We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ivane R. Pedrosa Gerasmio as a valued collaborator from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. Her diverse range of projects showcases a deep commitment to scientific exploration, covering subjects such as crustacean identification in Panguil Bay, genetic diversity in horseshoe crabs, and reproductive biology of commercially important fish species in Illigan City.

We are thrilled to have her as our guest, as she stayed with us from the 16th of October to the 25th. During her visit, we at MECOH are glad to share our facilities to process several eDNA samples she brought from The Philippines. By working closely with her, we felt that we have made the most of each others' expertise in the name of advancing our shared scientific endeavors.

During her visit, Dr Ivane was productive. She is successful with size selection, products were amplified from the fish eDNA samples she had brought from Mindanao, and received bioinformatic analysis training throughout her stay in MECOH. 

She was given guidance from Dr. Karen Judan Cruz and Dan Joseph Logronio on both molecular biology techniques and bioinformatic analysis.

Looking forward to meeting you again with many more collaborations in the future. See you again next year Dr. Ivane!

Ph.D. student from the Lab of Biodiversity and Ecology, Korea University, Sang-Kyu Shin (申棋奎) visited MECOH lab from October 3rd to 17th with the goal of exchanging ideas and critical techniques. His background in insect taxonomy proved valuable may synergize with the expertise found in MECOH lab.   

​Sang-Kyu shared an overview of the research projects conducted in his taxonomy and ecology focused lab, with a strong focus on the study of insects, particularly mayflies and crane flies. Our guest discusses the use of molecular techniques, ecological studies, and taxonomic approaches within these research projects, shedding light into the challenges and opportunities faced in these research areas.

Sang Kyu-shin's presentation provides insights into the world of taxonomic and phylogenetic studies of insects, showcasing the importance of genetic analysis and morphological examination in understanding the diversity and classification of Mayflies and crane flies. The collaborative work within the lab and its dedication to taxonomy-based research are evident throughout the discussion, emphasizing the importance of expanding our knowledge of these insect species through multiple scientific methods.

The discussion wraps up with a mention of the potential issues facing the research, such as the need for more detailed findings, particularly in ecological studies, the possibility of collaboration with other research groups, and the nuance of advancing the field of taxonomy.

During his two-week stay in Ehime, he seek to diversify his skills. Sang-Kyu received training from experts from MECOH in the field of molecular biology and bioinformatics. ​He focused on crane fly specimens gathered from Busan, South Korea, and received training in ddRAD library preparation, consisting of genomic DNA extraction, restriction enzyme digestion, adapter ligation, PCR amplification, and size selection for sequencing, guided by our very own JSPS Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dr. Karen.

Apart from that, Sang-Kyu received training on bulk community extraction and clean up of libraries for DNA metabarcoding with Dan Joseph Logronio, MECOH's Ph.D. student. 

Taxonomy wouldn't be the same without some fieldwork! So, Sang-Kyu along with Dan made the trip to the Ishite River in Ehime Prefecture to study the ecology of the local fauna.

During the fieldwork. Dan received valuable technical advice from our guest Sang-Kyu on macrobenthic invertebrate sampling, environmental assessment for bulk community sampling of macroinvertebrates, and larvae identification to name a few.

Samples were preserved and brought back for further analysis. Not bad for a days work.

Though Sang-Kyu's stay may be short, we wish him all the best and hope to meet each other once again. Cheers!

Shafi, a new PhD candidate from Bangladesh recently joined the MECOH laboratory.

Shafi earned his BS in Fisheries and completed his MS in Aquaculture at Dhaka University. He has experience in molecular techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gene expression, and chemical analysis, particularly antibiotic and heavy metal analysis. He worked as a research assistant and actively contributed to two significant projects: 'Antibiotics and pesticides contamination in wild and farmed fishes of Bangladesh' and 'Antibiotics, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and resistance genes in fish and shrimp aquaculture in Bangladesh.' Currently, he has a strong passion for bioinformatics and antibiotic resistance, specifically in applying molecular and bioinformatics techniques to analyze antibiotic resistance patterns in clinical and environmental samples.

​Ph.D. candidate KyleYoung Low travelled to Sendai city, Miyagi to visit Prof. Daisuke Sano's lab to gain insight on critical techniques relating to his wastewater study. He is in the midst of optimising and selecting methods to extract and purify a diverse set of viral communities (viromes) from wastewater and the expertise shown by the Lab of Environmental Water Quality (EWQ) Faculty of Engineering in Tohoku University. This visit may prove to be a valuable experience for him. 

First, wastewater samples has to be collected from Matsuyama city's main wastewater treatment plant.

Then, the wastewater samples travelled together with its owner and arrived safely to the Environmental Water Quality Engineering Faculty, Tohoku University via the Shinkansen. 

The wastewater sampling protocol such as the EPISENS-S RNA extraction method was demonstrated by EWQ lab members, Marcus Sanchez and Dr. Ueki, with expertise. 

Of course, the greatest benefit of this trip is to gain first-hand experience on performing the method personally with close guidance from experts.

.Apart from experiments, it is also important to establish collaborative opportunities through discussions and research proposals. KyleYoung Low wasted no time to squeeze his presentation on "An Integrated Approach to Wastewater Viral Metagenomics: Metaviromics"

No trip would be complete without taking in the local scenery. 

ALREADY CLOSED on Sep 13, 2023!

​Molecular Ecology and Health (MECOH) Lab of Ehime Univ., Japan (PI: Prof. Kozo Watanabe; lab URL https://www.mecohlab.com/ ) is advertising for two (2) opening positions of international (non-Japanese) doctoral students with full financial support for the two research areas: 1) Freshwater Biodiversity and 2) Vector Mosquito Ecology. Applicants need to specify one research area that they want to study on their application letter. In both research areas, previous experiences of molecular laboratory analysis (e.e., DNA and RNA analysis), and/or Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis are advantage.

MECOH Lab's introductory video (Youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1d2OQmHOU0

Description of the positions:
 
Research Area 1: Freshwater Biodiversity
The successful candidate will conduct field research using stream organisms (invertebrates or bacteria) and environmental DNA (eDNA). Bioinformatic analysis of NGS data such as metabarcoding, metagenomic, ddRADseq and/or transcriptomics will be mainly used for understating of biodiversity (genetic and species diversity) and evolutionary patterns.
 
Research Area 2: Vector Mosquito Ecology
Ecological and epidemiological study of vector mosquitoes (e.g., Aedes aegypti) transmitting dengue virus and other arboviruses in tropical and subtropical countries. The successful candidate will conduct genetic analysis of vector mosquito, such as population genetics analysis and metagenomic analysis (virome and bacteriome) of mosquitoes, by combining fieldwork.
 
Application deadline and start date of the position:

• Application deadline: the 20 September, 2023 or until the positions are filled - up.
• Start date of the position: Between November 2023 – March 2024 (flexible and late start also negotiable)

 
Eligibility:

• Only non-Japanese nationals are eligible to apply for this position (Japanese nationals are not eligible).
• There is no age limit.
• Master's degree in related fields is required before the start date of the said position (not by the time of application).

 
Contract details:

• Duration of contract: Maximum of 4 years and 6 months.
• Full financial support (stipend, tuition, and round-trip ticket) is guaranteed by MECOH’s research projects, and can also be complemented by additional support from scholarships from private foundations in Japan.
• The candidate should be able to work independently, with very good or excellent English communication skills, and can work harmoniously with a team of multi-disciplinary field.

 
Application and selection processes:

• Applicants are encouraged to send the files below to Prof. Kozo Watanabe by email ( [email protected] ).

1. CV (any format)
2. Application letter within 3 pages that explains the applicant’s past research activities and motivation to study in the MECOH lab (any format)
3. PDF of the published paper/s if the applicants have any reviewed Journal publication/s.

 

• Applicants will receive an acknowledgement email from Prof. Watanabe within one week from the application date (not immediate response). If the applicants don't receive any reply, please contact Prof. Watanabe again for your confirmation.
• Shortlisted applicants will be requested for online interview (PPT based presentation and QA). Details will be provided via email.
• Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by Prof Watanabe via email.

 
If you have any questions regarding the said position, please contact the email address above.

Professor Md. Khademul Islam visited MECOH lab for 3 weeks (2023/06/19 to 2023/07/07) and he gave seminar on “​Single cell to many, many cells to single: bioinformatics analysis to demystifying genome”. Later he gave 9 days intensive lectures in Bioinformatics Workshop organized by MECOH lab for all the lab members on metagenomics and RNAseq data analysis. Every members of the lab really enjoyed and learnt a lot from him.

We are looking forward to collaborating with him for our future research projects. ​

Prof. Anna-Bella FAILLOUX from Institut Pasteur, Paris, visited our lab from June 27 to 29. She gave a comprehensive and educational seminar on the interactions between mosquito vectors and arboviruses. We all enjoyed and learned a lot about how mosquitoes transmit human pathogenic viruses and what factors affect them. In addition to scientific knowledge, her talk highlighted the importance of how you interact with the audience to encourage fair and constructive discussion. 

Prof Anna-Bella enjoyed real Japanese food!

We will welcome you at any time. See you again in Ehime or Paris!

​The establishment of the International collaborative research lab (ICRL) between Ehime University and Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) in Bandung, Indonesia inches ever closer to reality. Over a four day period from 7 June to 9 June, Prof. Dr. Kozo Watanabe, accompanied by Ph.D. candidate KyleYoung Low, revisited UNPAD at Bandung with the main goal of interviewing the ICRL representatives and setting expectations for their future roles in this collaboration. The meetings highlighted the importance of strong commitment and desire in research work, and the need for collaboration and synergy among projects between institutions.

Interestingly, with collaborations like these, opportunities could appear in unexpected places. Dr. Savira and Mr. Nurrachman Hidayath took their chance to introduce and demonstrate a prototype they were working on, a portable PCR machine named 'CILPAD', capable of rapid field deployment with just a smartphone device paired with the mobile app. 

​Dr. Ruswana Anwar, Vice Dean for Academic, Student Affair, and Research in the Universitas Padjadjaran gave a warm welcome at a sundanese restaurant. Also, it is always a pleasure to meet Dr. Lia Faridah, Dr. Savira Ekawardhani, and Dr. Nisa Fauziah again for their continued support and assistance in consolidating this ICRL. 

​

​With projects moving forward, there is much to look-forward in the future. In the mean time, Cheers! Here's to more opportunities to come!

Prof. Dr. Kozo Watanabe, accompanied by Ph.D. candidate KyleYoung Low, visited Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Their main objectives were to survey potential sampling sites, discuss future project designs, and lay the foundation for an International collaborative research lab (ICRL) in Malaysia. The 2-day visit proved to be productive.

​
​The first day, June 5th, consisted of a field survey exploring the estuary of Kuala Selangor by boat.

​After visiting an exposed seabed off the coast of the Selangor Estuary. The entourage continued the expedition car to a nearby coastal town to savour some local seafood delicacies before heading to the Selangor River Dam. Insights were gained through direct observations of the sites.

​The next day, June 6th, a series of discussions and a lab visit were underway at Universiti Malaya.

The meetings centred around the progress of the LAMER project by Dr. ChoonWeng Lee and Dr. ChuiWei Bong. They have discussed future research collaboration, avenues of establishing an International collaborative research lab (ICRL) under Ehime University at Universiti Malaya, and cross-employment opportunities for academicians. The two universities plan to combine their research goals to shine a light on global occurrences of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antibiotic pollution, metaviromics, and environmental pathogens on sites covered from the day before. Finally, a potential visit by our collaborators from Universiti Malaya is in the works.

​No stone is left unturned.

​Between meetings, the participants made a delightful visit to the botanical garden at Universiti Malaya for a guided tour with the local plant expert employed by the university. Edible parts were plucked and sampled from the medicinal plants first-hand, of course, with expert guidance! 

With all things said and done. The visit was a productive one that concluded on a high note. With each interaction, the researchers witnessed the power of collaboration and the potential it holds for advancing scientific knowledge. Despite being an ocean apart, the shared vision and dedication of the teams transcend distance, together anything is possible.

Against the backdrop of the upcoming establishment of the International collaborative research lab (ICRL) under Ehime University and Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran in Bandung, Indonesia, MECOH is glad to welcome back Dr. Lia Faridah, Dr. Savira Ekawardhani, and Dr. Nisa Fauziah. True to the agreement made back in December 2022, both universities had initiated  the JSPS Core-to-Core International Workshop on Mosquito-borne Disease Control from an Ecological Approach" which was held here at the Molecular Ecology and Health Laboratory (MEcoH Lab) between March 29 to April 8 2023. 

As a continued sign of deepening partnership between foreign and local scientists, this workshop succeeded in its purpose to consolidate future collaborative projects by advancing viable ideas in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases across tropical and subtropical regions.

Over the course of two weeks, multiple seminars covering useful methodologies were shared among parties. 

​Thoughtful discussions led by subject matter experts had closed gaps in knowledge. Some critical discussions made include drug resistance, virology, cell culture and so on.

Some hands-on lab demonstrations were done too. Covering techniques on mosquito rearing, mosquito DNA extraction techniques, cell culture, and third-generation DNA/RNAseq.

​As the workshop draws to a close, all parties involved express their immense gratitude for the opportunity created by this collaborative event.

​Although the time shared together may be short, it is all the more reason to cherish it. Let us appreciate these chance encounters, just as we appreciate the fleeting beauty of a Sakura cherry blossom. 

​The Annual International Research Colloquium between Ehime University (EU) and De La Salle University (DLSU) with the theme “Usable Science Resulting in Impact” was held last 07 March 2023 at the Media Hall, Ehime University. It was organized by the EU-DLSU International Collaborative Research Laboratory (ICRL) and sponsored by the Leading Academia in Marine and Environment Pollution Research (LaMer). The symposium aims to convene professors, researchers and PhD students of the two universities.

​To formally start the program, Prof. Kozo Watanabe gave an opening remarks. He talked about how the collaboration between EU and DLSU started, and how he wants it to continue and prosper in the coming years.
 

​The symposium had two parts: Keynote and Poster Sessions. Prof. Jonathan Dungca, the Vice President of DLSU Laguna Campus and Dean of the DLSU School for Innovation and Sustainability, introduced the campuses, research centers and facilities of DLSU, and emphasized the importance of the EU-DLSU ICRL at the Laguna Campus in his Keynote Speech. On the other hand, Dr. Ma. Luisa Enriquez, a Professorial Lecturer at DLSU and Associate Professor at EU, discussed cytogenomics of insects for evolutionary trends and agricultural applications.
 

​Fifteen scientific posters on medical and health, agriculture, and biodiversity were presented during the symposium. Eight scientific posters were from EU delegates and seven from DLSU. The poster session served as a good avenue for sharing ideas and opened up new possible collaborations between EU and DLSU. Marynold Purificacion (EU-DLSU ICRL), Kenneth Bongulto (EU) and Kris Lord Santos (DLSU) won the Best Poster awards.
 
 

Prof. Divina Amalin, Director of the Center for Natural Science and Environmental Research at DLSU, ended the program by thanking all the participants and sponsors. To capped off that very productive day,  DLSU guests and some MECoH Lab members had a dinner party at Okaido. 

Faculty and research staff of the De La Salle University Laguna Campus visited the Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University with the goal of strengthening their collaboration. DLSU guests were warmly welcomed at Prof. Kozo Watanabe’s residence on their first night in Matsuyama, Ehime. 

The next day, they visited the Molecular Ecology and Health Laboratory (MEcoH Lab) and had a tour of its facilities. Kenneth Bongulto (Research student), Ngure Kagia (Research student) and Dr. Anwar Hossain (JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow) showed them around the Molecular Laboratory and shared their on-going projects on antimicrobial resistance. The MEcoH Lab’s Insectary was shown by Assoc. Prof. Yasutsugu Suzuki and Irish Coleen Asin (Research student). Jerica Reyes (PhD student) and Dan Joseph Logronio (Research student) demonstrated cell culture and environmental DNA (eDNA) extraction techniques, respectively. 

​DLSU delegates also had a meeting with the four (4) CMES full professors, wherein they discussed how each research center can contribute mutually. Prof. Hisato Iwata and Prof. Tatsuya Kunisue (Division of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology) and Prof. Xinyu Guo (Division of Environmental Dynamics) also gave short tours on their facilities after the collaboration meeting. 

Dr. Anwar Hossain is working as Professor of the Department of Fisheries (Aquaculture Branch), Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. He did his PhD in the field of Environmental Risk Management from Yokohama National University, Japan. His research emphasis on antibiotics and AMR risk assessment and management in aquaculture as well as aquatic environment. 
He is an enthusiastic researcher, working with national and international scientists from different countries like Japan, USA, Australia, and Canada etc. 
He has more than 50 research articles in his credit, published in national and international reputed journals (Exposure and Health, Chemosphere, Environmental Research, Global Food Security, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, AMB Express, Biological Trace Element Research, Chemistry and Ecology, Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, etc.).

Currently he is working as JSPS postdoctoral fellow under Prof. Kozo Watanabe at MECOH Lab, Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Japan.
His key research interest is the pollution of emerging pollutants in Natural and Aquaculture Environment particularly Antibiotics and AMR contamination. 

The 3rd Symposium of the JSPS Core-to-Core program was conducted at Swiss-Bel Resort, Bali, Indonesia last December 17, 2022. The symposium was organized by The University of Tokyo (IFI), Yamagata University, Ehime University, and Udayana University. The goal of the symposium was to discuss how climate change impacts key areas i.e. health, infectious disease prevention, nutrition, food security, and sustainability. 

Prof. Kensuke Fukushi (The University of Tokyo, IFI) and Prof. lr. Linawati (Udayana University) delivered the welcome remarks followed by four main sessions: (1) climate change impact moderated by Prof. Kensuke Fukushi, (2) environment moderated by Prof. Toru Watanabe, (3) health, nutrition, and food moderated by Prof. Kozo Watanabe, and (4) early career and student: climate, environment & health, nutrition & food moderated by Tri Atmaja (Ph.D. student at the University of Tokyo). 

The first three sessions of the symposium tackled the global issues concerning food production, food security, water quality and access, agriculture, mosquito vectors, and mosquito-borne diseases. These sessions highlighted the need to accelerate efforts that can help minimize the risks and threats of long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Both mitigation and adaptation should be considered when developing new initiatives to resolve these issues. 

The final session focused on early career scientists and students who were given the opportunity to share their researches. One research aimed to use a remote sensing analysis for the assessment of coastal flood loss and damage linked to climate change whereas other researches were geared towards strengthening food system resilience, sustainable food consumption, and disease prevention. Atikah Fitria Muharommah and Jerica Reyes, Ph.D. students from MECOH lab, presented their works on the population genetic structure of Aedes aegypti as well as the use of Wolbachia and CRISPR-Cas 9 tool for understanding Dengue infection within the vector host. 

The symposium served as an avenue for the scientific discussion of problems caused by climate change. Also, It was a way to establish collaboration between attending institutions and mobilize solutions for the attainment of a climate neutral environment. 

Dr. Kozo Watanabe and Jerica Reyes (Ph.D. student) visited the Universitas Padjadjaran in Bandung Indonesia to discuss their long-standing collaboration. For the past years, the MECOH lab has conducted projects focusing on arthropod-borne diseases together with Dr. Lia Faridah, Dr. Savira Ekawardhani, and Dr. Nisa Fauziah. They discussed future research collaboration in the meeting and the prospect of establishing a satellite laboratory under Ehime University at the Universitas Padjadjaran. 

Dr. Ruswana Anwar, Vice Dean for Academic, Student Affair, and Research in the Universitas Padjadjaran attended the meeting to exchange ideas regarding the satellite laboratory. One of the main goals of the satellite laboratory is to strengthen the international collaborative research between Ehime University and Universitas Padjadjaran. Both universities intend to collaborate on researches involving Dengue, Malaria, and Anti-microbial Resistance (AMR). The two universities plan to merge their research goals to resolve global issues on both health and the environment. 

The meeting also included a tour of the research facilities in the Universitas Padjadjaran. Their facilities include a cell culture room, cytogenetics laboratory, immunology laboratory, next-generation sequencing, and a MoVi Labtainer which is a recent addition to handle COVID-19 samples. 

To conclude the day, everyone enjoyed some of the local Indonesian food! 

​Dr. Shinji Takahashi from Tohoku University, together with the Molecular Ecology and Health Laboratory members Mr. Arthien Pelingen (Researcher), Mr. Karim Clivaz (M2), and Mr. Tsubasa Moriya (B4), collected environmental DNA (eDNA) and macroinvertebrates from Tenryu River, Shizuoka Prefecture on November 9-11, 2022.

​This recently concluded field work also serves as a follow-up of the August collection trip this year (Read here: collaborative-fieldwork-of-three-universities-in-kizu-and-tenryu-rivers.html). Accordingly, we focused on (1) identifying Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis) spawning sites and on (2) observing macroinvertebrate distribution in relation to the riverine spatial habitat diversity. 

​On this three-day activity, we have successfully confirmed spawning of Ayu this season and positively identified different habitat types as we recorded various environmental parameters such as water temperature, pH, turbidity, etc. to be correlated in several macroinvertebrate studies.

Ehime University-Center for Marine Environmental Studies (EU-CMES) represented by the head of the Molecular Ecology and Health (MEcoH) Laboratory, Dr. Kozo Watanabe and JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Khristina Judan Cruz visited the Central Luzon State University, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines last October 12-13, 2022 for initial talks on the establishment of an EU satellite office in CLSU as well as the possibility of a cross-appointment of CLSU faculty members to EU. Dr. Watanabe and Dr. Judan Cruz discussed future EU-CLSU activities with CLSU President Dr. Edgar A. Orden, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Renato G. Reyes, Dean of the College of Science Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, Dean of the College of Fisheries Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco and Director for Freshwater Aquaculture Center-CLSU Dr. Karl Marx A. Quiazon. A Memorandum of Understanding between the two universities was signed last January 22, 2022 to establish and strengthen International Collaboration for academic and research activities.
​

​​Dr. Watanabe also visited several research projects and facilities in CLSU such as the CLSU Nanotechnology Facility and the Freshwater Aquaculture Center. The visit coincided with the CLSU Research Innovation and Development (RIDe) Festival that highlighted quality outputs of the university’s research and development  projects.

​Current research collaboration between MEcoH and CLSU includes the genome-wide scan of genetically-improved tilapia particularly the FaST strain developed by CLSU, and integrating nanotechnology with bioactive compounds for anti-quorum sensing and anticancer evaluations.

​Dr. Kozo Watanabe, head of the Molecular Ecology and Health (MEcoH) Laboratory, Ehime University (EU), together with Dr. Yasutsugu Suzuki (Project Associate Professor) and Ms. Irish Coleen Asin (PhD candidate) from the same laboratory visited the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB), University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman), Quezon City, Philippines last October 10, 2022. 

​The representatives from Ehime University as well as Dr. Thaddeus Carvajal, Associate Professor at De La Salle University, met with Dr. Ma. Anita Bautista, Professor and Principal Investigator of the Functional Genomics Laboratory (FGL) of NIMBB-UP Diliman, for a talk on possible future collaboration between Ehime University and NIMBB. Also present in the meeting were Ms. Adria Lao (PhD candidate), Ms. Coleen Pangilinan (MSc candidate), and Mr. Aldwin Adiong (BSc candidate) of FGL-NIMBB who have presented their past and current research works on mosquito viral metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. Overall, this kick-off meeting provided an opportunity to build good rapport from both sides, and to set out and discuss various areas for collaborative work on mosquito research projects.

​Dr. Watanabe, Dr. Suzuki, and Ms. Asin have also been a given a tour of the facilities of NIMBB as well as the University of the Philippines System – Philippine Genome Center during this fruitful visit.

Representatives from Ehime University (EU) and De La Salle University (DLSU) celebrated the official opening of the EU-DLSU International Collaborative Research Laboratory (ICRL) located at the George S.K. Ty Advanced Instrumentation Bldg, DLSU Laguna Campus on Tuesday morning, 11 October 2022. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Dr. Kozo Watanabe, Professor of Molecular Ecology and Health (MEcoH) Laboratory at the Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), EU, and Dr. Jonathan Dungca, Vice President for Laguna Campus and Dean of the College. Also present were Dr. Divina Amalin, Director of the Center for Natural Sciences and Environmental Research (CENSER), Drs. Ma. Luisa Enriquez, Mary Jane Flores, Thaddeus Carvajal, faculty members at the Department of Biology, DLSU, and members of the Biological Control Research Unit, CENSER. Also present are Dr. Yasutsugu Suzuki, Associate Professor of EU-CMES, and Ms. Irish Coleen Asin, PhD candidate from UE-CMES.

​The ceremony was followed by a tour of the facilities at the ICRL. The laboratory is equipped with advanced research infrastructure in line with its vision to “be the leading research unit dedicated to advancing, applying and facilitating high standards of research practice for Philippine and Japanese students, faculty and staff of both universities.” Under the mentorship of recognized scientists from EU and DLSU, the ICRL will provide a hub in conducting high-quality collaborative research between Filipino and Japanese students, faculty, and staff.

​A seminar session was also conducted wherein Dr. Kozo Watanabe first discussed the functions and roles of the EU-DLSU ICRL. Dr. Thaddeus Carvajal and Dr. Yasutsugu Suzuki also delivered their talks on “The Importance of Studying Vector Biology & Ecology of Mosquito-borne Diseases for Designing Appropriate Vector Control Strategies” and “Understanding Mosquito-virus Interactions Toward Vector Control”, respectively. The seminar was livestreamed and was attended by participants online.

​The ICRL is a product of a long standing cooperation between the two universities that started in 2016. In October 21, 2021, the Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Dr. Nishina Hiroshige, President of EU, and Br. Bernard Oca, President of DLSU, to start the establishment of ICRL (then known as the Ehime University Satellite Office Philippines). Currently, the ICRL implements several privately and publicly funded research projects, and houses the Center for Vector of Diseases of Public Health Importance in the Philippines for Region IV, a niche center under the DOST Science for Change Program.

​On 17th - 22nd September 2022, Professor Kozo Watanabe visited two universities in Bangladesh -Dhaka University, at Dhaka city and Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU), at Tangail city. Professor Watanabe attended in several meetings and seminars organized by both universities and discussed about the possible way of future collaborations. 

Mohamad Mosleh Uddin, a PhD student of MECoH lab went Bangladesh (22nd August -28th September, 2022) for his sampling purpose. He collected mosquito samples from the Dhaka City area.

Along these large rivers, different habitat types were identified, inspected, and compared with one another. Despite the scorching heat, the fieldwork was successful as samples for several projects were collected including macroinvertebrates and eDNA.