The 14th Annual Symposium of the Indian Scientists Association in Japan (ISAJ), with the theme Integrated Science for a Sustainable Society, was held at Hokkaido University on November 10, 2023. The symposium consisted of a full day of interdisciplinary sessions encompassing various fields of science and technology. A major objective of the symposium was to create an opportunity for students and young scientists in Japan, to showcase their research, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations.

Attendees of the 14th Annual ISAJ Symposium. (Photo: Sohail Keegan Pinto)

The opening session of the Symposium was opened by convener Assistant Professor P. K. Hashim, Research Institute for Electronic Science (RIES), Hokkaido University, who gave a brief introduction to the symposium. Dr. Sunil Kaul, AIST, Chairman of the ISAJ, welcomed the gathering, and spoke of the history of the ISAJ. The inaugural address was made by the Ambassador of India to Japan, Mr. Sibi George, in the form of a pre-recorded video. His Excellency described the recent history of India-Japan diplomatic relationship with a focus on the ongoing partnerships in scientific research. Executive Vice President Aya Takahashi, Hokkaido University, and Professor Kuniharu Ijiro, Director, RIES, Hokkaido University, spoke of Hokkaido University and the RIES’ long relationship with researchers from India. The opening session was closed by Dr. Alok Singh, NIMS, Vice Chairman of the ISAJ.

The inaugural address by H. E. Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan.

During the inaugural session, Professor Nobuyuki Tamaoki, Hokkaido University, was awarded the ISAJ Mentorship Award, recognizing his mentorship of a large number of Indian students over the last 20 years.

Alok Singh (left) and Sunil Kaul (center) presenting the ISAJ Mentorship Award to Nobuyuki Tamaoki (right).

The symposium was taken up by four sessions, each with a mix of keynote and invited speakers. About half the invited speakers were young scientists early in their careers. A luncheon seminar on pursuing a research career in Japan, for the student participants in the symposium, and a poster presentation session were also held. At the end of the symposium, three best poster presentation award winners were announced.

The poster session in progress.

Co-convener Assistant Professor Abhijit Shrotri, RIES, Hokkaido University brought the symposium to a close, congratulating the organizers and participants on an excellent event, and laying out a few plans for the next installment of the symposium.

Reflecting on the symposium, Hashim said, “In 2010, during my second year as a doctoral student at Hokkaido University, I attended the first ISAJ symposium in Tokyo. Ever since, I have wanted to bring the symposium to Sapporo, to give students at Hokkaido University the opportunity to participate in it while staying close to home. This edition of the symposium was organized by the Hokkaido Chapter of the ISAJ. We were strongly supported in this endeavor by Hokkaido University, RIES and the Indian Embassy in Japan.” 

Written by Sohail Keegan Pinto