Noriko Osumi facts for kids
Noriko Osumi (大隅 典子, Ōsumi Noriko) is a famous Japanese neuroscientist. A neuroscientist studies the brain and how it works. In 2018, she became the Vice-president of 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. Before these roles, Osumi was the president of the Molecular Biology Society of Japan from 2013 to 2014.
Biography
Starting Her Research Journey
Noriko Osumi wanted to go to graduate school to continue her studies. At that time, it was not common for women to be researchers. There were very few female scientists. However, with help from a senior student, she was able to join a new laboratory. This lab had an open and welcoming environment.
In this new lab, she started researching how the face develops. She also studied special cells called neural crest cells. This area of research was very new. Only a few labs in the world were studying it. Her research took place at Tokyo Medical and Dental University. This choice helped shape the direction of her future work.
Her Career Path
After graduate school, Noriko Osumi began her career. She worked as a research associate at Tokyo Medical and Dental University. This was her first step as a professional researcher.
After several years, she decided to become an independent researcher. This meant she would lead her own studies. 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. She found that the PAX6 gene helps the brain develop. It also helps with the development of the eyes. This discovery made her focus more on brain development in her research.
In 1998, she moved to Tohoku University. She became the first female professor in the graduate school of medicine there. This was a big achievement! Later, in 2006, she became a special advisor for gender equality. This means she helped make sure men and women had equal opportunities. From 2008 to 2010, she was also a distinguished professor at Tohoku University. In 2018, she took on even more important roles. She became a vice president for public relations and diversity. She also became the chief librarian of Tohoku University Library.
What She Researches Now
Noriko Osumi specializes in neuroscience. This field looks at how the brain and nervous system work. She focuses on neuroembryology, which is the study of how the brain develops from an embryo. She wants to understand how the human mind works by studying brain development.
She is also very interested in mental health conditions. She especially studies issues related to depression and autism. Her research helps us learn more about these conditions.
