Gunma University established the "Initiative for Advanced Research Viral Vector Core" within the Initiative for Advanced Research on October 1, 2019, with Professor Hirokazu Hirai as the center director. Professor Hirai's laboratory in the Graduate School of Medicine at Gunma University has been researching efficient gene delivery into neural cells of the brain and nervous system using adeno-associated viruses. Their research achievements include being selected for the "Comprehensive Understanding of Brain Function Network through Innovative Technology Project" by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) in 2014 and 2017, positioning their research as part of a national project for unravelling brain function. Building upon their previous research accomplishments, the new center aims to develop virus vectors, rapidly gaining popularity in life science research and gene therapy.