We are thrilled to welcome back Dr. Ivane R. Pedrosa-Gerasmio from Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, who is leading a LaMer-approved project on the non-invasive detection of horseshoe crabs in the waters of Palawan and Tawi-Tawi using environmental DNA (eDNA). During her initial visit from October 16 to 25, 2023, Dr. Gerasmio laid the groundwork for potential collaborations and received specialized training in eDNA analysis and double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing.

Building on that foundation, Dr. Gerasmio returned this year for a month-long research visit, from September 19 to October 18, 2024. She focused on the intricate process of preparing libraries and sequencing eDNA samples collected from various regions across the Philippines, working closely with Dan Joseph Logronio, a PhD student specializing in eDNA metabarcoding at the MECOH Laboratory, Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University.

While in Japan, Dr. Gerasmio also had the privilege of attending two prestigious symposiums that coincided with her stay: the JSPS Core-to-Core Program B. Asia-Africa Science Platforms International Symposium on One Health Approaches to Chemical Risk Management in Ehime, from September 30 to October 1, 2024, and the LaMer Symposium on Metabolomics and Advanced Analytical Technologies in the Study of Insects, Vector-Borne Diseases, and Biological Control on October 2, 2024. These experiences not only deepened her expertise but also helped her build valuable connections within the international research community.

“Collaboration is the key to unlocking new insights and addressing the environmental challenges we face today. I am grateful for the opportunities provided by LaMer, the JSPS Core-to-Core Program, and Dr. Kozo Watanabe to contribute to this vital research and to learn from experts in the field.”

- Dr. Ivane P. Gerasmio

We are excited about future collaborative endeavors and look forward to welcoming Dr. Ivane back again. 

By Kohei Hamamoto.

Following the JSPS Core-to-Core Symposium, the LaMer Symposium on “Metabolomics and Advanced Analytical Technologies in the Study of Insects, Vector-Borne Diseases, and Biological Control” was held on October 2nd, 2024. At this event, eight distinguished speakers from various research fields were invited to present their recent achievements.

The symposium began with opening remarks by Prof. Kozo Watanabe, who emphasized the importance of international collaboration. In the first session, talks focused on the application of metabolomics, volatilomics, and biological materials such as seaweed for human health and plant pest prevention. Active Q&A sessions were held among speakers and participants.

​In the second session, interesting biological countermeasures against helminths, as well as practical research applications and the forefront of mosquito research, were introduced. This was followed by a panel discussion on two key topics: “Future Directions for Implementing Multiple Techniques to Investigate Insects and Vector-Borne Diseases” and “Towards Better Mosquito Control by Crossing Boundaries.” The panelists engaged in active multidisciplinary discussions and shared hopeful messages for future collaboration.

​In summary, more than 40 people attended the symposium, most of whom were early-career scientists such as undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, or postdoctoral fellows. We hope this networking opportunity will lead to collaborative research in the near future, especially among the young researchers who connected at these successive symposiums.

The Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES) hosted the "JSPS Core-to-Core Symposium on One Health Approaches to Chemical Risk Management in Ehime" on September 30 and October 1!

​At this symposium, researchers from various disciplines gathered to present their latest research findings. The goal was to mitigate the impact of chemicals used in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, aquaculture, and livestock farming on the environment and ecosystems while simultaneously protecting human health, increasing the productivity of crops, farmed fish, and livestock, and safeguarding livelihoods. Additionally, around 30 researchers from five countries in South and Southeast Asia were invited to participate in lively discussions on the challenges faced by each country and the efforts being made toward solutions. 

​The symposium, which lasted one and a half days, attracted around 100 participants. There were 16 oral presentations and 56 poster presentations. In the keynote address, Dr. Anukul Buranapratheprat from Burapha University in Thailand, who has long collaborated with CMES, presented the latest knowledge in marine research and discussed the history of joint research with CMES and prospects for the future.

The poster presentations, primarily by students, also saw many students and early-career researchers from CMES taking on the challenge of presenting and discussing their research in English.

Awards and tokens of appreciation were given out.

​On the evening of the first day, a social mixer dinner was held, fostering international exchange in a more casual atmosphere. In consideration of the Muslim participants, all the food provided was halal (special thanks to the venue, vala KIELO!). This symposium focused not only on presenting research results and fostering discussions but also on building future international networks, making it a very meaningful event in that regard as well.

​The symposium saw active discussions from various perspectives, marking an important step toward future international collaborative research and network building. While the location for next year’s JSPS Core-to-Core Symposium has not yet been decided, we aim to continue creating such opportunities for discussion to further strengthen international and interdisciplinary networks and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society in South and Southeast Asia.