We are pleased to announce that the 12th Annual Meeting of the Academic Research Organization (ARO) Council, will take place at Chiba University’s Inohana Campus on Friday, September 19th, and Saturday, September 20th, 2025.

　Established in 2013, the ARO Council is committed to advancing innovation in the life sciences through translational research. Its founding mission highlights the importance of nationwide collaboration among physicians and researchers across Japan to deepen our understanding of humanity and accelerate scientific progress in overcoming diseases. Since its inception, the Council has worked to build a robust academic network across Japan, contributing to the advancement of public health and medical care. Currently, 22 institutions participate as corporate academic members, and continue to develop and evolve.

　Medicine and the natural sciences have undergone profound transformations since the time of Hippocrates, evolving through disciplines such as anatomy, physiology, developmental biology, and ethics, and progressing through the Renaissance into the modern era. In recent years, scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations have led to the emergence of new drugs, medical devices, and regenerative therapies—rapidly reshaping the healthcare landscape. This dynamic shift calls for a reimagining of how we approach the research and development of medical technologies, including drug discovery. It is a transformation that involves not only physicians and researchers but also a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Today, collaboration transcends traditional boundaries between academia, industry, regulatory authorities, and the public. Together, we are forging new paths in medical innovation. These challenges are not unique to our time. Scientific and technological progress has always unfolded within complex social frameworks and interconnected networks. The modern drug discovery ecosystem reflects this intricate evolution.

　On the other hand, it is people who bring these networks to life. In an era of constant global connectivity, each of us is called upon to understand and navigate these systems effectively. True collaboration is never easy. If academia remains fragmented and siloed, progress will inevitably stall. We must share knowledge, build common ground, speak a common language, and move forward together.

　In the modern era, it is also essential to embrace the perspectives of younger generations—digital natives who will shape the future. How we harness the potential of artificial intelligence is another defining challenge of our time.

　We stand on the shoulders of those who laid the foundations of our current networks. By presenting our academic, scientific, and technological efforts on a shared platform and walking this path together, we believe we can become catalysts for solving today’s challenges and unlocking tomorrow’s breakthroughs. The theme of this year’s meeting is "Creating Together – Shaping Our Ideals." In pursuit of a society that "deepens our understanding of humanity and overcomes disease with greater precision," we invite not only physicians and researchers, but all stakeholders involved in research and development to come together—across disciplines and roles—to address current challenges and take meaningful steps toward the future. We hope this meeting will inspire new ideas, foster shared values, and encourage us all to speak a common language, and move forward together.

　We sincerely look forward to your participation.