A council tasked with promoting genome research in the Tokyo area was launched Wednesday, seeking to make the capital an international center for genome-based life sciences.
The panel, which will work with national and local government bodies and business groups, has been established under the government's urban revitalization policy.
It plans to develop an outline on its objectives in June or July, council members said.
Bodies expected to play a core role in the scheme include the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Tokyo, Kazusa Akademia Park in Chiba Prefecture, and the Yokohama laboratory of the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research.
The panel expects its work to further the application of high-level genomic research results to related industries and help revitalize the nation's economy, the members said.
The council comprises representatives from eight national government entities, including the Cabinet Office and the education ministry.
It includes representatives from Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures, and the cities of Yokohama, Kawasaki and Chiba.