Research Professor AKAGI Takashi of the Faculty of Environmental and Life Science has been accepted for a Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Areas (A) (FY2022), a Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology grants-in-aid for scientific research, as a representative of his research area.
　
In this project, it is hoped that research areas proposed through co-creative and interdisciplinary efforts of diverse researchers will lead to radical transformation and change in the existing framework direction of research, as well as improve the standard of scientific research in Japan and nurture young researchers. It will also contribute to the development of these research areas through initiatives such as joint research and common use of facilities.
　
Professor AKAGI’s research was accepted on the subject of “Genomic dynamics underlying the plastic hermaphroditism in plants: the basis of exploratory reproductive adaptations. (abbreviated as “the Innovative Plant Reproductive Systems”),” and he will develop this scientific research area over the five-year period from 2022 to 2026 by leading a 15-person open recruitment research team and nine research group plans.
　
The research area has focuses on topics related to the sex determination in plants, that Professor AKAGI has led internationally, and on trailblazing research on genetic information and genomic dynamics related to plant reproductive systems, with a variety of advanced technologies, such as informatics including AI technology, chemical simulations and theoretical evolution.
　
Professor AKAGI is a recipient of Sakigake, a support program for young researchers implemented by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and is a leading young researcher not just of the University but on a national level. As well as reinforcing the research and development capability in the University’s strength of agriculture, Professor AKAGI’s achievement will promote the development of young researchers for the next generation. We have high expectations for Professor AKAGI and his research team.
　
This has been published on the MEXT homepage.