Maki Kawai obtained a PhD degree in chemistry from the University of Tokyo, in 1980. She is currently the president of National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Japan and the director general of Center for Research and Development Strategy (CRDS) in JST. She is also a member of The Japan Academy, professor emeritus of The University of Tokyo, honorary scientist of RIKEN, honorary fellow of Royal Society of Chemistry, fellow of American Physical Society and fellow of International Science Council.　

She previously held a position as chief scientist of RIKEN, Professor of the University of Tokyo and Director General of Institute for Molecular Science. She received the Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Prize for Science and Technology (Research Category), Japan in 2008, Medal with Purple Ribbon, Japan in 2017 and Japan Academy Prize. She also accredited as Person of Cultural Merits, Japan.