On November 4, 2025, principal investigators (PIs) conducting research in the ASPIRE bioengineering field under the Japan-U.S. Global Centers and Japan-U.K. programs held a field meeting online. The meeting was moderated by Dr. Hiroshi Shimizu, Program Officer. Dr. Kenjiro Miyano, Program Director, and several advisors also participated.

In the first half, the PIs of all eight projects presented their research progress, including updates on overseas activities. In addition, one researcher who had traveled abroad gave a presentation on her work and experiences. In the second half, participants discussed Japan's strengths and challenges, as well as its future prospects from various perspectives, under the following three themes:

Theme 1: What actions and strategic initiatives are required for Japan to become an international hub in bioengineering?

Regarding international collaboration in microbial engineering and fermentation, it was noted that integrating synthetic biology and AI technologies will be essential for strengthening future competitiveness. While Japan already has a solid foundation, particularly in the corporate sector, it remains important to further strengthen its international presence so that it more accurately reflects Japan’s advanced research capabilities. This can be achieved through cooperation with biofoundry organizations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Finland, and other member countries of the Global Centers.

In addition, given the current situation in which Japanese researchers tend to work in highly specialized subfields, the discussion highlighted the importance of defining the emerging field of Engineering Biology and establishing new consortia, from the perspective of promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Theme 2: What is required to develop global talent?

Overseas experience was recognized as being crucial for fostering globally capable researchers. One point highlighted was that understanding both the host organization’s system and the host country’s culture is crucial for extending short-term stays into long-term placements. In the UK, researchers from Japan face challenges such as the prioritization of local students’ education, high tuition and bench fees, and the absence of principal investigators in many laboratories. Nevertheless, overcoming these obstacles offers significant opportunities for learning and growth.

Theme 3: Ideas for establishing an international Center of Excellence

As with Theme 1, integration with AI will be key to future research. While efforts are currently underway to form international research hubs utilizing sabbatical programs and collaboration among universities, the significance of having hubs in Tokyo was also considered. In addition, seamless international cooperation and the fostering of early-career researchers, taking advantage of the flexibility of the ASPIRE funding system, are expected to play an important role.

Dr. Miyano noted that the discussion provided an opportunity to review the objectives of the ASPIRE program. “Although challenges remain in promoting the program, its flexibility is expected to serve as a driving force in addressing them.” He was pleased to see that the international relationships that had been established prior to the program’s launch were now becoming visible.

Each PI participating in the meeting presented several notable examples of researcher development efforts, such as the organization of student-led workshops, highlighting that such self-initiated efforts may help shape a new style of international research in the future.

The research environment in Japan differs from that in Europe, the United States, or China in terms of scale and structure. Within this context, enhancing Japan’s adaptability to change, while leveraging its cultural strengths, is essential for improving its international standing and research outcomes.

Dr. Shimizu remarked, “I hope programs like ASPIRE will provide such opportunities.” Dr. Miyano concluded by saying, “Our future challenge is to create new trends through ASPIRE and build a more open research environment.”

This meeting provided a valuable opportunity for researchers at the forefront of the biotechnology field to exchange opinions. It offered a number of important insights not only for advancing future research projects but also for enhancing international talent mobility and supporting early career researchers.

ASPIRE continues to explore new ways to foster synergy among researchers.

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  Headed by Dr. Shimizu, the meeting brought together leading PIs in the field.