On behalf of the Organizing Committee, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 17th Asian Network of Research Resource Centers Annual Meeting, ANRRC 2026, to be held on November 26–27, 2026, at Tokinosumika in Gotemba, Shizuoka, Japan.

ANRRC has played an important role in promoting cooperation among biological resource centers across the Asia-Pacific region since its establishment in 2009. Over the years, the network has provided a valuable platform for sharing knowledge, experience, and best practices in the collection, preservation, management, and utilization of bioresources. Today, as life science research becomes increasingly global, data-driven, and interdisciplinary, the importance of research resource centers continues to grow.

We are honored that the National Institute of Genetics will host ANRRC 2026 in Japan. The meeting will bring together researchers, resource center managers, curators, policy makers, and other stakeholders from across the region and beyond. Through scientific presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities, we hope that ANRRC 2026 will strengthen existing collaborations and encourage the development of new partnerships.

The theme of this meeting reflects the expanding role of bioresources in addressing global challenges. Biological resources are essential foundations for research in biodiversity, agriculture, medicine, biotechnology, environmental science, and many other fields. At the same time, we are facing new issues related to digital sequence information, access and benefit-sharing, international data sharing, quality management, and long-term sustainability. ANRRC 2026 will provide an opportunity to discuss these important topics and to consider how bioresource centers can contribute more effectively to science and society.

The venue, Tokinosumika, is located in Gotemba, at the foot of Mt. Fuji. We hope that the peaceful surroundings, together with the beautiful late-autumn scenery of Shizuoka, will provide an inspiring environment for open discussion and friendly exchange. We are also pleased to welcome participants to Japan and hope that this meeting will offer not only a productive scientific program but also an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and friendship among colleagues in the ANRRC community.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the ANRRC Executive Board, the Secretariat, the members of the Organizing Committee, and all those who have supported the preparation of this meeting. I also thank all participants for their contributions, which are essential to the success of ANRRC 2026.