Ken Natsuga at University of Cambridge, UK

I have been doing research at the Fiona Watt Laboratory of Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Research Institute since September 2010.

Under Professor Fiona Watt, who runs another laboratory at the Centre for Stem Cell Research, about 30 researchers are investigating skin stem cells, skin tumours, skin barrier function and so on. Most of the lab members are Ph.D’s. I am one of only three dermatologists. Working in this lab is exciting and insight provoking, because the research done here every day includes basic studies.

I am gradually getting used to life in the U.K. On weekends I go for drives in the suburbs. The prices are about the same as in Japan, but the lower prices of beer and wine help me stay within my budget.

Download 'Research report from abroad' in the annual report 2011, (, 856KB)

Teruki Yanagi at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute at USA

I have been doing research at the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute in La Jolla, U.S.A., since December 2010. La Jolla is about a 15-minute drive from San Diego and about two hours from Los Angeles.

I have started research on cancer-related areas under the instruction of Professor John Reed. Professor Reed is a world-famous researcher on the functional analysis of Bcl-2 in cancer and on apoptosis. I look forward to familiarizing myself with top-tier study methods at the institute. San Diego (pop. 1.2 million), a major city in Southern California, has a mild climate and is a pleasant place to live. La Jolla and its environs are particularly nice and safe. The area is perfect for golfing. There are more than 50 golf courses within a 30-minute drive.

Torrey Pines GC, which is within walking distance from the institute, was the venue for the 2008 US Open Championship, and it hosts the USPGA Tour every January. I am planning to enjoy my medical research and golfing.

Download 'Research report from abroad' in the annual report 2011, (, 856KB)