Kyushu University joins RENKEI workshop at Durham University―Japan–UK consortium in action

RENKEI, the Japan-UK Research and Education Network for Knowledge Economy Initiatives, is a consortium of 10 universities from Japan and the UK, dedicated to promoting academic exchange and collaboration. Kyushu University has been a member since the consortium’s founding in 2012. As of April 2025, RENKEI has entered its third phase, continuing to focus on key themes such as climate change and health, while emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers in both countries.

From May 6 to 9, 2025, a four-day in-person workshop was held for early-career researchers from RENKEI member institutions. Hosted by Newcastle University and Durham University—both of which have university-wide agreements with Kyushu University—the workshop brought together approximately 70 participants. Kyushu University was represented by four participants. They included Associate Professor Motonori Watanabe (WPI-I²CNER), doctoral student Ryusei Kunisaki (Graduate School of Engineering), Vice President Natalie Konomi, and a staff member from the university’s Stockholm Liaison Office.

The workshop began on May 6 at Newcastle University with icebreaker activities to foster connections among participants. From the following day, the venue shifted to Durham University, where the main sessions took place. Durham hosts “JusTN0W: Just Transitions to a Net Zero World,” a leading interdisciplinary platform that explores sustainable and equitable solutions to accelerate global decarbonization. Researchers from Durham’s Law School, Computer Science, Economics, and Biosciences departments are actively involved in this initiative.

Leveraging this platform, the workshop encouraged participants from diverse fields to build new research networks and explore long-term collaboration opportunities. Divided into groups, the researchers worked together to develop joint research proposals. On the final day, each group presented their ideas in a mock grant review session. Vice President Konomi (from Kyushu University) served as one of the reviewers, offering constructive feedback and advice for future interdisciplinary collaboration. The workshop concluded with a presentation on Durham University’s cutting-edge decarbonization research, providing valuable insights and inspiration for all attendees.

Prior to this workshop, Kyushu University held “RENKEI Climate Change/Energy Workshop – Net Zero by 2050 –” in December 2024. By aligning the themes and objectives of both events, the two workshops have laid the foundation for deeper and more sustained academic exchange between Japan and the UK.

Kyushu University remains committed to building long-term international research and education networks through initiatives like RENKEI, and will continue to offer opportunities for global collaboration across the university.

Contact

Global Partnership and Alliance, International Affairs Division, International Affairs Department
Mail: intlsenryaku★jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Kyushu University Stockholm Liaison Office（European Hub）
Mail: intleurope★jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp

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