JAIST and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) jointly held a symposium on the above theme on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the Ishikawa High-Tech Conference Center (2-1 Asahidai, Nomi City) .This event marked an important step in integrating the complementary strengths of both universities in advanced science and technology fields to promote new research developments in gendered innovation.
JAIST and OIST signed a "Framework Agreement on Academic Cooperation" in July 2023 to promote collaboration across diverse fields. Since last year, as part of our "Research Collaboration" initiative, we have held annual symposium, alternating the host university each year.
Gendered Innovation provides a vital perspective that enhances the quality of diverse research fields by leveraging the varied strengths of JAIST and OIST. Incorporating elements of sex differences, gender, and diversity from the early stages of basic research improves the quality and value of science, forming a foundation for sustainable research and development extending through applied research to societal implementation.

This symposium, themed "Advanced Science and Technology×Gendered Innovation," commenced with opening remarks by President Minoru Terano of JAIST and President Karin Markides of OIST. This was followed by a keynote speech titled "How Publishers Can Support Progress on Gender Representation" by Dr. Sowmya Swaminathan, Director, DEI, Research , Springer Nature.
And, this was followed by a keynote speech "Advancing Gendered Innovations in Research and Education: Toward Excellence in Science & Technology" by Professor Narie Sasaki, DEI Center, Tohoku University.
Furthermore, with Mr. Hiromitsu Urakami, Academic Engagement Director at Springer Nature Japan K.K., serving as facilitator, a panel discussion was held featuring keynote speakers Dr. Swaminathan and Professor Sasaki as panelists. The discussion focused on the perspective of "How important concepts of diversity, including Gendered Innovation, are in basic research, and how they should be leveraged." A lively Q&A session with the audience followed, sparking passionate discussions.
Following this, simultaneous sessions were held in separate venues for each of the three themes: AI, Medical, and Quantum Science. Researchers from both universities presented their work, and lively discussions incorporating the Gendered Innovation perspective took place, raising expectations for qualitative improvements in research across these fields.
The symposium concluded with Student Flash Talks and a Networking Reception. During the flash talks, students and young researchers from both universities presented their work in 90-second pitches. Presenters made thoughtful efforts to ensure their research was easily understandable to researchers from different fields. The networking reception saw participation from flash talk presenters, along with numerous researchers and students from both universities, facilitating lively discussions.

This symposium proved to be a highly valuable opportunity for fostering strong research collaboration between the two universities. Building on this symposium, we will continue our efforts to establish sustainable joint research frameworks, including the launch of new research projects.

President Terano (left) and President Markides (right)
delivering opening remarks

Keynote Speech(1)
Dr. Sowmya Swaminathan
(Springer Nature, Director,
DEI, Research)

Keynote Speech(2)
Professor Narie Sasaki
(DEI Center, Tohoku University)

Panel Discussion

Thematic sessions

Student Flash Talk

Networking Reception

December 3, 2025