Noriharu Ken Umetsu, Ph.D
Professor, Tokyo University of Agriculture
Senior Managing Director, Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd.
3-2-27 Otedori, Chuo-ku
Osaka, Japan 540-0021
Phone: 06-6943-7701
Fax: 06-6946-0860
ken-umetsu@otsukac.co.jp

Curriculum Vitae

Expertise: Agricultural Chemistry, Pesticide Science, Insecticide Toxicology, Development of Plant Protection and Production Products, Enlightening the Public on Benefit and Safety of Agrochemicals, Advanced Cultivation System (Hydroponics and Fertigation), Administration, Corporate Governance of Chemical Industries, High Valued Crop Production Business

Education: Ph.D., Agricultural Chemistry, Tohoku University, Japan, 1974, M.S, Agricultural Chemistry, Tohoku University, 1971, B.S., Agricultural Chemistry, Tohoku University, 1969.

Countries of work experience: Japan, United States, China and over 40 countries or regions (visits on technical support for plant protection products) including Europe, Africa, Asia and North and South America.

Experience Summary: Dr. Umetsu was originally an agricultural chemist with expertise in rice blast disease and its associated toxins. During 1974-1981 he was a postdoctoral trainee and visiting scientist in the University of California, Riverside, Department of Entomology, Division of Toxicology where he conducted research on the adverse effect of impurities existing in technical organophosphorus insecticides. He also worked on the design of new carbamate insecticides and their mode of action, conducted metabolism studies, and succeeded in commercializing several products for practical use in cooperation with Otsuka Chemical Co. Ltd. On returning to Japan, Dr. Umetsu continued his research on the development of commercial agrochemicals with Otsuka Chemical Co. . During a 15 year period as research manager and head (Director on Board) of the Otsuka Agricultural Chemicals Division, Dr. Umetsu and his colleagues developed six new agrochemicals (insecticides, acaricides and fungicides) and many useful fertilizers for horticulture. Of those, an insecticide, benfuracarb launched in 1984 was commercialized in over 50 countries and made a significant contribution to the field of crop protection and production globally. He also worked on an advanced crop production systems and put the new system called "fertigation system" (computer equipped drip irrigation system for vegetables) into commercial use.

During the past 20 years, Dr. Umetsu has been served on campaigns to enlighten the public on the benefit and safety of agrochemicals. The activities include a number of lectures for the public at meetings sponsored by different organizations, and also lectures for university students and senior foreign trainees (average 10-15 lectures per year). His wide range of activities also include contributions to an e-mail magazine, presentations at international scientific meetings, publications in scientific journals and books, and appearances on television.

Dr. Umetsu's research has been published in more than 65 scientific articles and some patents. He is the author or co-author of six books. He is a member of many scientific societies such as Pesticide Science Society of Japan (PSSJ), the Japanese Society of Applied Entomology & Zoology, ChemoBio Integrated Management Society and the International Society for the Plant Protection Sciences (IAPPS). Dr. Umetsu was President or Vice President of the PSSJ for a total of six years, conference chair of the 3rd Pan-Pacific Conference of Pesticide Science held in Hawaii and vice president of the Biochemistry Assay Society of Japan. He played an important role as a Chair of the Financial Affairs Committee and as a president of the sponsoring organization, PSSJ, in the 11th IUPAC International Conference of Pesticide Chemistry held in Japan in 2006.

Dr. Umetsu's administrative experience includes: General Manager of Naruto Research Center, Executive Managing Director of the Department of Agricultural Chemicals and Executive Managing Director of the Corporate Strategy at Otsuka Chemical Co. Ltd., Senior Managing Director of Otsuka Chemical Holdings Co. Ltd., Director of AgriBest Co., Ltd., and Director of Zhangjiagang Otsuka Chemical Co. Ltd, (China). He is currently a visiting professor at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and East China University of Science and Technology.