Under the scorching heat of summer, MECOHLab held its annual Summer Camp, one of the laboratory's most anticipated traditions. More than just a recreational event, the Summer Camp provides an opportunity for members to take a well-deserved break from research, strengthen friendships, and build a more connected and supportive laboratory community.
On July 13–14, 2026, lab members traveled to Rainbow Highlands for two days filled with exciting activities and meaningful interactions. This year's camp was made even more special with the participation of two MECOHLab alumni, Daiki Tanumura and Haruma Sanuki, who returned to spend time with current lab members. Their visit gave everyone a chance to reconnect, reminisce about their time in the laboratory, and share their experiences after graduation.
The camp began with a lively barbecue, where everyone enjoyed delicious food, refreshing drinks, and conversations outside the usual research setting. Throughout the day, members also participated in friendly ball games, creating an atmosphere of teamwork, laughter, and healthy competition. As the sun went down, the fun continued into the evening with homemade curry, refreshments, and card games that kept everyone entertained late into the night.
It was also a meaningful occasion to celebrate the exciting paths our alumni have taken. Daiki shared his experiences as he continues his doctoral studies at Osaka University, while Haruma Sanuki prepares for a new chapter with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), where he will soon begin his work in Africa. We are proud of their achievements and wish them every success in their future endeavors. We hope they carry the spirit of MECOHLab with them wherever their journeys take them.
The annual Summer Camp reflects MECOHLab's belief that a strong research group is built not only through scientific collaboration but also through genuine friendships and mutual support. Events like these provide valuable opportunities for members from different backgrounds and academic levels to connect, helping foster a positive and welcoming atmosphere within the lab.
As another memorable Summer Camp came to an end, everyone returned refreshed, re-energized, and ready to tackle new research challenges. We look forward to continuing this wonderful tradition and creating even more unforgettable memories together in the years ahead.

Members of the MECOH Laboratory actively participated in WET2026. Yuma Hayashi, Dewi Gustari, Md. Shafiujjaman, and Jomel Limbago presented their respective research during the conference, while Diana Rose Mamawal attended the event as a conference participant. Kozo Watanabe, Head of the MECOH Laboratory, also attended and participated in the conference. The scientific program consisted of both oral and poster presentation sessions. The oral presentations followed a three-minute presentation format, in which presenters provided a concise overview of their research, highlighting its significance, objectives, key findings, and potential implications. This session was designed to introduce each study to the audience and did not include a question-and-answer segment.

The poster presentation session, held over one hour, provided an interactive platform for participants to engage in scientific discussions with researchers, students, and faculty members from universities and research institutions around the world. Unlike the oral presentations, the poster session allowed attendees to ask questions, exchange ideas, provide constructive feedback, and discuss potential applications and future directions of the research. It also offered valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and the establishment of future research collaborations.
 
The research titles of the members are as follows: Yuma Hayashi presented his research entitled “Assessment of Antibacterial Activity and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Expression Response of Intermediate Products During Ozonation of Enrofloxacin.” Dewi Gustari presented “Genotype–Phenotype Linkage of Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Using Whole-Genome Sequencing: A One Health Perspective.” Md. Shafiujjaman presented “Mechanistic Insights into Matrix-Dependent Ozonation for Antibiotic and ARG Removal from Wastewater,” while Jomel Limbago presented “Genomic Colocalization of Adaptive and Species-Divergent Loci Is Strongest During Incipient Speciation.” Their presentations showcased the diverse research interests of the MECOH Laboratory and promoted discussions with experts from various institutions.
 

The two-day conference concluded with the presentation of the WET2026 Excellent Presentation Award, which recognizes outstanding presentations delivered during the conference. A total of 24 presenters received the award in recognition of the quality, scientific merit, and impact of their research presentations. Among the awardees were Yuma Hayashi and Jomel Limbago of the MECOH Laboratory, whose presentations were selected for this distinction. 

The participation of the MECOH Laboratory members in WET2026 strengthened scientific collaborations, facilitated the exchange of knowledge with researchers, and provided an opportunity to showcase the laboratory's research on an international platform. 

Written and Contributed by: Diana Rose Mamawal

Matsuyama, Ehime — Members of the Molecular Ecology and Health (MECOH) Laboratory participated in the 3rd CMES Workshop for Launching Interdisciplinary Communication and Knowledge Sharing (CLICKs) on July 7, 2026, joining fellow researchers and students from across the Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES).

CLICKs is an annual event that promotes in-person communication, knowledge sharing, and interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, particularly early-career scientists and students. This year's workshop brought together participants from the three CMES divisions: Ecosystem Dynamics, Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, and Ecosystem Health Sciences.
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The workshop officially opened with welcoming remarks from Associate Professor Yasutsugu Suzuki. One of the featured sessions was the laboratory introduction, where participating laboratories introduced their research themes, laboratory culture, and collaborative activities. Representing MECOH Laboratory, Von Carlo Dela Torre presented an overview of the laboratory's research and activities. Assistant Professor Kohei Hamamoto also introduced the collaborative research project, "Collaborative Research in Ecology and Oceanography: Dispersal Estimation and Connectivity," highlighting the value of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing ecological questions.

A major highlight of the workshop was the poster presentation session. Unlike conventional conferences, CLICKs encourages participants to present ongoing research and emerging ideas. MECOH Laboratory was well represented by PhD, master's, and undergraduate students, who shared their research and actively exchanged ideas with participants from different scientific disciplines.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Professor Kozo Watanabe, Head of the Office for International and Social Cooperation and leader of the MECOH Laboratory. MECOH hopes that this event will strengthen interdisciplinary partnerships while fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and scientific exchange among the next generation of researchers.