Strategic Professional Development Program for Young Researchers
Top Runner Development Program Engaging Universities,
National Labs, and Companies
Strategic Professional Development Program for Young Researchers
Top Runner Development Program Engaging Universities,
National Labs, and Companies
2025/11/12
The Transborder Science Camp, targeting TRiSTAR Fellows and Pre-Fellows, was held over two days on September 10 (Wed) and 11 (Thu), 2025.
The program aimed to promote cross-disciplinary exchange beyond institutional and disciplinary boundaries, helping participants expand their professional networks and gain new inspiration for their own research through self-reflection. A total of 35 participants joined, including 15 Fellows and Pre-Fellows (current and alumni), 3 guest speakers, 3 invited lecturers, and 13 organizing staff. In addition, one presenter participated online, and many staff members from Toyama Co., Ltd., including four speakers, also joined the program.
In previous years, only first-time participants gave 3-minute talks. This year, all participants introduced their research through 1-minute speeches. Based on the theme “Looking Beyond the SDGs: Igniting International Crossover”, each participant introduced not only their own research but also SDGs their research contributes to or hopes to address.
A wide range of topics were presented, including semiconductors, cancer research, materials science, human interaction, eating behavior, and green infrastructure — showcasing the diversity of disciplines represented.
Following the main theme, invited speakers from Australia, Japan, and Singapore shared their insights:
Dr. Nasim Amiralian (University of Queensland, Australia)
“Nanocellulose Technology for Upcycling Agricultural Waste”
Dr. Amiralian presented her research on producing sustainable cellulose nanomaterials from agricultural waste. Addressing global issues such as plastic pollution and resource depletion, she introduced various applications — fibers, gels, and films — demonstrating the broad potential of bio-based materials in agriculture, electronics, and healthcare.
Mr. Hiromichi Kunimi (Deputy General Manager, Innovation Investment Department, Development Bank of Japan)
“Social Transformation Beyond the SDGs and Japan’s Innovation Investment”
Mr. Kunimi discussed the importance of creating innovations that go beyond the framework of sustainability from a financial perspective. Highlighting DBJ’s initiatives, he emphasized four key elements essential for addressing post-2030 challenges — focused investment, new ways of thinking, collaboration beyond communities, and a long-term perspective.
Professor Paulin Tay Straughan (Singapore Management University)
“Exploring the Potential of the Silver Economy in Aging Societies”
Professor Straughan introduced the work of the Research Centre for the Study of Successful Ageing (ROSA), which views older adults as social assets. Drawing on extensive longitudinal data from the Singapore Life Panel, she discussed new directions in social design that enhance well-being, community engagement, and new forms of work in an aging society.
Participants engaged in collaborative dialogue based on the concept of Effectuation to explore what lies beyond the SDGs. Through brainwriting and voting, they practiced practical decision-making processes and engaged in interdisciplinary discussions to co-create new ideas.
Themes explored through co-creation included:
Maintaining health
Mitigating global warming
Coexisting with AI
Bridging experiential gaps among children
Others
On the second day, activities were hosted at Toyama Co., Ltd., featuring a lecture by President Endo, a company tour, presentations by three Toyama employees, and a joint poster session.
President Endo shared the company’s long-standing expertise in high-precision metal processing and its commitment to global innovation while remaining rooted in the local community. Participants were deeply inspired by his passion for technological excellence and human resource development.
During the facility tour, participants observed production sites and testing equipment firsthand, gaining a tangible understanding of how fundamental research connects to real-world applications.
In the lectures by Toyama employees, they spoke from perspectives such as research skills needed in industry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and corporate culture that encourages challenges.
The joint poster session also featured posters from Toyama Co., Ltd., where active discussions were held between university researchers and company staff. Many participants expressed that the experience enhanced their ability to view research both deeply and broadly.
The final open discussion, “The Future of Industry–Academia Collaboration,” explored new relationships between universities and companies based on the idea of co-resonance and co-creation. Participants exchanged perspectives and recognized new possibilities for collaboration. Some commented that “seeing the real industrial site helped reaffirm the meaning of our research.”
Through this program, participants once again recognized the significance of TRiSTAR’s mission — to create a platform that connects academia and society through co-creation.
Free Discussion: “Two Major Barriers to Overseas Research – Balancing Work and Family”
Fellows Aya Shiba and Tatsuki Fushimi shared their experiences balancing work and family during research stays abroad. They discussed realistic challenges and creative solutions, such as accompanying family during study abroad in Boston and conducting remote research from the UK.
The discussion developed into a rich exchange covering topics such as dual-career study abroad, children’s education environments, and securing research funding.
“To those who couldn’t attend this time, I hope we can meet next year. It would be great to see everyone face to face at least once a year.”
“Being in a different environment gave me an opportunity to think more deeply about my research. I’m glad I participated.”
“It’s a valuable opportunity to interact with other Fellows and Pre-Fellows.”
Dates: September 10 (Wed) – 11 (Thu), 2025
Venues:
Day 1: Tenseien Odawara Ekibekkan (Odawara City, Kanagawa)
Day 2: Toyama Co., Ltd. (Yamakita, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Theme: Looking Beyond the SDGs: Igniting International Crossover
Organizer: University of Tsukuba, TRiSTAR Program
Participants: University and corporate researchers, and researchers from overseas partner institutions