My name is Yoshihiro Ataka, and I assumed the position of Program-Specific Assistant Professor in the Laboratory of Neo-Dimensional Molecular Sociology: Evolution and Utilization of Microbial Latent Genes as of April 1, 2026. After studying for three years at the Faculty of Science, Kumamoto University, I advanced to their graduate program and received my Master’s degree from the Graduate School of Science and Technology in 2021. Subsequently, I engaged in the total syntheses of natural organic compounds under the supervision of Professor Hayato Ishikawa at the Laboratory of Middle Molecular Chemistry (currently the Laboratory of Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry), Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, where I earned my Ph.D. in 2024. Following my graduation, I worked for two years as a researcher at the Agro & Life Solutions Research Laboratory (Process Chemistry Group) of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., focusing on the industrial manufacturing processes of agrochemicals, before taking up my current position.
Since my time at Kumamoto University, I have been fascinated by how small organic molecules can precisely control highly complex biological phenomena. This fascination has driven my research focus toward potentially bioactive organic compounds. Among them, organic compounds discovered in nature (natural products) are particularly intriguing; they frequently possess complex three-dimensional structures and exhibit a wide array of biological activities underpinned by their structural diversity. Furthermore, given approximately half of existing pharmaceuticals have been developed based on natural products, I recognize that natural product-based drug discovery and development are of great importance. On the other hand, even when a promising natural product is identified, the quantities obtainable from nature are often extremely limited. To advance such compounds into drug development, their synthesis and supply through organic chemistry approaches are essential. With this background, my graduate studies were dedicated to the total synthesis of natural products from inexpensive, readily available starting materials. In my new role within the Laboratory of Neo-Dimensional Molecular Sociology, I aim to leverage the knowledge and techniques in organic synthesis I have cultivated thus far to pursue the total synthesis of promising bioactive microbial natural products, structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, and the identification of target proteins with the ultimate goal of contributing to the development of novel pharmaceuticals.
Although I am relatively early in my post-graduate academic career, I am eager to give back to our students through education and research, sharing both my expertise in organic synthesis and the practical, real-world perspective I gained working as a corporate researcher. Furthermore, within the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences—an environment where multidisciplinary collaboration is increasingly vital—I intend to actively pursue knowledge in related fields, including the biological sciences, without limiting myself to my own field of expertise.
I kindly ask for your continued guidance, support, and encouragement.
Thank you very much, and I look forward to working with you all.