On October 7th, 2025, Tokushima University held a joint symposium with Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, in the United States, the "Cornell-Tokushima Joint Symposium on Chronic Inflammation and Beyond."
Tokushima University is currently working to strengthen its research capabilities with support from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's "Program for Forming Japan's Peak Research aUniversities (J-PEAKS)" in fiscal year 2024. This symposium was held as part of this effort, aiming to strengthen research capabilities in the field of chronic inflammation through collaboration with leading overseas research institutions, as well as to create a system for nurturing young researchers.
On the day, lectures were given by four researchers, including Dean Barbara L. Hempstead of Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, and research presentations were also given by faculty members from Tokushima University. Many questions were asked by the audience during the Q&A session, leading to lively discussions throughout the event.
The following day, October 8th, young faculty members and students from Tokushima University gave research presentations, which drew many questions and comments from researchers of Cornell University. Dean Barbara gave the following advice: "When you are in a setting where an audience from a variety of fields gathers, don't just explain the background of your own field of expertise, but try to make your presentation with the audience's understanding in mind," which was both an important and challenging message for young researchers.
After the presentations, researchers of Cornell University visited each laboratory and exchanged opinions on research at Tokushima University through lab discussions. This was a meaningful opportunity to further deepen mutual understanding through interaction at actual research sites, laying the foundation for strengthening collaboration for future joint research and human resource development.
Commemorative photo at the symposium venue
