On June 19, 2025, JST held a joint kick-off meeting for the 2024 selected projects and an exchange session for the *2023 selected projects at its Tokyo Headquarters. A total of 35 participants attended in person. This event aimed to present plans for each project, provide annual progress reports, and facilitate networking among researchers. After the meeting, researchers engaged in networking opportunities, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between projects through dialogue.

*2023 selected projects under “ASPIRE for Rising Scientists” (One participant was absent due to an overseas business trip)

Project information: https://www.jst.go.jp/aspire/en/program_e/assignment_e/index.html

The meeting began with remarks from Dr. Yasushi Yagi of the University of Osaka, Program Officer (PO) for ASPIRE in the field of AI and Information, and Mr. Osamu Kobayashi, Director of the Department of International Affairs at JST. Dr. Yagi shared a message, saying, “In presentation opportunities like this, I hope researchers will actively share information and that Japanese researchers will be able to thrive on the global stage.”

In the morning session, the principal investigators (PIs) of the five projects selected under “ASPIRE for Top Scientists” (Takeo Igarashi, Yoshio Ebihara, Koichi Kise, Hideki Koike, and Koji Yatani), and the PI of one project selected under “ASPIRE for Rising Scientists” (Yasutaka Kamei), presented overviews of their international collaborative research plans. They highlighted the strength of their research proposals and approaches and strategies for building international research networks.

In the afternoon session, the PIs of the four projects selected under “ASPIRE for Top Scientists” (Kenichi Kawarabayashi, Yoichi Sato, Ko Nishino, and Ichiro Hasuo), and the PIs of the three projects selected under “ASPIRE for Rising Scientists” (Yuta Itoh, Yuya Sasaki, and Takaharu Yaguchi) presented the outcomes of their international collaborative research to date and discussed progress of their approaches and outcomes related to engaging with top global research communities.

Sharing Insights and Strategies for the Establishment of International Research Networks

During the discussion, researchers presented plans for building international networks through overseas travel. Through Q&A sessions with participants, the PO, and experts including advisors, they shared information on strategies and measures for future research directions and the development of international collaborative research networks, gaining a deeper understanding of potential synergies.

Major activities evaluated as effective for promoting international talent mobility and circulation

・Holding international training camps

・Inviting overseas PIs and holding domestic workshops

・Organizing ASPIRE training camps pairing senior and early-career researchers

・Securing positions in international academic societies

On the other hand, a fundamental concern was raised regarding the low number of early-career Japanese researchers pursuing doctoral programs, coupled with the fact that relatively few are inclined to pursue opportunities overseas. There was a lively exchange of views on how to overcome these challenges with valuable insights and specific measures.

Participants shared positive feedback such as, "It was an important event with valuable discussion and information sharing— I hope it will be held annually,” and "It was a very enjoyable and educational experience."

At the end of the meeting, Dr. Kenjiro Miyano, Program Director (PD) of ASPIRE Program, and Dr. Yagi, PO, gave closing remarks. After that, a networking opportunity was arranged, bringing together top and junior researchers, the PD, the PO, and advisors, allowing for close and meaningful interactions.

In the field of ASPIRE AI and Information, we will leverage the insights and expertise gained from this kickoff meeting to promote human interaction between Top Scientists and Rising Scientists and support efforts to maximize the outcomes of research projects.

(Report by Junsuke Mikami, ASPIRE Office, Department of international Affairs)