Jul. 14, 2026
Driven by the excitement of discovery
Mikiko Sodeoka, Director
The RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS), which Dr. Sodeoka leads, is dedicated to addressing global environmental challenges by developing environmentally sustainable manufacturing methods based on biological and chemical technologies, as well as developing plants with enhanced resilience to environmental stresses. Through these efforts, the center is contributing to the stewardship of the global commons—our shared natural assets, including the Earth's environment, ecosystems, and natural resources.
Sodeoka is an internationally recognized pioneer in chemical biology, an interdisciplinary field that bridges synthetic organic chemistry and biology. In recognition of her outstanding scientific achievements, she was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon, a prestigious Japanese honor, in April 2024.
Why do drugs work?
After graduating from high school, Sodeoka decided to get a degree in pharmacy. "I thought that having a pharmacist's license would give me a secure career," she says. In addition she had enjoyed chemistry and biology, so enrolling in a pharmacy program seemed like a natural choice.
A turning point came after she earned her master's degree and found a job at the Sagami Chemical Research Institute. Surrounded by researchers of her own generation who were deeply passionate about science, she found myself immersed in an intellectually exciting environment. "It was there that I first realized I wanted to pursue a career as a researcher."
The direction of her research was also shaped by an unexpected personal experience during this period. One day, when she was synthesizing derivatives of a vasodilatory compound—a chemical that relaxes and widens blood vessels—and she was surprised when her face suddenly became intensely flushed. The reaction was clearly triggered by the compound, despite the fact that she was wearing gloves and other safety equipment. Even if a trace amount had reached her skin, the exposure should have been negligible.
"How could such an infinitesimal amount produce such a dramatic physiological response? I wondered,” she says. “I wanted to understand the mechanism." That moment of firsthand scientific curiosity became the driving force behind her decision to integrate chemistry with biology.
Mikiko Sodeoka, Director of CSRS
New technologies born from RIKEN's collaborative culture
As Sodeoka’s career took her to Hokkaido University, Harvard University, the University of Tokyo, and Tohoku University, her research gradually expanded from synthetic organic chemistry into biology. In the 1990s, however, “chemical biology” was not yet widely recognized as a distinct research field. "Creating an environment where both disciplines could be pursued simultaneously was quite challenging."
Everything changed when she joined RIKEN in 2004. "RIKEN truly was a paradise for scientists. Not only were there pioneers in chemical biology, but the barriers between laboratories were remarkably low, allowing researchers from diverse fields to interact freely."
One of the most symbolic outcomes of this environment for Sodeoka was the development of a groundbreaking bioimaging technique. Traditionally, molecules inside cells were visualized by attaching fluorescent tags to them. However, the fluorescent labels were often much larger than the target molecules, making accurate observation difficult and sometimes preventing the molecules from functioning properly.
The team turned their attention to Raman microscopy, a technique that originated in physics. While exploring its potential, Sodeoka learned that a leading expert in the field happened to work in a neighboring building. She immediately proposed a collaboration, which ultimately led to the development of an innovative Raman imaging method capable of visualizing a wide range of intracellular molecules living cells. "It simply would not have happened if I hadn't come to RIKEN," she recalls.
Three pillars of research focusing on bioactive molecules
Beginning from her roots in synthetic organic chemistry, Sodeoka has consistently pursued a central question: “How do bioactive molecules perform their functions inside living organisms?” Her research is built upon three major pillars.
The first is the development of catalytic reactions to enable the efficient synthesis of molecules used in pharmaceuticals and other applications. The second is the creation of novel molecules with unique biological activities. And the third is deciphering the molecular mechanisms by which these compounds function in living systems.
"My research spans such a wide range of topics that I always find it difficult to summarize it in a single sentence,” she says with a smile.
CSRS Director Mikiko Sodeoka and the RIKEN ECL leaders. From right: ECL Team Leader Reina Komiya, Director Sodeoka, ECL Unit Leader Kei Murata and ECL Unit Leader Dongbo Shi.
Passing down the joy of experimentation
Although much of her time is now devoted to managing CSRS, Sodeoka’s enthusiasm for research remains undiminished.
"I genuinely enjoy hearing about other people’s research," she says, and adds that she finds great satisfaction in creating an environment where young scientists can pursue research with excitement and a spirit of curiosity.
Outside the laboratory, one of her favorite ways to unwind is sharing good food and drinks with colleagues while traveling for conferences or research visits. The excitement of discovering an exceptional restaurant, she notes, is somehow connected to the thrill of carrying out a successful experiment.
Sodeoka’s message to young scientists is simple: "Find the research that excites you, and enjoy pursuing it." She says she hopes that many young people will discover the fascination of science and experience for themselves the joy and excitement of experimentation.
This article is a translation of the Japanese article "実験の「わくわく」を原動力に、化学と生物学を融合する".