On 21 June 2024, Professor Yoshihiro Yoneda, M.D., Ph.D., officially assumed the role of President of the International Human Frontier Science Program Organization. He is Professor Emeritus at Osaka University and Director General of the Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University (BIKEN Foundation).
Prof. Yoneda is a cell biologist, recognized globally for his work that led to a model of the nucleocytoplasmic protein transport system. He obtained his M.D. in Medicine at Osaka University in 1981, and completed his Ph.D. in cell biology from Osaka University in 1985.
In addition to working on nucleocytoplasmic protein transport systems, his research has included analysis of nuclear organization and dynamics; structure and function of nuclear pore complex; cell differentiation and cell reprogramming.
Prof. Yoneda’s international experience includes collaborations with scientists from the U.S.A., U.K., Germany, and Switzerland as a HFSP Research Grant awardee in 1998 and 2001, for his work in nucleocytoplasmic protein transport.
In 2011, Prof. Yoneda was appointed Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine at Osaka University and held this post until 2013. Next, he assumed the role of Director General of the National Institute of Biomedical Innovation and subsequently the National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition. He also served as Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Nutrition and Physical Activity. In 2022, he was appointed to the role of Director of the Research Foundation of Microbial Diseases of Osaka University (BIKEN Foundation), and was promoted to Director General in 2023.
His honors and recognition include the 2009 Medical Award of the Japan Medical Association, the 2013 Takeda Prize for Medical Science, and in 2015, the Japanese Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon, which is awarded to individuals who have contributed to academic and artistic developments, improvements, and accomplishments.