The Subgroup support system of the Biophysical Society of Japan

An essential role of the Biophysical Society of Japan (BSJ) is to provide a place for academic exchanges among members. However, there is often not enough time for a thorough discussion due to time constraints inherent to the annual meeting.
Therefore, BSJ have established the “subgroup" support system in 2021 to activate thorough discussion by supporting small- to medium-sized group activities and meetings, including those held online (up to 50,000 yen per meeting). Candidate meetings and activities include those that i) promote deep discussion on individual specialties (specialty groups),
ii) promote the emergence of new academic fields (new academic field groups), o
iii) promote the exchange of research ideas by young researchers who will lead the next generation (young researcher groups), or
iv) promote new member acquisition.
To support the program’s aims and promote diversity, we would appreciate it if female researchers could be actively included as representatives and in organizing roles.
The requested expenses are used for fees of online meeting tools and conference facilities, banquet (only for invited speakers) and food/beverage expenses, part-time work expenses, and travel support for speakers. If you have any questions, please contact the secretariat. In each year, we set the deadline on March 31st for submission, and application will be announced by the News in this website. Please refer to the support system regulations for details. We look forward to your applications.

Application form
Regulations of the Subgroup System

Place of submission︓
Secretariat
bsj@nacos.com

Name of the group, Chairperson, the number of group member

	Subgroup name	Representative	The number of people	Point (e.g. of a statement)
1	Discussion group of molecular motors	Tomohiro SHIMA	10	Research on biological molecular motors has not only shed light on the molecular basis of individual protein’s movement but has also significantly contributed to technological innovation in life sciences, including single-molecule imaging, biochemistry, structural approaches, and optogenetic techniques. Building on this legacy, this meeting aims to deepen our understanding of biological and physical phenomena where molecular motors play crucial roles by sharing the latest findings and methodologies related to these molecules. We will actively incorporate diverse perspectives from related fields to foster further technological innovation and provide a platform for free and lively discussion among participants.
2	Mechanobiology	Sayaka MASAKIKE	22	Mechanobiology has developed as a discipline that aims to elucidate mechanisms of the sensing and response to physical stimuli in our body at different scales. Since the field covers perspectives and experimental approaches on trans-scales, from the molecular to the cellular and tissue levels, further development of mechanobiology needs a subgroup where multidisciplinary researchers can discuss their ideas closely. We will contribute to enhancing the presence of the Biophysical Society of Japan through joint activities with other biophysical societies worldwide, exchanges with the field of medical biology, and future collaboration with private companies.
3	Origins and Diversity of Biological Energy Conversion	Akihiro OTOMO	11	Biological energy conversion, including membrane-mediated ion transport and ATP synthesis, is a fundamental function that supports life. This subgroup brings together researchers interested in energy acquisition mechanisms in primitive life, the evolution of lipid membranes, ion selectivity mechanisms, adaptation to extreme environments, and the diversity and common principles of proteins involved in biological energy conversion. It provides a forum for cross-disciplinary discussion on these topics. By organizing a series of seminars with invited external speakers, the subgroup will contribute to the development of new fields and to the society’s activities through research exchange and information sharing.
4	Biomolecular simulation and modeling	Toshifumi MORI	35	We would like to organize an annual workshop to bring together diverse researchers engaged in the simulation and modeling of biomolecular systems including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipid membranes, and create an opportunity for in-depth discussions and active exchange. The scope includes structural modeling and simulation of biomolecular systems, mathematical modeling that integrates simulations with experimental data, structure–function prediction, and design. In recent years, new technologies such as machine learning have also been introduced, thus exchanging information rapidly is essential for the advancement of the field.
5	Phase separation biophysics	Kiyoto KAMAGATA	11	Liquid-liquid and liquid-solid phase separation brings together biomolecules and produces diverse biological functions as a group. Recently, phase separation phenomena have been measured in detail using biophysical methods such as NMR, Raman spectroscopy, pressure, single molecule measurements, and molecular dynamics simulations, and the understanding of these phenomena has rapidly increased. In addition, tools utilizing phase separation phenomena have been developed and applied to artificial cells. However, opportunities to present and discuss these latest results are limited, and we will continue the subgroup on “Phase Separation Biophysics” established three years ago to provide opportunities to present and discuss the latest results in depth.
6	Hikari-juku, a society for young and ambitious researchers using microscopy	Ryo IIZUKA	15	"Hikari-Juku" is a vital hub for early-career researchers aiming to elucidate biological phenomena using microscopy. Since 2009, the group has held annual meetings across Japan to foster collaboration and enhance technical expertise through its signature "all-participant presentation" format, hands-on workshops, and active networking. In 2024, the group invited experts in AI-driven image analysis and quantum imaging, expanding its mission toward interdisciplinary innovation. Committed to diversity in gender and generation, "Hikari-Juku" continues to advance the field of biophysics and nurture the next generation of leaders.
7	SSTB – Spring School for Theoretical Biology	Naoki HONDA	10	This school aims to enable discoveries that would be difficult to make through the collaboration of experiment and mathematics in the field of biology, and to support the development of personnel who can make such discoveries possible. We invite experimental and theoretical biologists specializing in various phenomena from the micro to the macro level to give lectures and conduct group work in Japanese. We invite a distinguished group of lecturers active in a wide range of fields, and while touching upon the latest experimental findings, we aim to teach mathematical and physical methods and ways of thinking, as well as attitudes and perspectives in mathematical and physical approaches, enabling participants to gain a broad overview of biology as a whole, from low-level to high-level. We invite participants to submit poster presentations, providing opportunities for presentations and exchange. This is the 5th time this school has been held, and from the 1st (March 2023) to the 4th (March 2026), we have attracted around 80 participants from all over Japan each year. The school has been a great success with lively discussions throughout. In 2026, we aim to continue attracting many participants and make this a school that invigorates the entire field. Past activity information is below. https://sites.google.com/view/sstbhome
8	Synthetic Biophysical Chemistry	Akihiro KISHIMURA	22	A substantial body of biophysical phenomena is underpinned by molecular theory. To fundamentally transform our existing understanding of living systems and to extend the discipline into new frontiers, it is essential not only to focus on biomolecules constituting living organisms, but also to incorporate synthetic molecules and materials from novel perspectives, thereby pioneering previously uncharted territories. This subgroup aims to introduce synthetic molecules and materials — developed through the up-to-date synthetic chemistry and polymer chemistry — into the realm of biophysics, with the goals of not only advancing the field of biophysics itself, but also driving a paradigm shift that leverages the unique properties of artificial systems, and enhancing societal impact through active engagement with industry.
9	Next generation NMR working group	Hajime TAMAKI	54	The next generation NMR working group organizes workshops that provide both lectures and hands-on training of measurements and state-of-the-art techniques of NMR, as well as casual online study sessions—such as the “Friday SPINOFF Meeting”—designed to facilitate information exchange. We also share technical knowledge through Slack and document-sharing platforms. By fostering interaction among researchers across academia and industry, from beginners to experts and across disciplinary boundaries, we aim to create a future in which NMR becomes an accessible and widely utilized technology that supports creative scientific activities.
10	Artificial Cell Model & Molecular Roboticis	Kaito SEO	100	Peering into the molecular mechanisms of life has long attracted researchers from all over the world. As more discoveries have been made into the inner workings of living systems, we not only gain understanding but also an ability to utilize this knowledge and play with the building blocks of life. As research into artificial cells and molecular robotics is trending, we have established this subgroup to connect and foster an international research community for discussions that incorporate a wide range of research fields which intersect with this topic. Last year, we held online seminar series including presenters from overseas. We have also organized a symposium to discuss about artificial cell and molecular robotics with researchers from different research areas. Our research community has attracted considerable interest from young researchers, including postdocs in their early careers, PhD students, and even undergraduates. In our annual seminar, we provide exciting opportunities for these young scientists to share their work, as well as invited lectures from established researchers. We hope that the continuation of the subgroup will highly encourage researchers with diverse expertise, which should accelerate the related science and increase Japan's presence in this field.
11	Genome Biophysics	Tetsuya YAMAMOTO	11	Multiple biological processes, such as replication, transcription, repair, happen simultaneously on genome DNA and are regulated by the 3d structure and dynamics of genome. To understand the principle of the assembly of the 3d genome structure and the function-structure relationship, it is necessary to go beyond the conventional approaches via the interactions between researchers in different discipline. This subgroup aims at providing a platform for such interactions.
12	Young Researchers' NMR Workshop	Kotaro HARA	11	This workshop is intended for young researchers, especially students, who are interested in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). This year, the event will be held over three days from September 28th in Shiga Prefecture. We are planning a series of lectures that will cover a range of topics, from the fundamentals of NMR to its advanced applications. Poster presentations by students and other young researchers, as well as informal discussion sessions, will also be included. This event will bring together young researchers from diverse backgrounds, including structural biology, quantum life sciences, and materials chemistry. By fostering interdisciplinary discussions and personal connections, we aim to support the development of young scientists who will lead future advances in biophysics and related fields.