Kyushu University participates in RENKEI Early Career Researcher Collaboration Lab 2026 and Steering Committee Meeting

The Research and Education Network for Knowledge Economy Initiatives (RENKEI) is a consortium of 11 leading universities from Japan and the United Kingdom, established in 2012 to promote research and educational collaboration between the two countries. Kyushu University has been a founding member and continues to play a key role in fostering international research partnerships and academic exchange.

From May 25 to 29, 2026, the RENKEI Early Career Researcher (ECR) Collaboration Lab 2026 was held in person in Tokyo and Sendai. The workshop brought together early career researchers from Japan and the UK across a wide range of disciplines, aiming to strengthen international research networks and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.

The program opened at Sophia University in Tokyo. Participants attended keynote lectures on RENKEI and UK–Japan higher education collaboration, as well as research exchange sessions. On the same day, a networking reception hosted by the British Council brought together participants, government representatives, and academic stakeholders, enabling them to deepen connections.

From the second day onwards, the workshop moved to Tohoku University in Sendai, where sessions were conducted under the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Exploring New Academic Frontiers of Space.” Discussions focused on multiple dimensions of “space,” including outer space, ocean space, and cyberspace, with researchers from engineering, law, environmental science, and other fields engaging in interdisciplinary dialogue.

The program featured expert lectures, panel discussions, and interactive group sessions in which participants worked in interdisciplinary teams to exchange ideas and develop new perspectives. In addition, campus tours and networking events facilitated the development of cross-border and cross-disciplinary connections among participants.

Kyushu University was represented at the workshop by Yutaroh Oki, Research Associate Professor, Global Strategies Office and J-MENA Office, and Djre Solomon Selasi, a doctoral student in the Graduate School of Engineering, Reactive Gas Dynamics Laboratory. Both actively contributed by sharing their research and participating in interdisciplinary discussions and group work, strengthening international research ties and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.

On May 29, the final day of the program, the RENKEI Steering Committee Meeting was held at Tohoku University. Representatives from all member universities gathered to discuss institutional updates on UK–Japan engagement, review the outcomes and impact of RENKEI activities, and exchange views on future plans, budgets, early career researcher support, and upcoming research funding opportunities.

Natalie Konomi, Vice President for International Affairs at Kyushu University, attended the meeting as a Steering Committee member and actively contributed to discussions, sharing Kyushu University’s perspectives on strengthening UK–Japan collaboration and shaping the future direction of RENKEI initiatives.

Following the meeting, a joint farewell lunch was held with workshop participants, providing an informal setting in which participants from both the workshop and the Steering Committee engaged with one another and further broadened their networks.

This workshop and Steering Committee Meeting provided an important platform for advancing early career researcher development and international collaboration, while reinforcing strategic partnerships between Japanese and UK universities. Kyushu University will continue to leverage international university consortia such as RENKEI to promote global research collaboration and strengthen its international engagement.