The 13th WPI Science Symposium Held at Kyoto University
On November 16, the 13th WPI Science Symposium, titled “Expanding Horizons through Science,” was held at Kyoto University’s Clock Tower Centennial Hall. Organized by the Kyoto University Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), the symposium brought together researchers and students for a day of scientific exchange.
The morning session featured lectures in the Centennial Hall on the first floor. Speakers included Junpei Sasabe, Senior Assistant Professor at Keio University’s Human Biology-Microbiome-Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q); Shuto Mori, Associate Professor at Osaka University’s Human Metaverse Disease Research Center (WPI-PRIMe); and Ayako Oguchi, Research Associate at ASHBi. Each shared cutting-edge research findings, captivating an audience that included many high school students.
In the afternoon, a poster presentation session was held in the International Conference Hall on the second floor. High school students presented 28 posters, while researchers contributed 18, sparking dynamic discussions on a variety of scientific topics. Representing iCeMS, Assoc Prof Masae Ohno explained her research on uncovering precisely how DNA is folded inside cells. Her approachable presentation encouraged active engagement and questions from students.
The event also featured booths from WPI research centers across Japan. At the iCeMS booth, Assoc Prof Mari Toyama and Asst Prof Mindy Takamiya from the Communication Design Unit introduced the institute’s research and work environment. The booth attracted significant interest from high school students, parents, and educators, who eagerly listened and engaged in discussions.
The day concluded with an awards ceremony for the high school poster presentations. Out of the 28 entries, three outstanding posters were selected through voting, and the awards were presented by ASHBi Director Mitinori Saitou.
The symposium concluded successfully, providing a unique and valuable opportunity for high school students and researchers to engage directly, exchange ideas, and share their passion for science.
