*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]→@）

Speaker:    McGregor Daniel Thomas (PARAKARO Corporation President)

Title:  Tales from the Gemba: The present and future of foreign HR in suburban Japanese

Date&Time: 15 Nov. (Fri.) 2024,  15:00-16:30

Venue: 225, Faculty of Engineering Bldg. II  2F, Kurokami South 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:

In recent years, there have been increasing calls within Japan to accept more foreign HR in order to mitigate the issues associated the country’s low birthrate and rapidly aging population. However, many companies still hesitate to employ foreign nationals even while acknowledging the necessity and benefits to doing so. This trend is particularly prevalent outside of large urban areas.

As an employee and later the president of a company with over 30 years serving Japanese multinationals and governmental agencies nationwide, I have seen a vast range of workplaces. Based on my experiences, I will explain the reality of the Japanese gemba, or production lines; the factors which have led to this reality; possible solutions to the issues on the gemba; some skills required of foreign workers by Japanese companies; and expected future trends vis-à-vis foreign labour in Japan.

Poster PDF: 20241115bs

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

Speaker:    KIKUCHI Masahiko  (The University of Tokyo, Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center )

Title:   How to overcome barriers, the so-called “valley of death,” to the practical application of pharmaceutical products －How can we spot opportunities and take action? －

Date&Time: 25 Oct. (Thu.) 2024,  15:00-16:30

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
＊Remote Simultaneous Interpretation available

Abstract:

After completing the doctoral course as an inaugural student at the Kumamoto University Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and working for a pharmaceutical company for about 30 years, I have been working in the academic and business fields for about 8 years. Having the opportunity to speak at this seminar made me realize how useful my experience at the Kumamoto University Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences had been. In this seminar, I will primarily discuss the research and control of infectious diseases to prepare for possible future pandemics, which is my main job and is being conducted as a national project at the University of Tokyo. I will additionally discuss past drug research and development projects because the pandemic is not a timely topic as the prevalence of COVID-19 has declined. I would like the participants to join me in thinking about mindsets that may help us make life-changing decisions and choose better paths.

Specifically, the presentation will consist of the following topics:

1. The development of automatic contrast medium injection systems for computer tomography (pharmaceutical companies)
2. A shift of the administration method of Cravit, a quinolone antibacterial agent, to once a day dosing based on the latest evidence (pharmaceutical companies)
3. The launch of vaccine businesses by companies (pharmaceutical companies)
4. The application of natural products to drug discovery (Kumamoto University Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences)
5. The efforts conducted by the UTOPIA Center (The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection and Advanced Research Center), which is a flagship research center for the national project led by the government, and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development’s (AMED) Strategic Center of Biomedical Advanced Vaccine Research and Development for Preparedness and Response (SCARDA) to promote the formation of world-class vaccine research and development centers (The University of Tokyo)
6. Starting businesses (NBM Planning Inc., C-HAS+ Inc.)

Poster PDF:  20241025bs

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

Speaker:    KOROKI Yosuke  (Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K.)

Title:　How to become an internationally competitive talent

Date&Time: 25 Jul. (Thu.) 2024,  15:00- 16:30

Venue: 　 Seminar room (1F), Industry Lab , 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
＊Remote Simultaneous Interpretation available

Abstract:

Although a person graduating from university and starting their first job is a noteworthy milestone, it is just the first step in their long life. On the basis of my experiences, I will talk about what knowledge and skills acquired during your school days will be useful, what opportunities for skill development are available for working adults, and how to earn an opportunity to work in international settings. Being exposed to international environments will broaden your worldview. I hope that this seminar will provide participants and me an opportunity to share ideas on what we can do now to have multiple options when we want to pursue different careers in the future.

Poster PDF: 20240725bs

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

Speaker:    WATANABE Keiko  (Kumamoto University)

Title:   Keys for thriving in the Global Society  ～Challenges and Opportunities～

Date&Time: 11 Jul. (Thu.) 2024,  15:00-16:30

Venue: 　General Education Building 4F C401,  Kurokami North 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
＊Remote Simultaneous Interpretation available

Abstract:

The term “global society” has become a common phrase, and we now live in an age where cross-border interactions in politics, economy, and culture are part of our daily lives. What benefits does this global society offer us? And what must we do to adapt to it? As we seek answers to these questions, I will share my experiences from 40 years on the frontlines of global companies. And we will explore a global literacy, the resilience to achieve results by embracing new values, a global perspective that views the Earth as a single entity, and a mindset that challenges conventional thinking. Through my stories, I hope to convey these insights to all of you.

Poster PDF: 20240711bs

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

Speaker:    HASHIZUME Katsuhito  (Human Metabolome Technologies, Inc.)

Title:　A new healthcare future to be realized by metabolomics

Date&Time: 4 Jul. (Thu.) 2024,  13:15-14:45

Venue: 　 Conference Room(1F), IMEG, 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
＊Remote Simultaneous Interpretation available

* This seminar is not available via e-learning. Real-time only attendance on the day.

Abstract:

Metabolomics is an omics approach that enables comprehensive analyses of metabolites. It has been used in various industries because metabolization occurs in all living organisms, including humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Human Metabolome Technologies has supported academia and private companies in conducting medical, food, cosmetic, and environmental energy research and development by providing metabolomics technologies, with the aim of contributing to solving social issues. Recently, to contribute to the health and well-being of people, we have focused particularly on the field of preventive healthcare in response to increasing public interest in extending peoples’ healthy life expectancy.

Poster PDF: 20240704bs

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