Okayama University Hosts Lecture Series on Behavioral Change Science

In an innovative educational initiative, Okayama University, located in the northern part of Okayama City, hosted a pivotal lecture series titled "Behavioral Change Science" by the Okayama Digital Innovation Creation Platform (OI-Start). This series took place on December 15, 2025, and January 23, 2026, engaging participants in understanding and applying methodologies that inspire voluntary behavioral changes instead of enforcing them through rigid rules.

The program featured expert insights from Mr. Tetsuya Saito of BIPROGY, who leads the Comprehensive Technology Research Institute and the BIPROGY Shikake Lab.

Overview of the Lectures

Day 1

On the first day, around 90 attendees participated online to learn the fundamental concepts of Behavioral Change Science. The session included practical examples, such as the analogy of a basketball hoop positioned above a trash bin, which instinctively encourages people to throw their rubbish. These relatable instances illustrated that the principles of Behavioral Change Science are applicable not just in individual lives but also within organizations and societal issues.

Day 2

The second day transitioned into face-to-face workshops held at Okayama University’s KIBINOVE, or Co-Creation Innovation Lab, where 18 participants gathered. This session revisited the ideas discussed on Day 1, focusing on the essential qualities of effective mechanisms for promoting desired behaviors. The key points highlighted included the importance of fairness, attractiveness, and the dual purpose of initiatives.

The workshop segment encouraged group interactions, allowing participants to bring forward their own examples of effective behavioral prompts from their environments, assessing why these cues lead to desired actions. Following this, participants selected personal challenges and collaborated to develop their own behavioral change mechanisms. Ideas ranged from simple strategies to inspire small changes in daily habits to broader system designs aimed at altering organizational behaviors and improving public spaces.

The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement about the practical implications of Behavioral Change Science. Comments such as "I experienced the excitement of Behavioral Change Science" and "I want to try applying this in my daily life" reflect a genuine enthusiasm to incorporate these concepts.

With this event, Okayama University continues to exemplify its role as a distinctive research university committed to regional development and innovative education. Stakeholders eagerly anticipate future initiatives that promote sustainable practices and the co-creation of knowledge in local and global contexts.

A Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals

Okayama University is actively contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and was honored with a special award in the inaugural Japan SDGs Awards. This commitment not only showcases the university's dedication to fostering a sustainable future but also reinforces its mission as a research university that bridges academia, industry, and society.

For more information on Okayama University’s innovative programs and collaborations, visit their official websites:

In conclusion, the Behavioral Change Science lecture series represents a significant advance in educational practices that focus on real-world applications of behavioral insights, paving the way for innovative solutions to everyday challenges and societal issues at large.