トピックス Topics
Collaborative Knowledge for Addressing Climate Change
―The 6th SNU KYUSHU JOINT SYMPOSIUM－
2026.09.24
Topics
Participants from SNU and Kyushu University
On September 3, 2026, “The 6th SNU KYUSHU JOINT SYMPOSIUM” was held at Seoul National University (SNU) in the Republic of Korea. The symposium was first launched in 2020 with the aim of deepening cooperation and promoting research collaboration between Kyushu University and SNU, and this year marked its sixth edition. Since last year, the symposium has been organized under a new framework in which departments from both universities take the lead in planning and management. Following the previous symposium, the preparations on the Kyushu University side were coordinated primarily by Associate Professor Toshinori Tanaka of the Kyushu University Institute for Asian and Oceanian Studies (Q-AOS).
This year's theme, "Climate Change Response and Nature-based Solutions," brought together more than 30 researchers from Japan and Korea. Participants engaged in lively discussions on the latest research findings and future opportunities for collaboration aimed at addressing the global challenge of climate change.
The symposium opened with welcoming remarks by Professor KIM Junki, Executive Vice President for Planning at SNU. Reflecting on the strong partnership that the two universities have built over the years, he expressed his hope that the symposium would further advance academic exchange between the institutions. This was followed by remarks from Professor Kenji Iwata, Executive Vice President for International Affairs at Kyushu University, who emphasized that addressing climate change requires collaboration that transcends disciplinary and national boundaries. He said he expected the symposium to serve as an important platform for strengthening research cooperation between the two universities.
The keynote session featured Professor LEE In-Bok of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, SNU, who delivered a lecture entitled "Climate Change Impacts on Rural Communities and Agriculture: Response Strategies including AI-based Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)." He provided an overview of the impacts of climate change on rural communities and agriculture and introduced innovative response strategies, including AI-enabled controlled-environment agriculture.
Keynote lecture by Professor Mizoue
Representing Kyushu University, Professor Nobuya Mizoue of the Faculty of Agriculture gave a keynote lecture titled "Challenges in Big Data Science for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources." He shared recent research findings on the opportunities and challenges of applying big data science both to natural resource management and the evaluation of protected area effectiveness. Together, the two keynote lectures highlighted cutting-edge research on the roles that AI and data science can play in climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as in building a sustainable society, and attracted strong interest from participants.
Following the keynote lectures, participants joined breakout sessions, where researchers from both universities were divided into two groups and exchanged research findings and perspectives within their respective fields of expertise.
In Group A, presentations focused on agriculture, forestry, and landscape development for climate change adaptation. Topics included transitions to climate-resilient agricultural systems, flood risk assessment, and AI-based optimization of green infrastructure. Through these presentations, participants gained deeper insights into how data-driven approaches can contribute to climate adaptation and the realization of sustainable societies.
In Group B, discussions centered on enhancing urban functions and developing sustainable landscapes through nature-based solutions. Presentations introduced research on the impacts of climate change, urbanization, and population decline, a shared challenge in both Japan and Korea, on the natural environment, as well as potential responses. Participants exchanged views from interdisciplinary perspectives aimed at harmonizing environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Research presentation
Discussion among participants
Garden visit under clear skies
The day after the symposium, participants visited Seoul Forest in central Seoul. While touring the International Garden Show held at the site, they deepened their understanding of garden architecture and cultural assets related to landscape. The field visit also provided valuable opportunities for interaction among participants, fostering friendships and strengthening connections beyond institutional affiliations and research disciplines in a relaxed atmosphere.
Through the symposium, researchers from both universities shared knowledge and expertise on the common challenges of responding to climate change and achieving sustainable societies. They also explored new possibilities for joint research projects and researcher exchange. Kyushu University and SNU will continue to further strengthen their partnership through continued academic exchange and research collaboration, contributing to the resolution of global challenges.
Past Symposium Reports
Reports on previous joint symposia are available on Global Gateways, Kyushu University's official international website.
KYUSHU-SNU JOINT SYMPOSIUM
Contact
Global Partnership and Alliance, International Affairs Division, International Affairs Department
Mail: intlsenryaku★jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp
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