Kyudai News No26 page 8/28

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Kyudai News No26

Professor InoueOs specialist field isNeuropharmacology. In the autumnof 2014, he was awarded the Medalwith Purple Ribbon in recognition ofhis world-class discovery inrevealing the functions of microglia(a type of cell in the brain involvedin immune response) and ATPreceptors (a protein that conductsinformation within the body) in themechanism of neuropathic pain,from which many patients sufferand which is said to be the mostexcruciating pain that a person canexperience.This Medal with PurpleRibbon is the result ofeverybodyOs hard workPlease accept my sincerestcongratulations on being awardedthe Medal with Purple Ribbon. Howdoes it feel to receive this award atthe age of 63?When I heard that the Ministry ofEducation, Culture, Sports, Scienceand Technology (MEXT) hadnominated me for the medal, I initiallythought, “Why did they pick me?” Ididn’t think that I was worthy of thishonor. However, people around mesaid, “Professor, you should accept it”and “Please do accept it,” so I came tofeel that I had to accept it foreverybody’s sake, because it was theresult of their hard work as well. Inaddition, our former President, Dr.Arikawa, told me, “Not many peoplewho are still active in the field ofresearch receive this award,” whichmade me realize how fortunate I was.How was the decoration ceremony?Although one doesn’t receive it fromHis Majesty the Emperor himself, Istill felt deeply moved upon enteringthe Imperial Palace. Having theAutumn 2014 Recipient of the Medal with Purple RibbonThis is an honor that I share with my colleagues.I’d like to show my gratitude by doing my utmost forKyushu University.Executive Vice President, Kyushu University1975 Mar. Completed Masters degree, Graduate School of PharmaceuticalSciences, Kyushu University1978 Apr. Researcher, National Institute of Health Sciences2005 Jan. Professor, Kyushu University2009 May Distinguished Professor, Kyushu University2010 Apr. Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University (-2014 Mar.)2014 Oct. Executive Vice President, Kyushu University (-Present)Kazuhide InoueSpecial Interview7 Kyudai News No.26