Dates: January 15–16, 2026 Mentoring Event for Early-Stage Investigators under the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Medical Sciences Program (USJCMSP) Report on the 1st USJCMSP Boot Camp 2026

The first mentoring event for early-stage investigators (ESIs)* under the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Medical Sciences Program (USJCMSP), titled the USJCMSP Boot Camp, was held on January 15–16, 2026.
This event was organized to support the development of ESIs, promote international collaborative research, and build interdisciplinary networks.
A total of 80 participants joined the event, including 50 ESIs and 30 mentors from Japan and abroad. The two-day residential program included a variety of activities such as flash talks, group work, expert lectures, and networking sessions, providing participants with multiple opportunities for learning and interaction.　

 * Early-Stage Investigator (ESI): A researcher who has completed a terminal research degree or end of post-graduate clinical training within the past 10 years, excluding periods of career interruption due to childbirth, childcare, medical concerns or caregiving responsibilities.

In 2025, the USJCMSP has celebrated its 60th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in bilateral scientific cooperation. In recognition of this occasion, and following consultations with the U.S. side, both parties have agreed to enhance mentoring initiatives for ESIs. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in biomedical research.
This Boot Camp was designed to provide ESIs who will carry the USJCMSP forward with practical mentoring and training opportunities led by mid-career and senior researchers. Through this initiative, the event aims to foster a highly international and collaborative research community for the future.

• Dates: January 15 (Thursday) – January 16 (Friday), 2026　 ( 2 days / 1 night)
• Venue: Link Forest, Tama City, Tokyo
• Language: English
• Organizers: U.S.–Japan Cooperative Medical Sciences Program (USJCMSP), AMED
• Participants:
  50 ESIs, including 2 participants from the United States, 5 from South Korea, and 7 international researchers based in Japan
• 30 mentors, including the Japanese Chair of the U.S.–Japan Cooperative Medical Sciences Committee, Japanese Chairs of the Scientific Panels, Program Supervisor (PS), Program Officer (PO), and invited experts (1 from the United States and 2 from South Korea)
   

Flash Talks
All ESIs delivered two-minute flash talks introducing their research topics and areas of expertise. This session was designed to promote mutual understanding and active interaction among participants.
Group Work
Participants were divided into 11 groups, each consisting of 4–5 ESIs and 2–3 mentors. Each group worked collaboratively on developing an international collaborative research proposal. Discussions were conducted based on pre-assigned topics, and each group presented its outcomes on the final day. Following evaluation, three groups with outstanding presentations were awarded.
Mentor Lectures
Three mentors delivered lectures on topics directly related to capacity building for ESIs, including effective research presentation skills, research career development, project management, and laboratory management.

The USJCMSP Boot Camp 2026 provided a valuable and practical opportunity to generate new research ideas through interdisciplinary exchange, build networks that may lead to future international collaborative research, and clarify research strategies and career perspectives through mentoring. Participant surveys indicated a high level of satisfaction among both ESIs and mentors. The ESIs highlighted the group work and mentor lectures as especially beneficial.
It is expected that the networks and insights developed through this event will contribute to the continued growth of the USJCMSP community and support the development of the next generation of researchers who will be active on the international stage.

Group Photo from the 1st USJCMSP Boot Camp 2026

       

Flash Talk Session

  　   　 

          

Scenes from Group Work Sessions

          

Group Work Presentations

          

Outstanding Presentation Awards and Certificates Signed by the U.S. and Japanese Committee Chairs

        

          

Boot Camp networking activities
A warm atmosphere fostered through active discussions during the Boot Camp networking activities
Some of the photographs were kindly provided by Dr. Kotaro Shirakawa (Kyoto University Hospital).