Biological membranes are supramolecular systems formed by the self-assembly of a large variety of biological molecules, including lipids and proteins. They are responsible for vital cellular functions such as information transduction and energy conversion. However, the distribution and complex formation of proteins and lipids within the membrane are not fully understood, although they are essentially important for the membrane functions.

Kobe University has a track record of world-leading research on biomembranes and unique accumulation of technologies, including “integrated model biological membrane”, “proteins involved in membrane shape control”, and “lipid-activated protein kinase C (PKC)".

The "International Core-to-Core Project on Biomembrane Molecular Machinery" aims to establish an international research network by deepening and developing collaborations with overseas institutions (University of California San Diego (USA), University of Siegen (Germany), University of Leeds (UK)), based on Kobe University's unique technologies such as "patterned model membrane". By “reconstituting, modeling, and regulating” the structure and function of biological membranes, we will develop new scientific and technological approaches that will contribute not only to the basic science of biological membranes, but also to important global challenges such as medicine, global warming, and food supply.

What we seek:

The "International Core-to-Core Project on Biomembrane Molecular Machinery" will promote cutting-edge international collaborations, seminars, and researcher exchanges, which will form a foundation for long-term exchange and training of young scientists and students.

The following specific initiatives will be implemented for the training of young scientists and students.

• Internships: Graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and young faculty members stay in overseas institutions for a longer period to cultivate scientific knowledge, experimental skills, and international perspectives and communication skills.
• Research Mixer: Young scientists and students from Japan and overseas will organize regular seminars and discussions to deepen mutual understanding. Interdisciplinary research projects integrating different research fields will be proposed as new joint research projects.
• International Seminars: We will organize international seminars by the scientists from different institutions to strengthen the research networks.
• International symposium: We will organize regular international symposia of the core-to-core institutions to strengthen the research networks.