Collaboration has played a very important role in mycotoxin research in Japan and it has been the key to its success

Abstract

Mycologists, medical and related scientists have collaborated since the first investigation into the “yellow rice” problem, which occurred in Taiwan in 1937. Together they have elucidated the toxic fungi involved and characterised their toxins. For collaborative studies to succeed and for the scientists to benefit from such collaboration it is important for the scientists to be of a high calibre. The Japanese Association for Mycotoxicology was founded by scientists who have undertaken important collaborative studies which has contributed to the development of this Association. As a member of this Association, who has been involved in such collaborative studies, I would like to emphasize the importance of “horizontal research” together with “vertical research” into the mycotoxins themselves, according to the individual interests of member scientists. This approach has contributed much to enhancing the results of their research. In conclusion, I would like to give my very special thanks to Dr. Hiroshi Tsunoda who has pioneered research in this area and who has generously supplied a vast amount of research material to other scientists in support of their research.