Noriko Osumi facts for kids
Noriko Osumi is a famous Japanese scientist who studies the brain. She is a neuroscientist, which means she learns how our brains work and grow. Since 2018, she has been a Vice-president at Tohoku University. She is also a Professor there, teaching about how the brain develops. Plus, she leads the Core Center for Neuroscience at the university. From 2013 to 2014, she was also the head of the Molecular Biology Society of Japan.
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Noriko Osumi's Life Story
Starting Her Science Journey
When Noriko Osumi finished her first university degree, she wanted to continue studying in graduate school. At that time, it was not common for women to be researchers. But Noriko was determined! With help from Professor Kazuhiro Eto, she joined a new lab that welcomed everyone.
In this lab, she studied how faces and special cells called neural crest cells develop. This was a very new and exciting field of study. Only a few labs in the world were looking into it. Her research at Tokyo Medical and Dental University helped set the path for her future work.
Building a Career in Science
After graduate school, Noriko Osumi started working as a research assistant at her university. She worked hard for several years. Then, a fellow scientist, Dr. Akira Kakizuka, encouraged her to become an independent researcher.
In 1996, she moved to the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry. There, she became a section chief at the National Institute of Neuroscience. During this time, she made an important discovery: a gene called PAX6 helps develop not only the face and eyes but also the brain! This discovery made her want to learn even more about how the brain grows.
In 1998, Noriko Osumi moved to Tohoku University. She became the first female professor in the graduate school of medicine there. This was a big achievement! She also worked to help more women get involved in science. From 2008 to 2010, she was a special distinguished professor. In 2018, she became a Vice-president at Tohoku University, helping with public relations and promoting diversity. She also became the chief librarian of the Tohoku University Library.
What Noriko Osumi Researches Now
Noriko Osumi focuses on neuroscience, especially how the brain develops from the very beginning. She wants to understand how our minds work by studying how our brains are built.
She is very interested in brain conditions like depression and autism. She wants to find ways to help people who struggle with these conditions. Her goal is to discover new strategies to support and strengthen the human mind.
