The Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) has reorganized the Department of Regulatory Science into the Department of Fundamental Cell Technology to reinforce its system to promote studies on generating safe iPS cells and develop fundamental technologies necessary for studies here such as genome analysis and drug screening. CiRA Director Shinya Yamanaka leads the department, and Drs. Takafumi Kimura, Takashi Aoi and Isao Asaka - continue to promote research activities of the department as principal investigators.

The Department of Fundamental Cell Therapy focuses on quality assurance of clinical-grade iPS cells and development of common fundamental technologies in addition to the activities that have been conducted at the Dept. of Regulatory Science - researches on regulatory science, management/operation of the cell processing center FiT or Facility for iPS Cell Therapy, and offering training programs on iPS cell generation, maintenance and culture.