Open Symposium “An Introduction to Be Scientists to Solve Social Problems” held

On Thursday, August 1, 2024, an open symposium “An Introduction to Be Scientists to Solve Social Problems” was held at Saji Keizo Memorial Hall on the 10th floor of Osaka University’s Nakanoshima Center.

This symposium was jointly held by Osaka University, Section III of the Science Council of Japan (SCJ), and the Kinki District Conference of the Science Council of Japan in order to provide scientist involved in tackling to solve social issues such as climate changes, energy deficiency and poverty with opportunities to share the visions of the future.

The symposium held in a hybrid form to express the appeal of research and share researchers’ experiences with students, or next generation researchers attracted nearly 150 students around the country both in-person and online.

First, on behalf of the organizers, Professor MITSUISHI Mamoru (Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo/President, Science Council of Japan), President NISHIO Shojiro, and Professor SHIMODA Yoshiyuki (Graduate School of Engineering) greeted attendees as representatives of Osaka University made speeches.

President Nishio

Professor Sekitani

Subsequently, facilitated by Professor SEKITANI Tsuyoshi (SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research)), the following lectures were delivered:

• "Future Perspective: Challenges for the World and Challenges for Japan,” KAWAI Maki (President, National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), Director, Center for Research and Development Strategy (CRDS), Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo)
• “Creating Quantum Computers – Attempting to Make the Most Powerful Supercomputer in the Universe,” FUJII Keisuke (Professor, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University)
• “A Backpacker Traveling the World Turned a Civil Engineering Scientist,” ONO Haruka (Associate Professor, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology)
• “Starting Global Startup Campus: Thinking of the Feasibility of University-launched Global Startup from 5 Year-experience of Japan’s First Fusion Startup,” TAKEDA Shutaro, (Associate Professor/Director, Fusion Energy Division, Urban Institute, Kyushu University)
• “Global Hydrology Developed with Global Partners,” OKI Taikan (Professor, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo)

Professor Fujii

In the panel discussion, the five speakers in the lectures answered questions from the audience on the spot without advanced preparation, making for a lively Q&A session. The 5 panelists answered students’ questions flexibly and sincerely, which looked like as if experiences and thoughts of currently active researchers were passed on to the next generation.

After a group photo session, the researchers and participating students were equally divided into two groups for a group discussion in the seminar rooms on the 6th and 7th floors. Both Groups had lively discussions, with students asking specific and candid questions just like they did during the panel discussion.
Researchers stated that they had “never had such a heated face-to-face discussion with young students,” showing that the symposium achieved its purpose.