The University of TOkyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center
The University of TOkyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection, and Advanced Research Center (UTOPIA) was established on 18 October 2022, as the third research organization of the University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS).
With a mission to protect people from infectious diseases and pandemics, UTOPIA brings together top researchers, transcending disciplinary boundaries, to advance infectious disease prevention and vaccine development.
In addition to experts in the fields of infectious diseases, immunology, and vaccines, UTOPIA gathers researchers from diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, structural biology, social sciences, and others who have not previously been involved in infectious disease research. Collaborative networks with international institutions have also been established, fostering a global cooperation framework.
By directly connecting academia, industry, and clinical settings, we aim to establish a robust infrastructure for the rapid delivery of effective and safe vaccines and therapeutics in response to emerging infectious diseases.
The ”U" in UTOPIA
--Saving the World--
A symbol of cutting-edge research that serves as a platform for innovation.
Steering Committee
Director
Yoshihiro Kawaoka
Managing Director
Jun-ichiro Inoue
Deputy Director
Vaccine & Immunology Research
Ken Ishii
Deputy Director
Infectious Disease Research
Yasushi Kawaguchi
Deputy Director
Liaison with Companies and Governments
Masahiko Kikuchi
Deputy Director
Clinical Research
Sakae Tanaka
Research Groups
Basic Research on Immuno-Vaccines Group
• Elucidation of tissue-specific immune responses in innate immunity
• Understanding immune memory mechanisms in acquired immunity
• Comprehensive omics analysis of immune responses in infection and vaccine response
• Investigation of the mechanisms underlying the diversity of human immunity
• Research on antigen discovery, delivery systems, and adjuvants
Basic Research on Infectious Diseases Group
• Molecular basis of pathogen replication, virulence, transmissibility, and host range
• Mechanisms of host response and evasion
• Analysis of antigenicity
• Analysis of mutant strains, prediction of emergence, and spread
Targeted pathogens:
SARS-CoV2, Influenza Virus, Herpesviruses, Paramyxoviruses, Flaviviruses, Ebola Virus, SFTS Virus, HIV, Malaria, Entamoeba histolytica etc.
(M Imai & M Ujie)
Multidisciplinary Research Group
• Elucidation of molecular mechanisms of infection through structural and functional sciences
• Ultra-sensitive detection using digital bioassay techniques
• Detection and observation through wearable devices
• Creation of artificial nucleic acids and proteins for diagnostics and treatments
• AI analysis
(S Imoto)
Clinical Industry-University Cooperative Research Group
• Evaluation of clinical trials and human challenge studies for vaccines
• Overcoming ethical, legal, and societal challenges for rapid vaccine development
• Establishment of infectious disease surveillance systems
UTOPIA in the media
Japan moves to bolster vaccine R&D after COVID-19 exposed startling weakness: Major funding effort aims to rebuild an infectious disease and vaccine research and manufacturing infrastructure
Japan’s $2-billion initiative to prep pandemic vaccines in 100 days: A new centre will invest in shots for a range of infectious diseases so the country is ready for future outbreaks.