Three universities, one shared vision for the future — seven international projects now underway!

Kyushu University, together with its strategic partner institutions—the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC, United States) and National Taiwan University (NTU, Taiwan)—has established the trilateral collaboration framework known as UNIQ to advance global research and education initiatives.

In 2025, seven new projects launched through this partnership, addressing a wide range of themes spanning from global social challenges to cutting-edge technologies.

UNIQ stands for:
Universities: National Taiwan University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Kyushu University

A midterm report highlighting the progress of these projects has now been completed, offering a glimpse into the forefront of this international collaboration. In June 2026, researchers from the three universities are scheduled to gather in Taiwan for an international workshop, where they will share project outcomes and discuss future directions. Through these efforts, this global collaboration of knowledge and innovation continues to expand steadily.

The UNIQ initiative fosters new discoveries, nurtures the next generation of talent, and contributes to solving global challenges. Kyushu University will continue to strengthen and utilize these international networks as it pursues new opportunities to shape the future.

Type 1: Research Addressing Societal Challenges (Collaborative Research – Initiation)

• Bridging Voices and Institutions: AI-Driven Integration of Narratives and Policies for Multicultural Inclusion
  Kyushu U PI: Toru Oga, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law (Currently: Professor, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University)

  Can AI help realize multicultural inclusion?
  Through a series of online meetings, the project explored AI-based analytical methods, including text mining, sentiment analysis, and legal analytics. Research findings were shared at an international seminar in Taiwan and during a session on multicultural inclusion held as part of Kyushu University Asia Week, where participants also discussed future directions for AI-assisted policy research.
  In addition, the project has incorporated informatics expertise through collaboration with the National Institute of Informatics (NII), Japan. Looking ahead, the initiative is expected to expand further through joint publications and the development of a collaborative research platform.

• Discovery of novel mechanism-based therapeutics for chronic pain and neuroinflammation associated with autoimmune diseases
  Kyushu U PI: Makoto Tsuda, Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

  A new approach to treating chronic pain
  This project aims to develop new approaches for understanding and treating chronic pain associated with autoimmune diseases. Through a combination of online and in-person meetings, the research team has continued discussions on the project’s direction and future development. Building on new mechanisms identified through previous studies on chronic pain models, the team is now formulating concrete collaborative research plans. The project is also considering applying for additional external funding to further expand its research activities.

Type 2: Pioneering the Future Through Technology (Collaborative Research– Implementation)

• Multiscale Geoscientific Modeling for Next-generation Earth System Digital Twins
  Kyushu U PI: Naoki Ikegaya, Professor, Faculty of Engineering Sciences

  Digital technology to “recreate the Earth”
  This project seeks to develop next-generation digital twin models capable of reproducing large-scale Earth systems and phenomena on computers. Researchers from diverse fields—including wind engineering, oceanography, and climate science—are collaborating to build innovative interdisciplinary models with the support of AI technologies. Through a series of workshops, the project is also strengthening its international research network.

• UNIQ device – International Collaboration for Innovative Surgical Devices Utilizing Robots and AI Technologies
  Kyushu U PI: Jumpei Arata, Professor, Faculty of Engineering

  

  Contributing to healthcare through robotics and AI
  This project is developing innovative medical devices that combine robotics and AI technologies. So far, the team has proposed multiple surgical device concepts and conducted functional testing and implementation studies. Researchers at Kyushu University have already developed a prototype rehabilitation device for upper-limb recovery (see photo), and are currently evaluating its performance. Online meetings and workshops have played an important role in strengthening collaboration among project members.

• Development of Cryogenic VCSELs and Dual-DFB-Based THz Photonic Transmitters for Next-Generation Quantum and Wireless Communication Systems
  Kyushu U PI: Kazutoshi Kato, Professor, Faculty of Information Science and Electrical Engineering (Currently: Academic Researcher, Center of Plasma Nano-interface Engineering)

  

  Terahertz technology supporting next-generation communications
  This project focuses on cutting-edge optical technologies that are expected to play a key role in ultra-high-speed communications and quantum computing.
  Research activities have progressed through collaborative experiments and student exchange programs, and the team has actively shared their outcomes at international conferences. The project has also expanded its global research network and is exploring future developments beyond the current project period.

Type 3: Transforming Learning Itself (Teaching and Learning)

• Literature and Other Lives: Human/Non-Human Entanglements
  Kyushu U PI: Britton Elliott Brooks, Associate Professor, Faculty of Languages and Cultures

  Exploring the relationship between humans and nature through literature
  This is a unique educational project that explores the relationships between humans, animals, and the environment through the lens of literature. Workshops were held in Taiwan, Japan, and the United States, bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds. By drawing on their different regional perspectives, languages, methodologies, and research fields, participants engaged in meaningful discussions, creating opportunities to reconsider the world from new and insightful perspectives.

• GreenBridge: Connecting Sustainable Communities for Human Health and Wellbeing Across Cultures
  Kyushu U PI: Prasanna Divigalpitiya, Associate Professor, Faculty of Human-Environment Studies

  Lectures on “sustainable societies” accessible worldwide
  This initiative delivers online lectures focused on sustainable community development and human health to learners around the world. Using AI-powered translation, the videos will be available in three languages: English, Chinese, and Japanese. The content is also expected to be incorporated into the university courses, supporting truly global learning.
  Significant groundwork has already been completed, including the development of detailed recording plans and the upgrading of equipment. With these preparations in place, full-scale development is advancing toward public release.

• UNIQ Seed Funding launches seven international research and education projects