BD Biosciences Japan Hosts Thought Leaders
This past November, BD Biosciences Japan hosted a symposium that included Leonard Herzenberg, PhD, lead inventor of the Fluorescence Activitated Cell Sorter (FACS), the foundation of BD flow cytometers. Dr Herzenberg, a winner of the 2006 Kyoto prize,* and other leading researchers discussed recent findings.
Held in both Tokyo and Osaka on November 12 to 13, the meeting brought thought leaders together with researchers and students to inspire young investigators and advance research in key areas of life sciences. In addition to Dr. Herzenberg, the roster of prestigious speakers included:
Hideyuki Saya, MD, PhD, Professor in the Division of Gene Regulation of the Institute for Advanced Medical Research at Keio University School of Medicine. Dr. Saya spoke on the topic of molecular mechanisms of anti-cancer therapies.
Shin-Ichi Nishikawa, MD, Deputy Director and Group Director of the Stem Cell Lab at the Riken Center for Developmental Biology in Kobe. Dr. Nishikawa spoke on the topic of combining FACS technology, ES cell differentiation culture, and DNA microarrays.
Shigekazu Nagata, PhD, Professor in the Graduate School of Medicine at Kyoto University. Dr. Nagata spoke on the topic of clearance of apoptotic cells.
Tadatsugu Taniguchi, PhD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo. Dr. Taniguchi spoke on the topic of Interferon Regulatory Factors (IRFs) and their friends in innate immunity and oncogenesis.
Leonore Herzenberg, Dsc, Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, who is credited as the co-inventor of FACS and is married to Leonard Herzenberg. She spoke about modern analysis and control software for FACS.
Left to right: William Rhodes (President, BD Biosciences - Cell Analysis), Leonore Herzenberg, Dsc (Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine), Leonard Herzenberg, PhD (Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine), and Frank Florio (General Manager, BD Biosciences in Japan).
“We were very grateful to the luminaries who took time out of their busy schedules to give us their latest thinking on topics that will have a profound impact on human health in the coming years,” said William Rhodes, President of BD Biosciences Cell Analysis Unit who attended the event with Vera Imper, the unit’s Vice President of Business Development.
“It was a particular treat to have the Herzenbergs join us,” added Frank Florio, General Manager of BD Biosciences Japan. “Their groundbreaking development of the FACS cell sorter is certainly credited as the achievement that started the whole biotech industry. I am particularly thankful for the extraordinary effort and professionalism made by the BD Biosciences Japan team to realize this event. Based on its success we plan to sponsor future gatherings to help build relationships with both students and researchers in the life sciences community.”
*Herzenberg was awarded the 2006 Kyoto Prize for his outstanding contribution to life sciences with the development of a flow cytometer that uses fluorescent-labeled monoclonal antibodies. The Kyoto Prize is an international award to honor those who have contributed significantly to the scientific, cultural, and spiritual betterment of humankind. The Prize is presented annually in each of the following three categories: Advanced Technology, Basic Sciences, and Arts & Philosophy.