Shinya Yamanaka
Director and Professor, Center for iPS Cell Research
Meet Shinya Yamanaka
Shinya’s pioneering work on stem cells has gained him huge scientific recognition. After reprogramming adult mouse (2006) and human (2007) somatic cells into what are now called induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, he was awarded a Nobel Prize in 2012. “Working on the medical applications of iPS cells is still my focus,” says Shinya, “and I would like to see the pharma industry collaborate more with academia to develop drugs for intractable diseases.” Asked what piece of advice he would offer young researchers, he says “I wish I had improved my English communication skills in my 20s, because English proficiency is crucial for scientists to better compete or collaborate with researchers overseas.”