Support for Recovery from the Kumamoto Earthquake of 2023: Free Biological Resources Provided

Supporting Recovery from the Kumamoto Earthquake of 2023

On July 28, 2023, a significant earthquake struck Kumamoto, causing extensive damage across the region. In response, the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is stepping up to support businesses affected by this disaster. NITE, known for providing biological resources for use in product development and quality assurance, is now offering to reinstate previously provided resources at no cost, helping businesses get back on their feet quickly.

Initiative Overview

NITE has recognized that many businesses in the earthquake-affected areas now face challenges maintaining their biological genetic resources due to damage from structural collapse, fires, or power outages. To ensure a smooth recovery process, NITE will provide free reinstatement of these resources to affected entities, allowing them to resume operations without additional burdens during this difficult time.

Additionally, for those who have lost electricity or the means to store these biological resources, NITE is prepared to offer backup services at no cost. This initiative aims to alleviate concerns regarding the safety and continuity of invaluable biological genetic materials essential for scientific and commercial use.

Eligibility for Free Reinstatement

Entities eligible for the reinstatement program include those located in municipalities severely affected by the disaster as specified by the Disaster Relief Act. As of July 28, 2023, 21 municipalities across the region qualify for this support. The specific biological resources eligible for reinstatement include strains made available since July 29, 2019, which are documented in the NBRC (NITE Biological Resource Center) records prior to the earthquake.

Backup Services for Biological Resources

For businesses that have lost functional capabilities of commercial power supplies or storage equipment due to the earthquake, NITE will also provide backup services for various biological entities. This includes microorganisms, DNA, protists, and other biological genetic resources as outlined in our backup guidelines, ensuring these materials are preserved and protected.

Recovery Support Period

The support program will be active from September 1, 2023, to July 27, 2024, allowing a substantial window for affected organizations to access these critical resources. NITE is committed to ensuring that business continuity is a priority during recovery from this significant disaster.

Application Process

Interested parties can find detailed application instructions on NITE's official website and are encouraged to reach out via the provided contact email for any inquiries. It is vital to act promptly, given the limited capacity for backup storage services.

By facilitating the reinstatement and backup of biological resources, NITE aims to play a pivotal role in aiding the recovery efforts of businesses that are striving to rebuild and support the community following this natural disaster. Our heartfelt hope is that this initiative helps those in need, reinforcing our commitment to the scientific community and the resilience of affected businesses.

For more information on this initiative, please visit NITE's official site. We stand united in hope for a robust recovery journey ahead.