Abstract
This paper summarizes the background and objectives of the establishment of the Tohoku University Biomedical Engineering Research Organization (TUBERO), established in July 2003 as a part of the “Development of Strategic Research Center” program, funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan through its Special Coordination Funds for Promoting Science and Technology. This is the largest project among those funded by the budget for strategic research provided by MEXT. In relation to medical microsystems, one of the vital tasks of the biomedical engineering field selected by TUBERO, the efforts of Tohoku University and collaborative actions undertaken between Tohoku University on the one hand and local governments (Miyagi prefecture and Sendai city) and the national government on the other hand, are introduced. More than three years have passed since the launch of this five‐year project; one‐and‐a‐half years remain. It will take time for the results to take shape, but this paper will offer some insight into Tohoku University's stance toward biomedical engineering in general, including the TUBERO Project.