How the Japanese Society for Biomaterials established interdisciplinary studies in biomaterials science

Abstract The Japanese Society for Biomaterials (JSB) was established in December 1978, aiming to develop and improve science and technology regarding materials used in living organisms and their application. Currently, JSB plays important roles as a domestic and international society serving as a center for interdisciplinary studies on biomaterial science and its applied research. Our academic activities are wide‐ranging, from basic science and clinical practice to post‐application medical devices including the following: holding academic lectures, granting academic and other awards, publishing academic journals, developing guidelines for medical devices and bioassays, conducting research associated with clinical trials and studies, and participating in the World Biomaterials Congress and overseas academic meetings on biomaterials. Through such activities, we have actively engaged professionally in diverse discussions and operations. Thanks to your support, JSB recently celebrated its 40th anniversary since establishment. Over the 40‐year history, our predecessors worked hard to establish this interdisciplinary field spanning basic science (engineering, medical, biology, and others) and collaboration with companies. In addition, they contributed to society through the application of biomaterial technology. Their achievements made what we are today. To commemorate this anniversary, this report looks back at their achievements in order to use such information for further academic progress. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 917–929, 2019.