The National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST) is the only national research and development agency in Japan that aims to incorporate most fields of research related to quantum science, and in April 2019, it has progressed to QST version 2 under a new research strategy. In order to develop this further, the Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate were then established.
The Institute of Quantum Medical Science of the directorate runs the Quantum Scalpel Project, a project that aims to miniaturize and increase the efficiency of heavy ion radiotherapy equipment further. It also aims to drive research elucidating the mechanisms of diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, along with the technological development of imaging and nuclear medicine diagnoses and radiation therapy.
The QST hospital operates as a pivotal clinical research hospital for heavy ion radiotherapy for cancer in Japan. Additionally, it also focuses on advancing clinical tests and functioning to demonstrate their utility and efficacy in order to rapidly deliver research achievements to patients.
The National Institute of Radiological Sciences performs both research and development in the field of radiation effects, radiobiology, and emergency radiation medicine. As the core radiation medicine facility in our country, it takes a lead role in emergency radiation medicine in QST and has been designated by the government as the Core Advanced Radiation Emergency Medical Support Center.
The Institute for Quantum Life Science, having a foundation in quantum theory and mechanics, aims to unravel the mysteries of life and discover revolutionary applications in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, the environment, and energy, among others.
The Directorate also promotes international cooperation in cutting-edge quantum medicine / medical research and emergency radiation medicine in collaboration with international organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), World Health Organization (WHO), International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), and United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR).
The Directorate mutually collaborates with these four organizations as one unit and continues to drive innovation in medicine and the medical field, moving closer to achieving QST’s goal of “zero cancer deaths and a healthy, long-living society”.
Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate
Managing Director, Takashi Nakano