value of basic, discovery-driven research in addressing complex biological problems.

Dr. Stephen Quake

Dr. Stephen Quake

Professor, Stanford University

2013 Nakasone Award

Dr. Quake pioneers new approaches to biological measurement, including advancements in DNA sequencing technologies and microfluidic automation for single-cell genomics and diagnostics, working at the intersection of physics, biology, and biotechnology.

Quake received the HFSP Nakasone Award in 2013 for his interdisciplinary innovations that have transformed how biological systems are measured and understood. As co-president of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and a leader in integrating engineering with life sciences, his work exemplifies how discovery research can drive both fundamental understanding and technological advancement.

Dr. Randy W. Schekman

Dr. Randy W. Schekman

Professor, University of California, Berkeley

2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Dr. Schekman shared the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discoveries concerning the machinery regulating vesicle traffic, a major transport system in our cells. His lab investigates the molecular description of membrane assembly and vesicular traffic in eukaryotic cells.

In addition to his scientific achievements, Schekman has been a strong voice for reform in scientific publishing and has served as Editor-in-Chief of eLife. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a former President of the American Society for Cell Biology. His work bridges rigorous molecular biology and a vision for open and equitable science systems.