Congratulations on Publication of New English Series:
"Microbes and Environments"
I congratulate the Japanese Society of Microbial Ecology on their efforts to establish "Microbes and Environments" as an international journal that will report on and contribute to the scientific advances in this critically important field. Making the journal available electronically will surely increase the Society's visibility in the global research community.
Japan has a long history of accomplishments in the field of microbial ecology. Strong investments in research and development are resulting in excellent research results from Japanese university, government, and corporate laboratories. As the membership of the Society increases, it will assume an increasingly important role in influencing research priorities and directions.
As Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation, I am pleased to report on our research initiative on Biocomplexity and the Environment. Biocomplexity refers to phenomena that arise as a result of dynamic interactions that occur within biological systems and between these systems and the physical environment. Understanding the earth's environment, and the dynamic interactions between the environment and biological systems, is not only of immense scientific interest, but also of critical importance to society. We look forward to increasing cooperation in this field with Japanese researchers, institutes, and the Society of Microbial Ecology.
Again, my sincere congratulations for your past accomplishments, and warm wishes for continuing success.