SMMiL-E, Japanese Bio-MEMS Laboratory in France, and the Role of Scientific Direction

The first overseas laboratory of the Institute of Industrial Science (IIS), the University of Tokyo, SMMiL-E, Seeding Microsystems in Medicine in Lille-European Japanese Technologies against Cancer-, has been established in Lille, France. There, the microsystems developed in LIMMS, Laboratory for Integrated Micro Mechatronic Systems, a French-Japanese laboratory at the IIS are applied to cancer therapies through interdisciplinary and international collaborations. A new function, the Scientific Direction, has been implemented to ensure that these collaborations are effective and productive. One French and one Japanese medical doctor supervise and guide the research within SMMiL-E in their role as Scientific Directors. With the continuing growth of SMMiL-E, the Scientific Direction must also expand to uphold the quality of the collaborative projects. An efficient Scientific Direction is a key to the success of the SMMiL-E endeavour.