Greeting from the Director, Satoshi Iso

That spirit is grounded in three core pillars:

• A place where young researchers can freely and deeply pursue their own interests.
• A place where scientists from diverse fields meet, talk, and discover new perspectives together.
• A place that not only helps young researchers launch their careers globally, but also draws top-level talent from around the world.

These values remain central as we move forward — and this year, we are especially pleased to welcome several new research teams from applied and interdisciplinary fields as part of our expanded structure. Each team brings unique strengths, expertise, and questions. We are excited to collaborate, to learn from each other, and to build together as one iTHEMS.

In this environment, where people from different backgrounds bring their own questions to the table, something special happens. Ideas resonate, combine, and sometimes spark entirely new areas of science. That’s the kind of exciting, creative energy we strive to cultivate at iTHEMS.

Most of all, we want iTHEMS to be a place where young researchers can truly enjoy their research and thrive.

We’re truly excited to continue growing together with all of you, researchers, collaborators, and supporters alike. Working hand in hand with universities, research institutions, and partners in policy and science support both in Japan and abroad,
iTHEMS will continue to evolve with both flexibility and strength.

We deeply appreciate your continued support and collaboration.
Thank you, as always, for being part of this journey.

Satoshi Iso
Director, iTHEMS
April 2025