Research Center for Global Agromedichine
Professor Nambo Yasuo

To develop veterinarians who can play a leading role in the world and society, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine aims to obtain a European certification for veterinary education. Professor Nambo, who specializes in horse reproduction, play a key role in the university’s efforts to enhance veterinary science related to horses, which is essential for the acquisition of the certification. Professor Nambo says that it is important to connect research results to the development of local industries, and his philosophy is to “think globally and act locally.” He also works on social contribution through horses, and the Assisted Activity Section with Horse (馬介在活動室) where he serves as the chief of the office, received the Minister of MEXT Award in FY 2018.

National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases
Professor Nishikawa Yoshifumi

The National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases is the only such center among Japanese veterinary and agricultural universities. Research in epidemiology, treatment and prevention is conducted to protect people and domestic animals from protozoan diseases, against which countermeasures are yet to be taken fully compared with viruses and bacteria. Professor Nishikawa, who works on basic research toward the development of vaccine and drug discovery, says that it is important to produce experts in developing countries, where protozoan diseases become a problem, and he actively hosts overseas trainees and graduate students to provide technical guidance while advancing epidemiological study overseas.

Department of Agro-environmental Science
Professor Kato Kiyoaki

Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine has the advantage of being close to fields that serve as the center of Japanese agricultural production. Professor Kato, who conducts research on crop breed improvement based on gene analysis, proudly says, “we can jointly work with experts in various fields to tackle study subjects that match difficulties faced by farmers and agricultural experiment stations.” Professor Kato’s dream is to protect people’s health through daily meals. He is currently working on the development of new rice varieties that have a function to prevent food allergies or to alleviate their symptoms

Department of Life and Food Sciences
Professor Kinoshita Mikio

The mission of Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine is to protect food safety and contribute to the improvement of people’s health. Professor Kinoshita conducts research on lipid components contained in food, which are also used for cosmetics. Considering that components that do good to the skin may have a beneficial effect on the intestine, he has advanced research to find an effect to control inflammation in the intestine. He seems to be pleased with the university’s research results, saying “we are responsible for clarifying the functions of food rather than curing a disease,” and works on research with his pride as an agricultural science researcher.

Department of Veterinary Medicine
Professor Ogawa Haruko

Avian influenza is originally a disease of poultry, but since the virus mutated into a new strain of virus transmissible to humans, preventing its spread has been a global task. Professor Ogawa, a veterinarian specializing in virology, is one of the people tackling the challenge. Professor Ogawa says, “Researchers around the world conduct research and studies on bird flu. It will be meaningful to clarify and share the nature of the virus even if it is a minor discovery.” He collects and analyses viral samples from wild birds arriving in eastern Hokkaido.