On April 23, 2026, the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) held a kick-off meeting for eight projects selected in FY2025 and an annual progress meeting for three projects selected in FY2024 under the Biotechnology field of the ASPIRE Japan-based Call, at the JST Tokyo Headquarters Annex.
The meeting brought together approximately 50 participants, including ASPIRE Program Director Kenjiro Miyano, Program Officer Haruko Takeyama, advisors in the biotechnology field, and principal investigators of the selected projects.

From Collaboration Plans to Action: Sharing Research Progress and Experiences

During the meeting, project teams presented their plans for international joint research as well as progress to date across a diverse range of globally competitive and interdisciplinary topics spanning fields such as biorobotics and synthetic biology, as well as plant science, chemistry and materials science, and biosensing.
The presentations highlighted initiatives that integrate international research networking with researcher development, through collaboration with leading overseas research institutions and mobility programs involving postdoctoral researchers and doctoral and master’s students.
Early-career researchers who had participated in research activities at overseas institutions or international conferences through ASPIRE also shared their experiences. Through discussions and collaboration with researchers from different disciplines and local partners abroad, they described gaining new research perspectives and recognizing new possibilities. Many noted that being immersed in the international research community itself was a significant source of inspiration, and expressed their intention to continue taking on challenges that transcend disciplinary and national boundaries.

Thematic Discussions: Sharing Challenges and Exchanging Insights

Thematic discussion sessions provided opportunities for participants to exchange views on challenges associated with overseas research mobility and approaches to building international research networks. While institutional and administrative issues were shared as common challenges, the discussions reaffirmed the importance of sustained interaction, the expansion of networks through ongoing exchanges, and the role of connections among early-career researchers.
In addition, participants shared the importance of adopting a medium- to long-term perspective, in which such networks are not viewed as short-term collaborations alone, but as foundations for the creation of new research fields and for engagement with leading international research communities.

Looking Ahead: Perspectives and Expectations

Program Officer Haruko Takeyama noted that, alongside the launch of international joint research projects, human resource development through international exchange among early-career researchers is steadily taking root. She emphasized expectations for further deepening international research collaboration and researcher development through longer-term overseas placements, where researchers spend extended periods at host institutions and build strong, trust-based relationships.
As part of efforts to enhance international visibility and exchange, the meeting also introduced the ASPIRE Symposium, to be held this June as part of the 20th International Biotechnology Symposium and Exhibition (IBS2026).
In the closing remarks, Program Director Kenjiro Miyano encouraged researchers to pursue the next stage of their work based on their achievements and aspirations, regardless of career stage or position, and expressed hopes for the continued expansion of international research networks fostered through ASPIRE.

Building on this meeting, it is expected that projects selected under the ASPIRE Japan-based Call in the biotechnology field will further broaden their engagement on the global stage, advancing interdisciplinary and cross-project international collaboration and strengthening international research networks.

＜Reference＞

JST-ASPIRE Funded Projects

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

JST ASPIRE Symposium at IBS2026

https://www.jst.go.jp/aspire/pdf/ibs2026_flyer.pdf