Hiroshi Ueda | Pain Research | Best Researcher Award Published on 09/08/202509/08/2025 by World Top Scientists Dr. Hiroshi Ueda | Pain Research | Best Researcher Award Prof. at National Defense Medical Center, Japan Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda is a distinguished pharmacologist renowned for his groundbreaking research in the neurobiology of chronic pain and neuroprotective mechanisms, particularly involving prothymosin α. Over his illustrious career, he has held prominent academic and leadership positions at esteemed institutions including Kyoto University, Nagasaki University, and the National Defense Medical Center, as well as serving as a visiting professor at leading international universities. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of pain mechanisms, resulting in numerous high-impact publications and influential contributions to therapeutic development. Prof. Ueda has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards and has played key roles in leading scientific societies, editorial boards, and major research initiatives. With decades of dedication to both fundamental science and applied research, he has made lasting contributions to pharmacology, neuroscience, and pain research, earning him global recognition as a leader and innovator in his field. Professional Profile Google Scholar Education Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda completed his academic training at Kyoto University, earning his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in pharmacology. His formative years in one of Japan’s most prestigious institutions laid a strong foundation for his future research in neuroscience and pharmacology. The rigorous academic environment at Kyoto University enabled him to develop expertise in neurobiology, biochemistry, and molecular pharmacology, equipping him with the skills to address complex biomedical challenges. His education emphasized both theoretical understanding and hands-on research, fostering a deep interest in chronic pain mechanisms and neuroprotective processes. These early academic achievements provided the platform for his later work in innovative pain research, translational pharmacology, and neuroimmunology. Through his studies, Prof. Ueda cultivated a multidisciplinary perspective that would later define his career, allowing him to integrate pharmacological science with neuroscience in groundbreaking ways that have influenced both Japanese and international biomedical research. Experience Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda has held a series of influential academic and research positions over several decades, beginning as an Assistant Professor at Yokohama City University and Kyoto University before advancing to Associate Professor and later Professor & Chairman at Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. His leadership extended beyond national borders, serving as a Visiting Professor at McGill University and Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, as well as holding adjunct and emeritus roles in Japan and Taiwan. He currently serves as Chair Professor at the National Defense Medical Center and Principal Investigator at the Research Institute for Production Development. His experience also includes serving on executive committees, directing major research projects, and influencing academic policy within prominent scientific societies. These roles have allowed him to shape research directions, mentor emerging scientists, and foster international collaborations, all while contributing significantly to the advancement of neuropharmacology and pain research. Research Focus Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda’s research centers on the neurobiology of chronic pain and the role of prothymosin α as a neuroprotective alarmin molecule. His work has illuminated molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying pain perception, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic disorders, identifying novel therapeutic targets such as lysophosphatidic acid receptors and beta-adrenergic pathways. By integrating pharmacology, neuroscience, and immunology, he has advanced understanding of neuroimmune interactions and the translation of basic science into potential clinical interventions. His studies employ diverse approaches, from molecular imaging to animal models, yielding insights that bridge laboratory findings with possible human treatments. In addition, his investigations into damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and their release mechanisms have expanded knowledge of neuroprotection and neuroinflammation. Through this comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, Prof. Ueda’s research continues to influence drug discovery and pain management strategies worldwide, cementing his role as a leader in translational neuropharmacology. Award and Honor Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his exceptional contributions to pharmacology and neuroscience. Early in his career, he was honored with the Prize of Encouragement from the Society for Japanese Pharmaceutical Sciences and The Pharmacological Society of Japan Award for Young Scientists, highlighting his early promise as a researcher. Over the years, his sustained excellence has been acknowledged through major accolades such as The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan Award and the Gayle A. Olson & Richard D. Olson Prize. Beyond awards, his professional honors include leadership roles in international scientific societies, editorial appointments in respected journals, and invitations to serve as program chair or councilor in influential conferences. These distinctions not only celebrate his research achievements but also reflect his leadership, mentorship, and service to the scientific community, underscoring his global impact on pharmacology, neuroscience, and the study of chronic pain. Publications Top Notes Title: Initiation of neuropathic pain requires lysophosphatidic acid receptor signalingAuthors: M Inoue, MH Rashid, R Fujita, JJA Contos, J Chun, H UedaYear: 2004Citations: 651 Title: A novel analgesic dipeptide from bovine brain is a possible Met-enkephalin releaserAuthors: H Takagi, H Shiomi, H Ueda, H AmanoYear: 1979Citations: 326 Title: Molecular mechanisms of neuropathic pain–phenotypic switch and initiation mechanismsAuthors: H UedaYear: 2006Citations: 315 Title: Morphine-like analgesia by a new dipeptide, L-tyrosyl-L-arginine (Kyotorphin) and its analogueAuthors: H Takagi, H Shiomi, H Ueda, H AmanoYear: 1979Citations: 216 Title: Epigenetic gene silencing underlies C-fiber dysfunctions in neuropathic painAuthors: H Uchida, L Ma, H UedaYear: 2010Citations: 215 Title: Partial loss of tolerance liability to morphine analgesia in mice lacking the nociceptin receptor geneAuthors: H Ueda, T Yamaguchi, S Tokuyama, M Inoue, M Nishi, H TakeshimaYear: 1997Citations: 174 Title: Peripheral mechanisms of neuropathic pain—involvement of lysophosphatidic acid receptor-mediated demyelinationAuthors: H UedaYear: 2008Citations: 164 Title: Novel expression of vanilloid receptor 1 on capsaicin-insensitive fibers accounts for the analgesic effect of capsaicin cream in neuropathic painAuthors: MH Rashid, M Inoue, S Kondo, T Kawashima, S Bakoshi, H UedaYear: 2003Citations: 162 Title: Reconstitution of rat brain mu opioid receptors with purified guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins, Gi and GoAuthors: H Ueda, H Harada, M Nozaki, T Katada, M Ui, M Satoh, H TakagiYear: 1988Citations: 159 Title: Inhibition of paclitaxel-induced A-fiber hypersensitization by gabapentinAuthors: M Matsumoto, M Inoue, A Hald, W Xie, H UedaYear: 2006Citations: 155 Title: Low doses of naloxone produce analgesia in the mouse brain by blocking presynaptic autoinhibition of enkephalin releaseAuthors: H Ueda, N Fukushima, T Kitao, M Ge, H TakagiYear: 1986Citations: 155 Title: Enhanced spinal nociceptin receptor expression develops morphine tolerance and dependenceAuthors: H Ueda, M Inoue, H Takeshima, Y IwasawaYear: 2000Citations: 151 Title: Differential involvement of μ-opioid receptor subtypes in endomorphin-1-and-2-induced antinociceptionAuthors: S Sakurada, JE Zadina, AJ Kastin, S Katsuyama, T Fujimura, K Murayama, …Year: 1999Citations: 150 Title: Increased expression of vanilloid receptor 1 on myelinated primary afferent neurons contributes to the antihyperalgesic effect of capsaicin cream in diabetic neuropathic painAuthors: MH Rashid, M Inoue, S Bakoshi, H UedaYear: 2003Citations: 149 Title: Neurobiology of L-DOPAergic systemsAuthors: Y Misu, Y Goshima, H Ueda, H OkamuraYear: 1996Citations: 149 Conclusion The publication record of Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda reflects a career of sustained, high-impact contributions to pharmacology, neuroscience, and pain research. His works are widely cited in top-tier journals such as Nature and Nature Medicine, signifying both groundbreaking discoveries and enduring relevance. The research spans fundamental molecular mechanisms to translational insights, particularly in the fields of neuropathic pain, opioid receptor biology, and novel analgesic agents. High citation counts across decades highlight not only his pioneering role in early discoveries like kyotorphin but also his leadership in advancing lysophosphatidic acid receptor research and neuroimmune pain mechanisms. This combination of scientific depth, innovation, and long-term influence positions him among the foremost researchers in his field, underscoring his suitability for major scientific awards and global recognition.
Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda is a distinguished pharmacologist renowned for his groundbreaking research in the neurobiology of chronic pain and neuroprotective mechanisms, particularly involving prothymosin α. Over his illustrious career, he has held prominent academic and leadership positions at esteemed institutions including Kyoto University, Nagasaki University, and the National Defense Medical Center, as well as serving as a visiting professor at leading international universities. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of pain mechanisms, resulting in numerous high-impact publications and influential contributions to therapeutic development. Prof. Ueda has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards and has played key roles in leading scientific societies, editorial boards, and major research initiatives. With decades of dedication to both fundamental science and applied research, he has made lasting contributions to pharmacology, neuroscience, and pain research, earning him global recognition as a leader and innovator in his field. Professional Profile Google Scholar Education Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda completed his academic training at Kyoto University, earning his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in pharmacology. His formative years in one of Japan’s most prestigious institutions laid a strong foundation for his future research in neuroscience and pharmacology. The rigorous academic environment at Kyoto University enabled him to develop expertise in neurobiology, biochemistry, and molecular pharmacology, equipping him with the skills to address complex biomedical challenges. His education emphasized both theoretical understanding and hands-on research, fostering a deep interest in chronic pain mechanisms and neuroprotective processes. These early academic achievements provided the platform for his later work in innovative pain research, translational pharmacology, and neuroimmunology. Through his studies, Prof. Ueda cultivated a multidisciplinary perspective that would later define his career, allowing him to integrate pharmacological science with neuroscience in groundbreaking ways that have influenced both Japanese and international biomedical research. Experience Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda has held a series of influential academic and research positions over several decades, beginning as an Assistant Professor at Yokohama City University and Kyoto University before advancing to Associate Professor and later Professor & Chairman at Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. His leadership extended beyond national borders, serving as a Visiting Professor at McGill University and Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, as well as holding adjunct and emeritus roles in Japan and Taiwan. He currently serves as Chair Professor at the National Defense Medical Center and Principal Investigator at the Research Institute for Production Development. His experience also includes serving on executive committees, directing major research projects, and influencing academic policy within prominent scientific societies. These roles have allowed him to shape research directions, mentor emerging scientists, and foster international collaborations, all while contributing significantly to the advancement of neuropharmacology and pain research. Research Focus Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda’s research centers on the neurobiology of chronic pain and the role of prothymosin α as a neuroprotective alarmin molecule. His work has illuminated molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying pain perception, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic disorders, identifying novel therapeutic targets such as lysophosphatidic acid receptors and beta-adrenergic pathways. By integrating pharmacology, neuroscience, and immunology, he has advanced understanding of neuroimmune interactions and the translation of basic science into potential clinical interventions. His studies employ diverse approaches, from molecular imaging to animal models, yielding insights that bridge laboratory findings with possible human treatments. In addition, his investigations into damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and their release mechanisms have expanded knowledge of neuroprotection and neuroinflammation. Through this comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, Prof. Ueda’s research continues to influence drug discovery and pain management strategies worldwide, cementing his role as a leader in translational neuropharmacology. Award and Honor Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his exceptional contributions to pharmacology and neuroscience. Early in his career, he was honored with the Prize of Encouragement from the Society for Japanese Pharmaceutical Sciences and The Pharmacological Society of Japan Award for Young Scientists, highlighting his early promise as a researcher. Over the years, his sustained excellence has been acknowledged through major accolades such as The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan Award and the Gayle A. Olson & Richard D. Olson Prize. Beyond awards, his professional honors include leadership roles in international scientific societies, editorial appointments in respected journals, and invitations to serve as program chair or councilor in influential conferences. These distinctions not only celebrate his research achievements but also reflect his leadership, mentorship, and service to the scientific community, underscoring his global impact on pharmacology, neuroscience, and the study of chronic pain. Publications Top Notes Title: Initiation of neuropathic pain requires lysophosphatidic acid receptor signalingAuthors: M Inoue, MH Rashid, R Fujita, JJA Contos, J Chun, H UedaYear: 2004Citations: 651 Title: A novel analgesic dipeptide from bovine brain is a possible Met-enkephalin releaserAuthors: H Takagi, H Shiomi, H Ueda, H AmanoYear: 1979Citations: 326 Title: Molecular mechanisms of neuropathic pain–phenotypic switch and initiation mechanismsAuthors: H UedaYear: 2006Citations: 315 Title: Morphine-like analgesia by a new dipeptide, L-tyrosyl-L-arginine (Kyotorphin) and its analogueAuthors: H Takagi, H Shiomi, H Ueda, H AmanoYear: 1979Citations: 216 Title: Epigenetic gene silencing underlies C-fiber dysfunctions in neuropathic painAuthors: H Uchida, L Ma, H UedaYear: 2010Citations: 215 Title: Partial loss of tolerance liability to morphine analgesia in mice lacking the nociceptin receptor geneAuthors: H Ueda, T Yamaguchi, S Tokuyama, M Inoue, M Nishi, H TakeshimaYear: 1997Citations: 174 Title: Peripheral mechanisms of neuropathic pain—involvement of lysophosphatidic acid receptor-mediated demyelinationAuthors: H UedaYear: 2008Citations: 164 Title: Novel expression of vanilloid receptor 1 on capsaicin-insensitive fibers accounts for the analgesic effect of capsaicin cream in neuropathic painAuthors: MH Rashid, M Inoue, S Kondo, T Kawashima, S Bakoshi, H UedaYear: 2003Citations: 162 Title: Reconstitution of rat brain mu opioid receptors with purified guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins, Gi and GoAuthors: H Ueda, H Harada, M Nozaki, T Katada, M Ui, M Satoh, H TakagiYear: 1988Citations: 159 Title: Inhibition of paclitaxel-induced A-fiber hypersensitization by gabapentinAuthors: M Matsumoto, M Inoue, A Hald, W Xie, H UedaYear: 2006Citations: 155 Title: Low doses of naloxone produce analgesia in the mouse brain by blocking presynaptic autoinhibition of enkephalin releaseAuthors: H Ueda, N Fukushima, T Kitao, M Ge, H TakagiYear: 1986Citations: 155 Title: Enhanced spinal nociceptin receptor expression develops morphine tolerance and dependenceAuthors: H Ueda, M Inoue, H Takeshima, Y IwasawaYear: 2000Citations: 151 Title: Differential involvement of μ-opioid receptor subtypes in endomorphin-1-and-2-induced antinociceptionAuthors: S Sakurada, JE Zadina, AJ Kastin, S Katsuyama, T Fujimura, K Murayama, …Year: 1999Citations: 150 Title: Increased expression of vanilloid receptor 1 on myelinated primary afferent neurons contributes to the antihyperalgesic effect of capsaicin cream in diabetic neuropathic painAuthors: MH Rashid, M Inoue, S Bakoshi, H UedaYear: 2003Citations: 149 Title: Neurobiology of L-DOPAergic systemsAuthors: Y Misu, Y Goshima, H Ueda, H OkamuraYear: 1996Citations: 149 Conclusion The publication record of Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda reflects a career of sustained, high-impact contributions to pharmacology, neuroscience, and pain research. His works are widely cited in top-tier journals such as Nature and Nature Medicine, signifying both groundbreaking discoveries and enduring relevance. The research spans fundamental molecular mechanisms to translational insights, particularly in the fields of neuropathic pain, opioid receptor biology, and novel analgesic agents. High citation counts across decades highlight not only his pioneering role in early discoveries like kyotorphin but also his leadership in advancing lysophosphatidic acid receptor research and neuroimmune pain mechanisms. This combination of scientific depth, innovation, and long-term influence positions him among the foremost researchers in his field, underscoring his suitability for major scientific awards and global recognition.
Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his exceptional contributions to pharmacology and neuroscience. Early in his career, he was honored with the Prize of Encouragement from the Society for Japanese Pharmaceutical Sciences and The Pharmacological Society of Japan Award for Young Scientists, highlighting his early promise as a researcher. Over the years, his sustained excellence has been acknowledged through major accolades such as The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan Award and the Gayle A. Olson & Richard D. Olson Prize. Beyond awards, his professional honors include leadership roles in international scientific societies, editorial appointments in respected journals, and invitations to serve as program chair or councilor in influential conferences. These distinctions not only celebrate his research achievements but also reflect his leadership, mentorship, and service to the scientific community, underscoring his global impact on pharmacology, neuroscience, and the study of chronic pain. Publications Top Notes Title: Initiation of neuropathic pain requires lysophosphatidic acid receptor signalingAuthors: M Inoue, MH Rashid, R Fujita, JJA Contos, J Chun, H UedaYear: 2004Citations: 651 Title: A novel analgesic dipeptide from bovine brain is a possible Met-enkephalin releaserAuthors: H Takagi, H Shiomi, H Ueda, H AmanoYear: 1979Citations: 326 Title: Molecular mechanisms of neuropathic pain–phenotypic switch and initiation mechanismsAuthors: H UedaYear: 2006Citations: 315 Title: Morphine-like analgesia by a new dipeptide, L-tyrosyl-L-arginine (Kyotorphin) and its analogueAuthors: H Takagi, H Shiomi, H Ueda, H AmanoYear: 1979Citations: 216 Title: Epigenetic gene silencing underlies C-fiber dysfunctions in neuropathic painAuthors: H Uchida, L Ma, H UedaYear: 2010Citations: 215 Title: Partial loss of tolerance liability to morphine analgesia in mice lacking the nociceptin receptor geneAuthors: H Ueda, T Yamaguchi, S Tokuyama, M Inoue, M Nishi, H TakeshimaYear: 1997Citations: 174 Title: Peripheral mechanisms of neuropathic pain—involvement of lysophosphatidic acid receptor-mediated demyelinationAuthors: H UedaYear: 2008Citations: 164 Title: Novel expression of vanilloid receptor 1 on capsaicin-insensitive fibers accounts for the analgesic effect of capsaicin cream in neuropathic painAuthors: MH Rashid, M Inoue, S Kondo, T Kawashima, S Bakoshi, H UedaYear: 2003Citations: 162 Title: Reconstitution of rat brain mu opioid receptors with purified guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins, Gi and GoAuthors: H Ueda, H Harada, M Nozaki, T Katada, M Ui, M Satoh, H TakagiYear: 1988Citations: 159 Title: Inhibition of paclitaxel-induced A-fiber hypersensitization by gabapentinAuthors: M Matsumoto, M Inoue, A Hald, W Xie, H UedaYear: 2006Citations: 155 Title: Low doses of naloxone produce analgesia in the mouse brain by blocking presynaptic autoinhibition of enkephalin releaseAuthors: H Ueda, N Fukushima, T Kitao, M Ge, H TakagiYear: 1986Citations: 155 Title: Enhanced spinal nociceptin receptor expression develops morphine tolerance and dependenceAuthors: H Ueda, M Inoue, H Takeshima, Y IwasawaYear: 2000Citations: 151 Title: Differential involvement of μ-opioid receptor subtypes in endomorphin-1-and-2-induced antinociceptionAuthors: S Sakurada, JE Zadina, AJ Kastin, S Katsuyama, T Fujimura, K Murayama, …Year: 1999Citations: 150 Title: Increased expression of vanilloid receptor 1 on myelinated primary afferent neurons contributes to the antihyperalgesic effect of capsaicin cream in diabetic neuropathic painAuthors: MH Rashid, M Inoue, S Bakoshi, H UedaYear: 2003Citations: 149 Title: Neurobiology of L-DOPAergic systemsAuthors: Y Misu, Y Goshima, H Ueda, H OkamuraYear: 1996Citations: 149 Conclusion The publication record of Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda reflects a career of sustained, high-impact contributions to pharmacology, neuroscience, and pain research. His works are widely cited in top-tier journals such as Nature and Nature Medicine, signifying both groundbreaking discoveries and enduring relevance. The research spans fundamental molecular mechanisms to translational insights, particularly in the fields of neuropathic pain, opioid receptor biology, and novel analgesic agents. High citation counts across decades highlight not only his pioneering role in early discoveries like kyotorphin but also his leadership in advancing lysophosphatidic acid receptor research and neuroimmune pain mechanisms. This combination of scientific depth, innovation, and long-term influence positions him among the foremost researchers in his field, underscoring his suitability for major scientific awards and global recognition.
The publication record of Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Ueda reflects a career of sustained, high-impact contributions to pharmacology, neuroscience, and pain research. His works are widely cited in top-tier journals such as Nature and Nature Medicine, signifying both groundbreaking discoveries and enduring relevance. The research spans fundamental molecular mechanisms to translational insights, particularly in the fields of neuropathic pain, opioid receptor biology, and novel analgesic agents. High citation counts across decades highlight not only his pioneering role in early discoveries like kyotorphin but also his leadership in advancing lysophosphatidic acid receptor research and neuroimmune pain mechanisms. This combination of scientific depth, innovation, and long-term influence positions him among the foremost researchers in his field, underscoring his suitability for major scientific awards and global recognition.