PI retreat

The “IMS PI Retreat 2025” was held on July 14-15, 2025, at L stay and grow in Tokyo. The retreat aimed to strengthen collaboration among IMS labs by mutual understanding of research and personal engagement. In total, 70 participants attended, including PIs, administrative and support staff.

The Opening Session covered four topics including IMS’s new organizational structure and research vision, RIKEN’s Life Science Direction, the new management structure, and research funding strategies in RIKEN. In the subsequent World Café session, participants engaged in small-group discussions to deepen mutual understanding. That evening’s Social Gathering offered an open, informal space for interdisciplinary interaction.

On Day 2, the Morning Session began with the presentation about the Life Science Research Promotion Division and the Office of the Center Director. This was followed by presentations on proposal strategies for AMED and the mission of the Advanced Multi-Omics Technology Division. In the next session titled “Learning from past projects,” the session highlighted the importance of global and institutional collaboration, how partnerships can drive innovation in medical diagnostics and therapies, and the AMED DAIIA project. In the afternoon, the Brainstorming Session was held, where cross-disciplinary and intergenerational groups discussed innovative research ideas presented by early-career PIs. Through advisor feedback and active discussion, diverse perspectives and ideas were energetically exchanged.

The retreat concluded with a closing address expressing high hopes for future collaborations and projects to emerge from this shared experience.