MSD Life Science Foundation, Public Interest Incorporated Foundation’s history began in 1989 when Banyu Symposium was initiated under the auspices of former Banyu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (currently MSD K.K.), as a part of its CSR activities in support of organic synthetic chemistry.

In order to better serve social needs, overseas scholarship program for cardiovascular disease research was then added. In 2002, Banyu Life Science Foundation International was established spun off from former Banyu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to further ensure sustainability and expansion of the program, and subsequently in 2011, it was reorganized as a public interest incorporated foundation. In October 2016, it was renamed to MSD Life Science Foundation, Public Interest Incorporated Foundation to clearly demonstrate its affiliation with its sponsor, MSD K.K. in its CSR activities.

Since its inauguration, MSD Life Science Foundation, Public Interest Incorporated Foundation has been continuously improving its programs to serve the needs of young researchers by providing research grant and hosting scientific symposia.

We believe that the foundation's activities are unique in offering multifaceted support to talented young researchers capable of laying the foundations of scientific researches in the future, who will eventually become leaders with deep knowledge and broad vision. I would like to extend my gratitude to distinguished researchers who are foremost experts in their fields and everyone concerned, for volunteering tremendous support in cultivating the next generation of researchers and in advancing science.

The foundation was established aiming at promoting and supporting life science research in disease prevention and treatment, developing talents who can play an important role in the global community, and thus contributing to the prosperity of humankind through promoting science. These goals may sound ambitious, however, as they are important social missions, we appreciate your continuous support in advancing these programs.