Japan Society for Molecular Science (JSMS) has grown as a vibrant community of researchers dedicated to understanding the properties and functions of diverse molecules and their assemblies, and to advancing the field collectively known as “Molecular Science.” JSMS brings together a broad spectrum of disciplines—including theory, experiment, computation, spectroscopy, materials science, life sciences, and data science—fostering interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration. Today, we are supported by approximately 1,500 individual members and 23 supporting members, serving as a strong academic foundation for the development of a wide range of research areas.
The Annual Meetings of JSMS, our society’s core events, have been providing a forum where not only members but also researchers with an interest in molecular science gather to present their latest findings and engage in lively scientific discussions. More than 1,000 participants attend each year, and the program features 600–800 presentations, Young Scientist Awards lectures, selection of Best Presentation Awards and Best Poster Awards, poster presentations by high school students, corporate exhibitions, and a banquet. Through these activities, the field of “Molecular Science” continues to evolve and expand year after year.
The 20th Annual Meeting, a milestone edition, will be organized under the leadership of Executive Committee Chair Prof. Yasuhiro Ohshima of Institute of Science Tokyo. For the first time in the history of our society, the meeting will be held outside the region of the Executive Chair’s home institution, marking a new step in our efforts to broaden the reach of the community. The meeting will take place over four days, from September 15 (Tue) to September 18 (Fri), 2026, at Kunibiki Messe (Shimane Prefectural Convention Center) in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture.
Matsue is a beautiful city known for its rich harmony of nature and history, situated along the scenic shores of Lake Shinji. Its serene lakeside environment and excellent conference facilities provide an ideal setting for deep scientific discussions and generation of new research ideas. By taking on the challenge of hosting the meeting in a regional city, we hope to encourage participation from a wider range of researchers and students across Japan, thereby further expanding the reach and diversity of the molecular science community.
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Annual Meeting, I sincerely hope that this conference will stimulate creation of new research fields, promote interdisciplinary fusion, foster next generation of scientists, and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry. I warmly invite all of you to join us at the 20th Annual Meeting of JSMS and to discover new dimensions of “Molecular Science” through active scientific exchange
December 2025
Hiromi Nakai
The 10th President of JSMS