Virus research is a part of social activity, and it cannot be operated without interaction with the human society. This is true for both basic and applied researches. The products originated from virus research are eventually accepted and used in the society. We, researchers, often do not recognize our contribution to the society or may not pay attention to the question:  how our virus research contributed to the social development in the past, and will do so in the future. Each researcher should not forget to ask the meaning and the purpose of his/her research activity.

This does not indicate at all a near-sighted view that results of our research should soon lead to products useful for our everyday life. Rather, each of us should has clear view why he/she is doing the current research project and what is the goals of the research in his/her own words. I hope that virologist consider 67th Scientific Meeting as a unique opportunity to have a deep insight into the meaning and purpose of his/her research activity. The subtitle “What we did in the past and what we should do in the future” is a question to be addressed by the Japanese Society of Virology as a whole, and also by each of the society members.

Ichiro Kurane, M.D.,Ph.D.
Chairperson, The 67th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Virology
（National Institute of Infectious Diseases・Former Director General
（Honorary Staff Member））