"Let’s Gather Together!"

Hello, I’m Takehiko Kobayashi, honored to serve as chair for the 48th Annual Meeting. Four years ago, I served as the organizational committee chair for the 44th Annual Meeting under Chairperson Mikiko Siomi in Yokohama. It was the first hybrid event post-COVID, with the possibility of an online-only event hanging in the balance. We faced unprecedented challenges, from securing sponsors and providing free antigen testing to preparing for any potential emergency. However, motivated by the fear that the spirit of biosciences might fade if we didn’t press forward, Chairperson Siomi and the board came together, ultimately releasing a motivational song, Every Day is PCR (available on YouTube), to inspire the community.

Four years later, here we are back at Pacifico Yokohama. It feels almost like a dream to be able to run this meeting with such enthusiasm. Initially, due to rising costs, it was assumed that the 44th Annual Meeting would be the last to be held here. Yet, through diligent negotiations, the Secretariat managed to secure significant discounts by booking both the 48th and 49th Meetings consecutively, allowing us to return to Yokohama.

This year, we’re excited to host the event in person only for the first time in six years, welcoming attendees, including our international colleagues, to Yokohama. The theme is "Let’s Gather Here in Yokohama! " and we are launching a new nightly "matching event" to spark connections that may lead to groundbreaking research. Propose ideas like "Anyone interested in ___ research, gather here!", "If you're considering studying abroad, gather here!", "Those wanting to discuss ___ with our guest speaker, gather here!", "Need advice on a grant proposal? Gather here!", and even "If you’re considering a PhD, gather here!" We encourage proposals for these meet-and-greet sessions where those interested can register in advance. Groups with more than three participants will be provided with a table, drinks, and snacks. Walk-ins on the day of the event are also welcome.

We hope that this gathering will be a platform for everyone to share their dreams, find new collaborators, and perhaps spark innovations for the future. If conversations flow, keep the connection alive and nurture collaborative research. Of course, feel free to take these discussions into the evening’s second session!

On behalf of the entire committee, we look forward to meeting all of you from December 3–5, 2025.

November 2024