#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #research innovation #JST Grants

Okayama University Holds Seminar for Young Researchers

On April 25, 2025, Okayama University's Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization organized an internal seminar at the Tsushima campus aimed at equipping young researchers with the knowledge and tools necessary to secure critical grants from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). The two grants discussed were the "Sakigake" and the "Creative Research Support Project," both vital for promoting innovation and research in various fields.

The seminar was particularly targeted at young researchers considering applying for these grants, and it attracted around 70 participants, including those joining online. The session featured talks by distinguished professors from the university.

Professor Hiroaki Misawa from the Institute of Advanced Research, addressing the participants, emphasized the significance of having a medium- to a long-term vision as a researcher. He highlighted the importance of setting relevant research topics that resonate with personal interests, encouraging attendees to explore avenues beyond their supervising faculty's themes, thus adhering to the principle of academic freedom.

The second keynote speaker, Professor Hiroaki Moriya from the Environmental Life Sciences Division, provided concrete strategies on how to create compelling grant applications. His lecture detailed methods for demonstrating originality and highlighted critical points for crafting effective application documents, drawing on real-life examples.

The Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization at Okayama University aims to enhance its research capabilities continuously, and the holding of this seminar reflects the university's commitment to nurturing its young talents. Participants left with practical insights and renewed motivation to pursue grants that could significantly impact their research careers.

As a designated "Regional Core and Distinctive Research University" under the J-PEAKS program, Okayama University is actively working to increase external funding opportunities. The success of this seminar demonstrates the university’s ongoing effort to empower researchers and strengthen its overall research prowess.

The collaborative environment fostered by this seminar not only addresses immediate funding challenges but also lays the groundwork for future innovations that could arise from the university's diverse research landscape. Interested participants and supporters are encouraged to keep an eye on further initiatives designed to promote the university's research strengths and community engagement.

For more information about the seminar or future events, visit the Okayama University Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization's official website. The university continues to strive towards becoming a beacon of research excellence both regionally and globally, adhering closely to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and recognizing its role in that mission.

Reference

• - Okayama University Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization

The university invites further engagement from both local and international researchers to contribute to its goal of creating innovative and impactful research outcomes.