Japan Neuroscience Society

Japan Neuroscience Society
Name	Japan Neuroscience Society
Formation	1974
Headquarters	Tokyo, Japan
Language	Japanese, English
Website	https://www.jnss.org/en/

Japan Neuroscience Society. The Japan Neuroscience Society (JNS) is the primary professional organization in Japan dedicated to advancing research and education in the field of neuroscience. Founded in 1974, it serves as a central hub for scientists, clinicians, and students, fostering collaboration and the dissemination of knowledge. The society plays a pivotal role in connecting the Japanese neuroscience community with international bodies like the International Brain Research Organization and the Society for Neuroscience.

History

The society was established in 1974, emerging from growing interdisciplinary interest in the brain and nervous system among Japanese researchers. Its formation was influenced by the pioneering work of figures like Shibasaburo Kitasato in physiology and the broader global expansion of neuroscience as a distinct discipline. Early meetings were instrumental in consolidating diverse fields, from neuroanatomy and neurophysiology to neurochemistry, under a single umbrella. Over the decades, it has grown in parallel with major national projects like the Brain/MINDS initiative and has strengthened ties with other Asian societies through federations like the Asian Pacific Society for Neurochemistry.

Organization and governance

The society is governed by an elected President and a Board of Directors, which includes representatives from major universities and research institutes across Japan. Key administrative functions are managed by a central office located in Tokyo. The JNS maintains several specialized committees focusing on areas such as academic meetings, international affairs, and public education. It operates under the auspices of the Science Council of Japan and maintains collaborative relationships with other domestic bodies like the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and the RIKEN Brain Science Institute.

Annual meeting

The JNS Annual Meeting is one of the largest scientific conferences in Japan, typically attracting thousands of participants from academia and industry. It is held in major cities such as Yokohama, Kobe, and Kyoto, featuring a program of plenary lectures, symposia, and poster sessions. The meeting often hosts distinguished international speakers, including Nobel laureates like Susumu Tonegawa and May-Britt Moser. In addition to research presentations, the event includes career forums and workshops organized in conjunction with entities like the Japan Society for Cell Biology and the Japanese Association of Anatomists.

Publications

The society's official peer-reviewed journal is *Neuroscience Research*, published by Elsevier. This international journal covers a broad spectrum of topics from molecular to cognitive neuroscience. The JNS also publishes a Japanese-language bulletin for its members, containing society news, meeting reports, and commentary. Furthermore, it collaborates on special issues and proceedings with other publishing entities and societies, contributing to the dissemination of findings from Japanese researchers in global contexts alongside publications from the Journal of Neurophysiology and Neuron.

Activities and initiatives

Beyond its annual meeting, the society is actively involved in promoting neuroscience education through public lectures, brain awareness campaigns, and support for young researchers via travel grants and awards. It plays a significant role in advocating for neuroscience funding and policy, engaging with agencies like the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The JNS also coordinates Japan's participation in international projects such as the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility and fosters exchanges through programs with the Human Frontier Science Program and the Dana Foundation.

Notable members

The society's membership includes many leading figures in neuroscience. Pioneering members have included Masao Ito, renowned for his work on the cerebellum, and Masanori Otsuka, known for research on neurotransmitters. Contemporary influential members feature researchers like Noboru Mizuno, an expert in neuroanatomy, and Hitoshi Sakano, who made key discoveries in olfactory system organization. Several members have received high honors, including the Japan Academy Prize and the Order of Culture, and have held leadership positions at institutions like the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University.

Category:Neuroscience societies Category:Scientific organizations based in Japan Category:Organizations established in 1974