From January 2023, I will serve as the president of the Japanese Society of Food Microbiology. I am reminded of what my predecessors and teachers have taught me through my activities in this society. We will continue to do our best to develop this society, so we ask for the continued support and cooperation of our members and related parties. I would like to express my gratitude to the directors, councilors, auditors, and secretariat for working with us in the essential roles of running this society.
The predecessor research group of this society was established in 1980 by volunteer researchers. Since then, it has been an important activity of people from various positions in industry, government, and academia related to microorganisms in the food field. Even though times have changed, we are still faced with many issues such as food poisoning incidents that are often brought up as social issues, new technologies and initiatives for food microbial control, and hygiene management issues associated with food development and manufacturing. I believe that the networks expanded through this society and the exchange of information and opinions helped to understand and resolve the issue. The number of members of this society exceeds 1,000 in total, including approximately regular members, subscription members and supporting members.
The following are the core activities of this society:
- Publishes the Japanese Journal of Food Microbiology four times a year.
Our academic journal is published on J-Stage, and the general public can read articles and reviews by searching. In recent years, access from overseas, mainly from the United States, has increased.
- Scientific conference annually held on
This is an opportunity for many members to meet, and we hold a board of councilor meeting and general meeting. Because the conference will be held in various locations, we hope to foster friendships with related organizations through the conference.
- Held academic seminars and technical seminars in various locations
Academic seminars are organized in various locations on locally relevant topics. Technical seminars are planned with hands-on content on themes that will help members improve their skills.
- E-mail newsletter delivered once a month
It started in November 2020 and currently has 460 members registered. We timely deliver information.
- Various awards
Awards will be given for academic awards, research encouragement awards, paper award, achievement awards, and excellent presentation awards at scientific conferences.
When I look at the various problems and issues that occur in today's society, I feel that many of them are connected to the work and lives of everyone at this society. There are endless problems and issues surrounding food, such as the effects of war and natural disasters on the food industry, food products and their safety that are developed to reduce the burden on the global environment, and food and water contamination by hazardous substances. As the president, I will continue to do my best to ensure that this society continues to be a meaningful forum for disseminating information and exchanging opinions on issues surrounding food-related microorganisms from a scientific and social perspective. Thank you for your cooperation.
The president, Japanese Society of Food Microbiology
Yukiko Kudo
(Hoshi University)