We organized the JSPS Core-to-Core Symposium on One Health Approaches to Chemical Risk Management

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.

Dr. Anukul Buranapratheprat giving his plenary talk

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.

Prof. Kozo Watanabe offering out certificates and gifts to the poster presentation winners (From top left) Kris Lord Santos, Chalida Chompoobut, Micanaldo Ernesto Fransisco, Islem Boukara, and Dave Arthur Robledo. 

​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.