Speaker: Sachiko Urquhart (English Language Company /Marketing Manager)

Title: Coming Soon

Date&Time: 27 November 2026 (Fri.) 15:00-16:30

Venue: Online (Zoom only)

Abstract:

Coming Soon

Email address for correspondance: daigakuin-kyoiku.jimu@ms.kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Speaker: Okubo Yusuke (Head, Section 4, Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences)

Title: Principles and Emerging Approaches in the Safety Assessment of Pharmaceuticals and Environmental Chemicals

Date&Time: 29 October 2026 (Thu.) 15:00-16:30

Venue: Miyamoto Memorial Hall, Oe campus, Kumamoto University

Abstract:

A wide variety of chemicals are used in our daily lives, and animal studies continue to play an important role in evaluating their safety. In recent years, both the development of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), including cell-based assays, and consideration of their use in regulatory safety assessment have progressed internationally. These efforts aim to improve animal welfare and make safety assessment more relevant to humans.

This presentation introduces the role of the National Institute of Health Sciences and the basic principles of safety assessment for pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other chemicals. It also presents our research on NAMs for evaluating the effects of chemicals on embryonic and fetal development. In addition, it introduces efforts to refine animal testing through the use of new technologies. Finally, it discusses how the reliability of new methods is evaluated and how researchers, industry, and regulatory authorities work together to enable their use in safety assessment.

Email address for correspondance: daigakuin-kyoiku.jimu@ms.kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Speaker: KUWANO Akari (Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.)

Title: Conducting Research in the Corporate World: Insights from My Experience as a Cosmetics Researcher

Date&Time: 8 October 2026 (Thu.) 15:00-16:30

Venue: Miyamoto Memorial Hall, Oe campus, Kumamoto University

Abstract:

After graduate school, you can not only pursue a career in academia but also in corporate research. In this lecture, I will share my personal experience, focusing on how my graduate school research led me to a research career at a cosmetics company and on the unique appeal of corporate research that I have discovered through my work. In addition to producing research results, corporate research plays an important role in collaborating across diverse specialized fields and job functions to translate those results into value for society and consumers. I will also discuss how the skills I developed in graduate school have been applied in my current role, as well as how my perspective on my career has evolved over time. I hope this lecture will offer some useful insights as you consider your future career paths and ways of working.

Email address for correspondance: daigakuin-kyoiku.jimu@ms.kumamoto-u.ac.jp

Speaker: HORITA Taiji (TAISEI CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.)

Title: Alongside the Evolution of Medicine: Our Passion and Challenges

Date&Time: 24 July. (Fri.) 2026,  15:00-16:30

Venue: Miyamoto Memorial Hall, Oe campus, Kumamoto University

Abstract:

In recent years, pharmaceuticals have undergone a remarkable evolution, driven by the rise of biopharmaceuticals and the development of new modalities such as gene therapies, cell therapies, and nucleic acid medicines. In addition, there is a growing need for contributions that address social needs, such as rare diseases, emerging infectious diseases, and sustainability.

Containers and medical devices used to safely protect and store these cutting-edge pharmaceuticals must also evolve accordingly. In this lecture, using concrete examples, I will explain the perspectives we apply in our daily work, the specific measures and innovations we are implementing to address these needs, and how we are contributing to patients, medical institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and society as a whole. By sharing our ongoing challenges in manufacturing, I hope this lecture will encourage you to take a deeper interest in the industries that surround pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

Email address for correspondance：　daigakuin-kyoiku[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

Speaker: MORISHITA Daisuke (Founder & Chief Executive Officer, SODAI Therapeutics, Inc.)

Title: When Will You Stake Everything on Your Life After Just Building Your Career?: Practical Approaches to Launching Drug-Discovery Startups, Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration, and Social Implementation

Date&Time: 18 Jun. (Thu.) 2026,  13:00-14:30

Venue: Miyamoto Memorial Hall, Oe campus, Kumamoto University

Abstract:

Drawing on experience working across pharmaceutical companies, academia, and drug-discovery startups, this lecture will discuss how to translate drug-discovery innovations originating in Japan into practical societal applications. It will also provide a comprehensive overview of the entire process—from discussing starting a business with family, navigating a stable career and risks, identifying core business opportunities, and bridging the gap through industry-academia-government collaboration, securing grants and fundraising, all the way to exit strategies including IPOs and M&A. In addition, it will share practical knowledge and determination to transform research into healthcare that reaches patients, rather than leaving it merely academic. It also hopes to provide concrete perspectives for those aspiring to start businesses or implement solutions in society, helping them to envision their own paths and challenges.

Email address for correspondance：　daigakuin-kyoiku[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

*This seminar will also be held as part of the annual “Career Development Seminar” for graduate students.
Open to master’s and doctoral students from all fields, including science and engineering. Undergraduate students are also welcome! (You can participate even if you are not registered for the course.)

This seminar will provide extremely useful information for those who have completed doctoral studies and are aiming to find employment in corporate research and development departments, or in fields requiring a high level of expertise, so students who are interested are encouraged to attend.

Speaker: ASAOKA Rin (Academia Relation Team, Corporate Management Department, Acaric Co., Ltd.)

Title: An Unconventional Way of Using a PhD: From Researcher to Education & Career Supporter

Date&Time: 13 Nov. (Thu.) 2025,  15:00-16:30

Venue: General Education Building 4F C401,  Kurokami North Campus, Kumamoto University

*Simultaneous interpretation into English will be provided. If you wish to participate, please bring a computer or smartphone and earphones.

Abstract:

After earning my PhD, I began working as a fixed-term researcher. Yet, I often asked myself whether I was truly suited for a research career. After going through significant life events, including marriage, I eventually made a decision to change my career path. After working in several different positions, I joined Acaric Co., Ltd., where I now draw on all of my previous experiences to support master’s and doctoral students in developing their career paths.

Throughout my career changes, what I valued most was placing great importance on clearly defining my core values and developing the ability to effectively present myself. I not only reflected on my work but also faced my life as a whole, setting priorities for what I truly wanted to cherish. Although my journey is still going on, I would like to share the story of one PhD holder striving to discover a life that is uniquely her own.

Email address for correspondance：　daigakuin-kyoiku[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

Speaker: Teppei Kuroda (Representative Director, Yoko Co., Ltd.)

Title: Encounters Change Your Life: Connecting with People, Starting a Business, and Making a Local Community Vibrant & Affluent

Date&Time: 23 Oct. (Thu.) 2025,  13:00-14:30

Venue: Lecture room2 (3F), Medical Education Library Building, Kumamoto University

Abstract:

Delinquency, setbacks, and years of groundwork in society—my life was far from smooth sailing. Yet encounters with people became the turning point that set everything in motion. When I first felt, “I want to support this person,” “entrepreneurship” became a reality for me, eventually leading to work that also addresses challenges within the community. In this class, I will share a real-life story of how personal connections led to entrepreneurship and ultimately to community revitalization. This class is intended especially for those who feel, “I want to make something different with my own strength” or “I want to be of help to someone.”

Email address for correspondance：　daigakuin-kyoiku[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

Speaker:    Kenichi Higashino（Director and Head of the Corporate Planning Division, Shionogi Techno Advance Research Co., Ltd.）

Title:   What does “drug discovery” mean? 　～ Insights from SHIONOGI x STAR ～

Date&Time: 17 Oct. (Fri.) 2025,  15:00-16:30

Venue: 　Miyamoto Memorial Hall, Oe campus, Kumamoto University

Abstract:

Japan is one of the world’s leading countries in the development of new drugs. Not only does it contribute to medical care through the innovative drugs it creates, but the pharmaceutical industry also contributes to Japan’s economic growth through its stable tax-bearing capacity. However, compared to the rest of the world, Japan’s drug market is struggling to grow, raising concerns about drug loss. Furthermore, there are fears about the declining drug discovery capabilities of Japan’s pharmaceutical industry.
In this lecture, I would like to introduce the Shionogi Group, a domestic pharmaceutical company, to the students of Kumamoto University and those enrolled in the program. I will also present the current state of the pharmaceutical industry and the drug discovery process based on my experience in drug discovery research at Shionogi & Co., Ltd. and Shionogi Techno Advance Research Co., Ltd. I hope this serves as an opportunity to consider drug discovery research within companies and the future of drug discovery.

Email address for correspondance：　daigakuin-kyoiku[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

Speaker:    Takamitsu Asano（Boarding Director, MSD inc. / Boarding Director, Learning Initiative inc. / Boarding Director, Space Food Lab. inc.）

Title:   the Space Paradigm and Changes in Life in Space and on Earth ~The “invisible infrastructure” shaping the next 50 years~

Date&Time: 5 Jun. (Thu.) 2025,  13:00-14:30

Venue: 　 Conference room (6F) , Honjo North 2  (Medical Education & Library Building), Honjo Campus, Kumamoto University

Abstract:

We are now on the threshold of a new paradigm shift. Following the industrial,biotechnological, and IT revolutions, the “space paradigm” is the one that willdetermine the next 50 years. This means not only rockets and satellites, but also spaceexploration, lunar resource development, and the evolution of space technology, all ofwhich will have a profound impact on industry and life on Earth. . In this lecture, wewill consider how local communities, universities, and young human resources shouldface this great wave from these perspectives, using actual examples.

Email address for correspondance：　daigakuin-kyoiku[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）

Speaker:    Po Chen　（CEO & Founder of CancerFree Biotech, Taiwan）

Title:　AI-Powered Entrepreneurship: Shaping the Future of Healthcare Innovation         

Date&Time: 20 Dec. (Fri.) 2024,  13:15-14:45

Venue:   Miyamoto Memorial Hall,  Oe campus, Kumamoto University

* This seminar can also be attended through Zoom.
Zoom ID and password
“HIGO企業・行政セミナー/ HIGO Business and Governmental Seminar（2024年度～）” on Moodle.
https://md.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/course/view.php?id=119852

Abstract:

Po Chen is the founder and CEO of CancerFree Biotech, Taiwan. Prior to founding CancerFree Biotech, he worked in the United States specializing in IT, database management, and security. In this seminar, he will share insights on career development, the startup ecosystem, an overview of CancerFree Biotech, and the impact of current AI technologies on transforming the work processes.

Poster PDF: 20241220bs

Email address for correspondance：　higo-program[atmark]jimu.kumamoto-u.ac.jp （[atmark]→@）