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Okayama University Hosts the OU-SPRING BOOST Winter Research Symposium 2025

On December 4, 2025, Okayama University held the OU-SPRING BOOST Winter Research Symposium 2025 at the Tsushima Campus, specifically in the 50th Anniversary Memorial Hall. The event was part of the Next Generation Researcher Challenging Research Program (SPRING) by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). This program aims to strengthen transferable skills and interdisciplinary research abilities among certified researchers.

The symposium featured poster presentations as a format for participants to introduce their research to students and faculty members from various fields. A total of 77 OU-SPRING certified researchers, 2 OU-BOOST-AI certified members, and around 25 students and faculty members participated in the event.

In his opening remarks, the Vice Director for Research and Industry-Academia Collaboration, Professor Norihito Sato, emphasized the importance of communicating research across disciplinary boundaries. He encouraged participants to engage with different fields, stating, “Explaining your own expertise to those outside your field and understanding their research topics is crucial for your future research career.”

Following the opening, representatives from the OU-BRIDGE alumni community presented an overview of the community and invited attendees to become members. Participants then split into three groups for their poster presentations, leading to lively discussions among OU-SPRING certified researchers, attendees, and the faculty present. In an innovative twist, attendees also had the chance to vote for the most impressive presentations. The award for Best Presentation went to Yukiki Nagao from the Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science for his research on the response of Cuscuta campestris, a stem parasitic plant, to external stimuli. Additionally, Excellent Presentation Awards were given to Tianyan Piao and Thiha Moe from the Graduate School of Dentistry and Medicine for their topics on oral squamous cell carcinoma and chronic kidney disease, respectively.

In closing remarks, the project overseer, Vice President Makoto Sugano, reflected on the purpose of the symposium. He noted the emphasis on acquiring not only specialized knowledge but also essential soft skills that will contribute to future success. He remarked on the invaluable face-to-face interaction made possible by such events, contrasting it with virtual formats. Sugano encouraged the participants to continue fostering communication and collaboration with peers in different fields as they navigate the challenges of PhD programs.

Following the symposium, a networking event was held, allowing participants to further engage in discussions about their academic journeys and future paths. Sugano congratulated the winners and acknowledged the effort put into the lengthy symposium. The evening concluded with a message from Professor Ai Otsuka, who oversees research and innovation, as he expressed hopes for participants’ successful future endeavors.

Okayama University prides itself on viewing graduate students as researchers rather than mere students. The institutional focus is not just on individual expertise but on nurturing well-rounded knowledge workers ready to contribute significantly in academia and industry alike. The university remains fully committed to fostering research and innovation tailored to meet the demands of the future.

The establishment of the OU-BRIDGE alumni community will further enhance the networks and development opportunities available to OU-SPRING researchers, promoting multi-faceted interactions in the global academic and professional spheres. As Okayama University continues to defend its reputation as a central research institution, the spotlight will remain fixed on the contributions and success of its researchers.