Roundtable Discussion Held with Distinguished Honorary Professor Shimon Sakaguchi and Distinguished Professor Susumu Kitagawa of Kyoto University

On November 10, 2025, a press conference was held featuring Distinguished Honorary Professor Shimon Sakaguchi, this year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine laureate, and Distinguished Professor Susumu Kitagawa (Executive Vice-President/Distinguished Professor at the Kyoto University Institute for Advanced Study), winner of 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, at their alma mater, Kyoto University. This joint event by Kyoto University and the University of Osaka, marking the first such gathering since the announcement of the Nobel Prize, brought together the two laureates who are both Kyoto University alumni.

During the discussion, they spoke about their student days and the origins of their research. Distinguished Honorary Professor Shimon Sakaguchi revealed that while he initially aspired to be a psychiatrist, he pursued research instead, leading to his discovery of lymphocytes that suppress immune responses. Distinguished Professor Susumu Kitagawa explained how he expanded his field from theoretical physics to experimental science, placing Laozi's concept of “the usefulness of the useless” at the core of his research.

They also delivered messages to the next generation of researchers, emphasizing the importance of systems supporting early independence for young researchers and maintaining a proper balance with senior researchers. Furthermore, regarding the rapidly advancing AI technology of recent years, they expressed the view that while its use in data analysis and other areas is promising, conceiving of creative ideas and identifying truly important challenges shall remain the role of humans.

Distinguished Honorary Professor Shimon Sakaguchi is to be presented with the Nobel Prize for his discovery of “regulatory T cells,” which prevent excessive immune responses in the body. Distinguished Professor Susumu Kitagawa of Kyoto University will receive the Nobel Prize for his development of “metal-organic frameworks,” porous material capable of efficiently absorbing and releasing gases. The award ceremonies will be held in Stockholm, Sweden, in December.

Related Links:
[BREAKING NEWS] Professor SAKAGUCHI Shimon receives 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine!
https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/news/topics/2025/10/06001-2