Protecting the world from the next pandemic
About the Project
At the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus emerged and caused an unprecedented pandemic, resulting in immeasurable global damage. While some countries were able to swiftly develop and deploy vaccines within the remarkable timeframe of one year from pathogen identification, it took more than three and a half years for a vaccine developed in Japan to be authorized for use. This stark difference highlighted a significant gap between Japan and countries with more agile vaccine development and infectious disease research systems.
In response to this situation, the "Japan Initiative for World-leading Vaccine Research and Development Centers" was launched under the guidance of AMED SCARDA*, and at its forefront, UTOPIA (The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection, and Advanced Research Center) has been chosen as the flagship institution.
UTOPIA brings together not only experts in infectious diseases, immunology, and vaccines, but also researchers from diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, structural biology, and social sciences—many of whom had not previously worked in infectious disease research. By integrating knowledge across disciplines, UTOPIA aims to accelerate infectious disease countermeasures and vaccine development while building close collaborative networks with Japan-based and international research institutions and industry partners.
With the goal of delivering vaccines to the world within 100 days, UTOPIA is establishing a framework that directly connects academia, industry, and clinical settings. World-leading researchers are working together to explore new frontiers in research and development to protect people from infectious diseases and future pandemics.
Learn more about UTOPIA
→ The UTOPIA Center (Official Website)
Why Donations Are Needed
One of the key reasons Japan fell behind countries that rapidly deployed vaccines in its pandemic response lies in the fragility of its research and development infrastructure. A particularly critical issue is the lack of GMP facilities—manufacturing facilities that enable the production of investigational drugs suitable for human use under Good Manufacturing Practice standards and provide hands-on training.
In the United States, many universities have GMP facilities on campus. In Japan, however, such facilities are extremely rare, resulting in significant delays in transitioning vaccine candidates to early-stage clinical trials.
This represents a decisive difference between Japan and other countries.
In addition, the shortage of young researchers and technical specialists in the fields of infectious diseases and vaccines has become a serious challenge.
Pandemic preparedness depends not only on emergency responses but also on steady research efforts during normal times. Building a “non-stop foundation” that sustains basic research and human resource development is essential.
Through its dedicated fund, UTOPIA seeks to establish a long-term, stable support system through donations and to promote the following initiatives:
- Accelerating vaccine development through the establishment and expansion of GMP facilities
- Identifying, training, and supporting the career development of young researchers and technical staff
- Sustaining fundamental research on infectious diseases and vaccines
- Strengthening collaboration with Japan-based and international research institutions and industry partners
Your generous contributions will be used to strengthen the foundations needed to respond swiftly and effectively to future pandemics and to deliver vaccines and infectious disease countermeasures developed in Japan to the world.
GMP Manufacturing and Training Facility (Kashiwa II Campus)
Use of Donations
Donations will be used to support the following activities:
- Training and research support for early-career researchers
- Research and development costs for the rapid creation of safe vaccines
- Establishment of GMP education and manufacturing facilities for investigational drugs,including equipment procurement and training of specialized personnel,to translate academic discoveries into clinical applications
- Organization of symposia, meetings,and other forums that promote research collaboration and information exchange
- Global dissemination of research outcomes and related information
- Recruitment and employment of researchers and staff
- Management and operation of the research center
Expected Outcomes
Your support will strengthen UTOPIA’s research infrastructure and human resource development, enabling Japan to respond swiftly and effectively to the next pandemic. The following outcomes are expected:
1. Generation of New Research Outputs and Rapid Vaccine Development
UTOPIA will generate research outputs that enable rapid responses to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, including early virus detection technologies and next-generation vaccine platforms capable of addressing multiple pathogens. By translating these outcomes into clinical development, UTOPIA aims to establish a system capable of delivering effective vaccines within 100 days of a pandemic outbreak.
2. Social Impact
By dramatically improving the speed and precision of vaccine development, UTOPIA’s efforts will help suppress the spread of infection, reduce severe illness and mortality, and protect the safety and health of society as a whole.
Donor support will also strengthen Japan’s international capacity to deliver vaccines and treatments rapidly to the global community.
3. Strengthening Research Networks and Information Sharing
UTOPIA will further expand collaboration with leading research institutions in Japan and abroad, as well as industry partners and clinical sites, reinforcing global research networks and information-sharing systems. This will enable the rapid exchange of the latest knowledge and technologies related to infectious diseases and promote international collaborative research.
4. Nurturing the Next Generation
UTOPIA will support the identification and development of young researchers and technical specialists who will shape the future of infectious disease and vaccine research. In addition to research funding, UTOPIA will take a long-term approach to human resource development by providing career support and opportunities to participate in international collaborative research. Through your donations, research, development, talent cultivation, and international collaboration will be accelerated—strengthening Japan’s and the world’s ability to combat infectious diseases.
Your support will become a powerful force in overcoming future infectious disease crises. We sincerely ask for your warm support to realize “non-stop research and human resource development” that will protect future generations.
Donor Recognition and Benefits
JPY 10,000 or more (one-time)
- UTOPIA-branded items (clear folder, sticky note pads)
JPY 50,000 or more (one-time)
- UTOPIA-branded items (tote bag, clear folder, sticky note pads)
JPY 100,000 or more (one-time)
- UTOPIA-branded items (tote bag, clear folder, sticky note pads)
- Name listed on a donor plaque at the GMP Manufacturing and Training Facility (Kashiwa II Campus)
JPY 300,000 or more (one-time)
- UTOPIA-branded items (ballpoint pen, tote bag, clear folder)
- Name listed on a donor plaque at the GMP Manufacturing and Training Facility (Kashiwa II Campus)
JPY 1,000,000 or more (one-time)
- UTOPIA-branded items (ballpoint pen, tote bag, clear folder)
- Name listed on a donor plaque at the GMP Manufacturing and Training Facility (Kashiwa II Campus)
- Guided tour of the GMP filling facility at the GMP Manufacturing and Training Facility (Kashiwa II Campus)
JPY 5,000,000 or more (one-time)
- UTOPIA-branded items (ballpoint pen, tote bag, clear folder)
- Name listed on a donor plaque at the GMP Manufacturing and Training Facility (Kashiwa II Campus)
- Guided tour of the GMP filling facility at the GMP Manufacturing and Training Facility (Kashiwa II Campus)
- Invitation to a UTOPIA Appreciation Gathering, including the presentation of a certificate of appreciation and an opportunity for discussion with the Director, Professor Yoshihiro Kawaoka
Please note: Travel and accommodation expenses are not covered.
Project Leader
Professor Yoshihiro Kawaoka
Director, UTOPIA (The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection, and Advanced Research Center)
