The JST NEXUS 2024 Young Talent Exchange Program, led by Professor Yuki Nagao of the Materials Chemistry Frontiers Research Area, has successfully concluded. The program was conducted under NEXUS (Networked Exchange, United Strength for Stronger Partnerships between Japan and ASEAN), a cooperative framework supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
The project was implemented under the theme "Collaborative Research Promotion Program on Environment and Energy in Malaysia" Faculty members involved from JAIST included Professor Noriyoshi Matsumi, Professor Kazuma Gotoh, Professor Kazuaki Matsumura, Assistant Professor Kentaro Aoki, Associate Professor Ken-ichi Shinohara (Materials Chemistry Frontiers Research Area), Associate Professor Takumi Yamaguchi and Senior Lecturer Daisuke Hirose (Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Engineering Research Area), and Associate Professor Kenta Hongo (Sustainable Innovation Research Area).
On the Malaysian side, the program was carried out in cooperation with Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), with Associate Professor Ahmad Salihin Bin Samsudin serving as the main coordinator.
The exchange covered a broad range of research topics, including energy devices such as supercapacitors, next-generation batteries, and fuel cells, as well as water purification, microplastics science, natural resource utilization, CO₂ utilization, and computational science.
A total of 13 participants, mainly students and early-career researchers, took part in the program through mutual visits supported by faculty members and related researchers. In addition to on-site exchanges, regular online meetings, progress reporting sessions, and follow-up discussions were held throughout the year, enabling continuous collaboration beyond short-term stays.
On February 18, 2025, a hybrid mini-symposium entitled "Synergizing Science for Sustainable Solutions: UMPSA-JAIST Symposium" was held at UMPSA's Gambang Campus, where researchers from both institutions shared recent research outcomes and engaged in active interdisciplinary discussions.
Through the program, participants enhanced their international perspectives and research skills, while the collaborative network expanded from individual connections to organization-to-organization partnerships, strengthening the foundation for sustainable joint research.
As scientific outcomes, two internationally co-authored papers on energy conversion electrolytes have already been published, and several additional manuscripts are currently in preparation.
Furthermore, a new NEXUS program was selected in December 2025 and started in January 2026. Building on the experience and collaborative framework established through this exchange, JAIST will continue promoting joint research and young researcher development with ASEAN partners.

(Top) A joint NEXUS UMPSA-JAIST mini-symposium was held in Malaysia.
(Bottom) Research activities at JAIST.

February 16, 2026