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Osaka University and Shimadzu Corporation established the Osaka University Shimadzu Omics Innovation Research Laboratories. In an effort to confront the challenges facing an aging society, the laboratories aim to use omics analysis (the comprehensive analysis of entire molecules in biological organisms) to create products and businesses that provide people with a happy, healthy, and long life. This is the 20th time that Osaka University has established a research laboratory in partnership with a private company, and the first time with Shimadzu Corporation.

From April 2015 to the end of July 2019, the Osaka University and Shimadzu Analytical Innovation Research Laboratory was jointly operated by Osaka University and Shimadzu Corporation. The purpose of this laboratory was to create and improve technologies and develop applications for metabolomic analysis, which is the comprehensive analysis of metabolites. During that period, the laboratory published six research papers and developed new products, including the LC/MS/MS Method Package for D/L Amino Acids, and the Multi-omic Analysis Package and two related products.

With the organizational progression from the Osaka University and Shimadzu Analytical Innovation Research Laboratory to the Osaka University Shimadzu Omics Innovation Research Laboratories, not only the Graduate School of Engineering, which originally established the lectureship, but also the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, the Graduate School of Medicine, and other departments, and even companies and research institutions outside the university can now participate in interdisciplinary collaborations. The research facilities have also been increased and improved. The number of LCMS-9030 high-performance liquid chromatograph mass spectrometers, Shimadzu’s first quadrupole time-of-flight type mass spectrometer, has been increased from one system to two, and the gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS), liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LCMS), and pretreatment systems have all been replaced with the latest models. With this new equipment and interdisciplinary collaboration, the new laboratories aim to make advancements in omics research and apply their research results to society at large to provide people with a happy, healthy, and long life.

Through joint operation of the Osaka University Shimadzu Omics Innovation Research Laboratories, Osaka University and Shimadzu Corporation will not only engage in research activities but will also promote the implementation of technologies and products that are directly involved in solving the problems facing society, while cooperating with a variety of research institutions and companies.

Overview of Osaka University Shimadzu Omics Innovation Research Laboratories