About

Glycans play a crucial role in various biological processes. Owing to their structural diversity and complexity, information on glycans remains limited compared to that on nucleic acids and proteins. However, advancements in glycan analysis technologies—including modern mass spectrometry and informatics—have made it possible to obtain comprehensive information on glycans present in living organisms.

In Japan, the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, and Soka University launched the Human Glycome Atlas Project (HGA) in 2023. HGA aims to elucidate the detailed structures of human glycans, their alterations in disease, and the deep characterization of glycan biosynthetic enzymes. Furthermore, we have established J-GlycoNet, a research hub designed to support interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers in Japan and around the world.

As research progresses, the amount of available glycan-related information is expected to grow significantly. We believe that integrating glycoscience with fields such as biology, medical science, chemistry, information science, engineering, and pharmacology is essential for achieving a deeper understanding of life.

To further promote this integration, we have decided to hold the Glyco-Core Symposium. We hope this event will serve as a valuable opportunity to foster collaboration across diverse fields and countries while shaping the future of life sciences.

We look forward to your participation.