HeKKSaGOn Presidents’ Conference Held at the University of Osaka (30–31 October 2025)

The 10th Presidents’ Conference of HeKKSaGOn, the German–Japanese University Alliance, was held on 30–31 October 2025 at the University of Osaka (Suita Campus). Founded in 2010 by six universities—Heidelberg University, Kyoto University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Tohoku University, the University of Göttingen, and the University of Osaka—the alliance convenes its leaders approximately every two years. Marking the 15th anniversary of its establishment, this 10th milestone meeting brought together about 170 participants, including presidents and vice presidents, invited guests, researchers, students, and the organizing team.

Under the theme “Transdisciplinary Initiatives and Alliance Building for Global Futures,” participants discussed how the member institutions can mobilize their diverse strengths to connect science and society and to shape future-oriented collaboration between Germany and Japan.

The Opening Session featured greetings from representatives of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Osaka-Kobe, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and the German Research Foundation (DFG), who expressed expectations for further advancement of academic cooperation through HeKKSaGOn.

The keynote speech, “In Vivo Cell Environment Resilience – Visualized by Next-Generation Imaging Technology,” was delivered by Professor Masaru ISHII, Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Osaka, followed by a lively exchange, particularly among early-career researchers.

Following the keynote speech, the six university presidents gave presentations on their respective institutional visions and pioneering initiatives related to the conference theme, engaging in discussion on academic freedom, the societal contributions of science, and the importance of international collaboration.

In parallel with the presidents’ conference, a multilayered program unfolded, including meetings and seminars organized by the six Joint Projects and one Working Group. In addition, a Student Workshop brought together 15 students selected from the six member universities to discuss “Designing Transdisciplinary Futures: Creating, Applying, and Enabling New Fields,” with outcomes presented during the Plenary Session on 31 October.

At the conclusion of the conference, a Joint Statement was adopted, outlining the direction for future cooperation within HeKKSaGOn, including sustained collaborative research, support for young researchers, advancement of responsible science, and strengthened engagement with society.

The upcoming 11th HeKKSaGOn Presidents’ Conference is scheduled to be hosted by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in 2027. Building on this hosting experience, the University of Osaka will continue to deepen German–Japanese academic cooperation and cultivate the next generation of global talent.

Photo by Naoki Nishimura/AFLO

"Transdisciplinary Initiatives and Alliance Building For Global Futures"

The University of Osaka is delighted to host the 10th German–Japanese University Alliance (HeKKSaGOn) Presidents’ Conference on 30–31 October 2025. We look forward to welcoming colleagues from the six HeKKSaGOn member universities to Osaka for this milestone event.

Presidents, researchers, students, and administrators from all HeKKSaGOn partner institutions – Heidelberg University, Kyoto University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Tohoku University, University of Göttingen, and The University of Osaka – will gather for two days of exchange and collaboration.

A draft program schedule is available below and will be regularly updated as details are finalized.

Message from the President of The University of Osaka

Flyer for Student Workshop

Conference Program

Thursday 30 October

Friday 31 October

Access to the Conference Venue [PDF]

Conference Venue:
Icho Kaikan [Building 11 on the campus map]
The University of Osaka (Suita Campus)
1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan

Campus Map and Directions:
Please refer to the Suita Campus access map

For Guests Staying at the University-Designated Hotel (RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka):
Accommodation for conference participants will be arranged at RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka. A chartered bus service will be provided between the hotel and the conference venue at The University of Osaka. Please use this bus service for your transportation, so there is no need to arrange your own transport.
*Please note that the bus will run according to a fixed schedule. If you miss the scheduled departure time, you will be responsible for making your own way to the conference venue.

Google Map:

Contact Information

MINAMI Sayaka (Ms.) / JEON Hyori (Ms.)
International Affairs Division
Department of International Affairs
The University of Osaka
1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 JAPAN
📞 +81-6-6879-4408
📧 intl-collab@office.osaka-u.ac.jp