Takahiko Akiyama
President, Japan Society of Process Chemistry
Professor, Gakushuin University

May 2023

I have assumed the presidency of the Japan Society of Process Chemistry (JSPC) as of April 2023, succeeding former President Saji (now Honorary President). With the cooperation of all members, I will strive for the further development of the society.

The JSPC was established on November 27, 2001, evolving from the Process Chemistry Study Group founded in December 1999. Under the leadership of the first president, Takayuki Shioiri, the society was formed by leaders in process chemistry from pharmaceutical companies, intermediate manufacturers, and academia. Its objectives include discussing various issues in process chemistry, enhancing the skills and mutual understanding of process chemists, and sharing common knowledge in the field.

Subsequent presidents, Kiyoshi Tomioka and Hironao Sajiki, continued to develop the society with a focus on industry researchers and engineers, supported by academic researchers. Thanks to the support of many members, the society has maintained active and evolving activities.

The society values personal interactions, with discussions at summer and winter symposia and enthusiastic exchanges during evening networking events playing significant roles. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past three years, we have been unable to hold such events as planned. As the pandemic subsides, we plan to resume symposia and other events in a manner similar to pre-pandemic times.

This year, the “2023 Summer Symposium” of the JSPC will be held over two days on August 3 (Thursday) and 4 (Friday) at Tower Hall Funabori. The program includes five invited lectures from academia, five from industry, and four special presentations under the theme “Learning from Failures.” Additionally, there will be a general poster session (with short oral presentations), which will also serve as the selection process for the JSPC Excellence Award. Corporate exhibitions are also planned to be held similarly to pre-pandemic times. We look forward to your participation.

The executive board has been renewed, with three new vice presidents appointed: Katsuya Tagami (Eisai Co., Ltd.), Noriaki Murase (Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), and Shuji Akai (Osaka University, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences). The board now consists of 23 directors and 2 auditors. In addition to the board, the Future Planning Committee, mainly composed of young members, collaborates in organizing and operating the summer and winter symposia. Furthermore, regional forums in the Hokuriku, East Shikoku, and Tokai areas actively conduct lectures and other activities. The Process Chemistry Lounge, a retreat-style event, has also been well-received, and we aim to resume it as soon as possible.

We intend to incorporate the opinions of our members to make the society increasingly attractive. We appreciate your continued support.

Biography of President Takahiko Akiyama

  • March 1980: Graduated from the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tokyo
  • March 1982: Completed Master’s program in Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo
  • March 1985: Completed Doctoral program in Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo
  • April 1985: Joined Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Research Institute
  • July 1988: Assistant Professor, Department of Resource Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Ehime University
  • April 1992 – March 1993: Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Chemistry, Stanford University (Prof. B. M. Trost)
  • April 1994: Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University
  • April 1997: Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University
  • April 2018 – March 2022: Senior Researcher, Research Center for Science Systems, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
  • 2017–2023: Vice President, Japan Society of Process Chemistry
  • 2021–2023: President, Society of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Japan

Awards

  • 2009: Chemical Society of Japan Award
  • 2009: Daiichi Sankyo Award for Medicinal Organic Chemistry, Society of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Japan
  • 2012: Nagoya Silver Medal
  • 2016: Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award, American Chemical Society
  • 2016: Humboldt Research Award
  • 2017: Award of the Society of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Japan