The Mycology & Metabolic Diversity Research Center constructs a fungal bank for which we isolate fungi involved in other living organisms found in ecosystems. A number of new species and interesting fungi have already been discovered. We endeavor to find new lead compounds for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, so we have conducted a number of collaborative research efforts with national institutes, other universities, and domestic and international companies. We have already identified more than ten novel bioactive substances in the past five years. Recently we have expanded our strategy into mainstreams of applied microbiology such as bioconversion using the enzymes of microbes and metabolic engineering. In 2003, we collaborated with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), to develop a new education system for training specialists in the area of biotechnology and bioindustry. Mycology & Metabolic Diversity Research Center