Vol.3 No.4 2011

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−311−Synthesiology - English edition Vol.3 No.4 (2011) Letter from the editorThree years have passed since the launch of Synthesiology Volume 1 Issue 1 in January 2008. To present, we have published twelve issues featuring over seventy research papers and over ten articles and discussions. The Editorial Board is grateful to the readers who have shown great interest in and offered encouragement to Synthesiology.Synthesiology has mainly carried papers of AIST and universities, but in this issue, we published our first research paper on corporate development, “How the car navigation system was put to practical use”. The car navigation system was pioneered in Japan, and this technology has contributed to the safety and convenience of people around the world. This paper is a clear narrative of the R&D scenario and processes in its early phase of development.In this paper, the processes whereby the diverse elemental technologies crossing over various fields are integrated to attain the goal are explained. It is also valuable since it allows us to look at the decision-making processes in a case of corporate R&D. It is certainly an interesting piece not only for corporate researchers and engineers but also for researchers of public institutes and universities. I strongly recommend people to read it.The research paper “Investigation of the distribution of elements in the whole of Japan and their applications” is a comprehensive geological study that was conducted for over twenty years. The geochemical map for the whole of Japan was published for the first time, and this is an example of rigorous synthetic research accomplished by integrating multiple elemental technologies while establishing the basic research methodology. Also, the research paper “R&D of SiC semiconductor power devices and strategy towards their practical utilization” is an informative one that describes how the research strategy has evolved according to the changes in situations over the fifteen years of technology that is now ready to be put to practical use.In medical research, Japan, compared to other advanced countries, is considered to be significantly behind in clinical medicine as opposed to basic medicine. Since clinical research is related directly to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, there are many points in common with Type 2 Basic Research of Synthesiology. In an interview with President Higuchi of the National Center for Neurology and Psychiatry, we discussed the position Japan should assume for this type of research.For the third anniversary of Synthesiology, I am thankful to the researchers and engineers of various fields for maintaining their interest. The “Discussions with Reviewers” that was introduced as a new attempt by Synthesiology has been highly acclaimed by the readers, and we will continue disclosing this reviewing processes in the future issues. We are waiting for submissions to this journal by researchers and engineers of wide-ranging fields who engage in R&D of science and technology looking for an outlet to society. Editor in Chief Akira Ono

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