Norio Nakatsuji Speaks at I²CNER-Hosted 6 WPI Center Symposium in Fukuoka

November 14, 2011

On November 12, Kyushu University's International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER) co-hosted a first-ever symposium including all six World Premier International (WPI) program research centers. The event at Fukuoka Bank Hall attracted over 600 participants, consisting mainly of junior and senior high school students from across Kyushu, giving the audience an opportunity to come in contact with cutting-edge scientists from across the nation.

Leading researchers from each WPI center, including I2CNER director Prof. Petros Sofronis and iCeMS director Prof. Norio Nakatsuji, delivered presentations on their areas of expertise, aiming to inspire young people to pursue careers in the sciences.

In his talk, Prof. Nakatsuji began with an introduction to the iCeMS, leading to an easily understood explanation of why embryonic stem (ES) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are categorized as being "pluripotent". He continued by offering examples of practical applications, explaining the basic ideas surrounding the creation and use of stem cell-derived model cells in medicine and drug discovery.

Following the presentations, the panelists participated in a Q&A session with 12 student representatives, during which Prof. Nakatsuji further elucidated the function of pluripotency-inducing genes in iPS cell generation, the potential for ES/iPS cells in therapeutic applications, and optimal ES/iPS cell culture conditions to avoid tumor development. In addition, he offered the mostly young audience the following words of encouragement: "Groundbreaking scientific discoveries come only after much trial and error, especially if what you are doing is something no one else has ever done before. The same is true when you take on difficult challenges in your life. Don't be afraid of failure."

Symposium participants were also able to learn more about each of the six WPI centers at displays in the lobby outside the main hall. The iCeMS booth featured a video showcase of discoveries by iCeMS researchers. Prof. Nakatsuji also attended following the main event, answering questions from students on subjects ranging from his research activities to the path of his scientific career.

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Photos


Prof. Nakatsuji addresses the symposium
 

Students participating in a discussion during the Q&A session
 

A full crowd at Fukuoka Bank Hall
 

Prof. Nakatsuji answering questions from students at the iCeMS display booth