On 29–30 June 2026, JST hosted the ASPIRE Biotechnology Symposium, titled “Connect, Collaborate, Innovate: Global Partnerships in Biotechnology through ASPIRE,” at the 20th International Biotechnology Symposium and Exhibition (IBS2026) in Kobe, Japan. The symposium featured approximately 50 speakers and provided an international platform to showcase outcomes from ASPIRE-supported collaborative research projects, while fostering new connections among researchers from around the world.

The symposium reflected ASPIRE’s core objectives of fostering collaboration with world-leading researchers, building sustainable international research networks, and developing the next generation of research leaders. During the opening session, Program Officers Haruko Takeyama and Hiroshi Shimizu highlighted the significance of ASPIRE as an unprecedented large-scale international research initiative and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary and international collaboration.

Sharing Research Outcomes and Models of Global Collaboration

The symposium featured presentations from nine ASPIRE-supported projects. Researchers from Japan and partner countries presented their latest achievements across a broad range of biotechnology fields, including biomanufacturing, marine biotechnology, plant science, synthetic biology, artificial cells, and systems biology.

Beyond scientific results, presenters also discussed how international research partnerships were established and maintained across different research cultures and environments. These sessions demonstrated practical approaches to developing international research communities and creating collaborative research environments that actively engage the next generation of scientists.

Early-Career Researchers Share Their Experiences and Aspirations

On the second day, the Early Career Researchers (ECR) Lightning Talks featured 17 student researchers, who shared their international research experiences and future aspirations. They reflected on the impact that research stays at overseas partner institutions had on their scientific development and career perspectives.

Presentations highlighted not only new research findings and technical skills acquired through international collaboration, but also the development of communication skills, confidence in conducting scientific discussions across cultures, and broader perspectives gained through engagement with international research communities. Several presenters reflected on how participation in ASPIRE had influenced their career decisions. Some described gaining the confidence to pursue an academic research career, while others spoke about overcoming the challenges and uncertainties associated with conducting research abroad. These presentations illustrated how international research experiences can shape both professional development and personal growth.

The discussions and networking opportunities following the session enabled participants to build new connections, explore future collaborative opportunities, and strengthen their sense of belonging within the global research community.

Exploring the Future of AI and Biotechnology

The first day featured a keynote lecture by Paul Freemont, Director of the London Biofoundry at Imperial College London, entitled “Automated Labs and AI: Opportunities and Challenges for Engineering and Generative Biology.” Professor Freemont introduced emerging developments in Generative Biology, a rapidly evolving field that combines artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and large-scale biological data to accelerate the design of biological systems and genomes. He also discussed the role of biofoundries as key infrastructures for future biomanufacturing and highlighted the importance of standardized, AI-ready biological data, biosecurity considerations, and international cooperation in building sustainable biotechnology ecosystems.

The lecture stimulated lively discussion among symposium participants and IBS attendees, reflecting strong international interest in the convergence of AI, automation, and biotechnology.

Looking Ahead

The symposium attracted up to 130 participants at its peak and served as an important platform for sharing not only scientific achievements but also the value of international collaboration and researcher development. In particular, the ECR session provided a platform for young researchers to share, in their own words, their international research experiences and future aspirations. During the closing remarks, ASPIRE Program Director Kenjiro Miyano highlighted the experiences and growth shared by student researchers during the ECR session and emphasized that early international research experiences can have a profound impact not only on research careers but also on personal development and life trajectories.

The symposium demonstrated tangible progress toward ASPIRE’s goals of advancing international collaborative research and promoting global researcher mobility. It is expected that the research outcomes and international networks emerging from ASPIRE-funded projects will continue to develop, while the next generation of researchers who gain experience through international partnerships will play increasingly important roles within the global scientific community.

＜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

Report (in Japanese)

https://www.jst.go.jp/report/2026/260821.html