The NCGM: Past, Present and Future

The International Medical Center of Japan (IMCJ) became an independent administrative institution (IAI) as of April 1, 2010, and has thus been renamed the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM).

The NCGM was established in 1993 as the IMCJ as a core National Hospital Organization Medical Center (NHOMC). The NCGM initially consisted of 5 research divisions accounting for 10 research laboratories, but has gradually become ramified over time to include the Diabetes Research Center and the Center for Hepatitis and Immunology Research as an IAI, consisting of 15 research divisions accounting for 26 research laboratories.

The NCGM aims to promote basic research into the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, diabetes/metabolic diseases, and hepatitis/immunological diseases as well as translational and clinical research aimed at the development of innovative diagnostic/treatment modalities, thereby contributing to global cooperation in healthcare by sharing research findings in areas of its endeavor.

The NCGM is currently accounted for by some 250 research staff engaged in research in respective areas of interest, where 10 newly appointed senior researchers, 40 additional ad hoc researchers, and 10 specially appointed researchers, in addition to 40 full-time research posts (department directors and chiefs) constitute the core research personnel. The NCGM offers ample research facilities including radioisotope and animal research laboratories, housed in seven-storied research wards A and B, including basement research floors, with each ward accounting for some 6,000 square meters.

Refurbished as an IAI, the NCGM intends to make a fresh start and join forces in promoting research in all areas of its endeavor as well as in disseminating its research findings in more readily accessible forms than ever for the benefit of the global community.