Hello. Welcome to the homepage of the Graduate School of Biosphere Science at Hiroshima University.

After James Watson and Francis Crick proposed the double-helix structure of DNA in 1953, biochemistry and molecular biology remarkably developed and many puzzles of life were solved one right after another. Just half a century later, as a result, even life itself has come to be discussed at the molecular level. In addition, the basic knowledge in the field of biological science has evolved into cloning and gene-recombination technology. These developments are now expected to contribute to the greatest challenges in the 21st century: food, environment, and energy.

On the other hand, cloning and gene-recombination technology raised new bioethical issues. Their applied studies have even begun to increase blind competitions in order to provide their industries with huge profits which sometimes corrupt the morals of the studies.

Not only are biological and environmental science and biotechnology constantly advancing fields, but their accomplishments also relate compositely and intricately to a number of fields at the same time. Seen from an interdisciplinary point of view, it is essential for us to make use of these accomplishments for the welfare of humanity and the future of Earth. Literally, the 21st century is, both in a positive and negative way, "the era of life, environment, and biotechnology."

The population on Earth is still increasing. According to a White Paper issued by the United Nations, there are approximately 6 billion people in the world now and the number will reach 9.3 billion by 2050. By contrast, the recent production of food has been leveled off, and the lack of food caused by the increasing population has become a serious problem. What is worse is that environmental problems such as desertification, global warming, ozone depletion, air and ground pollution, and endocrine disrupting chemicals (endocrine disrupters) are getting more serious now. In the 21st century, we must solve these problems by concentrating on the wisdom of mankind.

"Pursuit of peace" is one of the philosophies of Hiroshima University. Above all, for the construction of peace, it is important for us to clear breadbasket issues, environmental problems, and then, secure, safe, and reliable food and a healthy diet and environment.

In the Graduate School of Biosphere Science, there are many teachers, researchers, and students with brilliant talents and passions. Their research areas range from the gene and cellular level, including bion, to modes of life and environments in continental and marine areas. They have been working on the studies and educations for "the human welfare and the future of the earth" as they utilize biotic functions (biotechnology) to solve such issues as food, environment and energy.

Moreover, the teachers at this graduate school are working together to make special efforts in order to educate graduate students. They promote fieldwork such firms, agricultural fields, fisheries training ships, experimental fishery stations, and food factories, and give the students thoughtful educations which contribute to local and international societies depending on each student's ability. They aim to develop human resources which meet demands from the modern societies and the times as professional engineers and researchers of applied biology and environmentology.

The Graduate School of Biosphere Science is the very origin of life and environmental science and biotechnology. Setouchi Field Science Center belongs to the graduate school and other six organizations outside the university (Hayashibara Biochemical Laboratories, Inc., The National Research Institute of Brewing, The Japanese Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Chugoku., The National Agricultural Research Center for Western Region, and National Research Institute of Fisheries and Environment of Inland Sea, Fisheries Research Agency) are cooperating with the goals of the education and studies of environmental science in terms of genes and cells. It is not an exaggeration to say the Graduate School of Biosphere Science is generating the 21st century.

Students from other universities, working people, and foreign students are also welcome. Let's enter the Graduate School of Biosphere Science and study and enjoy researching together !