Exploring new opportunities under Horizon Europe: information session and experience sharing at Kyushu University

On September 11, 2026, Kyushu University hosted the Horizon Europe Information Session, bringing together approximately 210 participants both in person and online. The event was organized to support researchers seeking to participate in Horizon Europe following Japan's association to the European Union's flagship research and innovation program.

Held in a hybrid format at Inamori Hall on the Ito Campus and online, the session attracted participants from across Japan and provided practical guidance on funding opportunities, proposal preparation, project management, and institutional support mechanisms for Horizon Europe projects.

Opening remarks: new opportunities for Japan–Europe collaboration

The session opened with remarks from Prof. Jun Tanimoto, Executive Vice President for Research at Kyushu University, who emphasized the importance of international research collaboration and the opportunities Horizon Europe offers. This was followed by an address from Mr. Koji Ogawa, Director of the International Science and Technology Policy Division at MEXT, who highlighted the significance of Japan's association to Horizon Europe and its potential to enhance Japan's global research engagement.

Understanding Horizon Europe and available support

In the first half of Session 1, Ms. Fumiko Oda of NCP Japan / EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation provided a comprehensive overview of Horizon Europe. Participants learned about the program structure, application procedures, consortium building, and support services available to researchers seeking to participate in European collaborative projects.

Learning from researchers with first-hand experience

The second part of Session 1 focused on practical experiences shared by researchers who have participated in European collaborative research projects. Drawing on her experience as a Horizon Europe project coordinator, Prof. Melanie Sarantou at the Faculty of Design shared practical insights into consortium development, proposal preparation, project implementation, and coordinating large international research partnerships. Participants also heard from Prof. Hiroshige Matsumoto and Associate Prof. Leonard Kwati of the International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (WPI-I²CNER), who reflected on their involvement in a Horizon 2020 project, Horizon Europe's predecessor program. Their presentations highlighted lessons learned from collaborations with European universities, research institutes, and industry partners, as well as the research opportunities created through long-term international partnerships.

Practical guidance for future applicants

Session 2 was dedicated to faculty and staff of Kyushu University and focused on internal administrative procedures. Mr. Harold Kusters, Chief Manager at the Academic Research and Industrial Collaboration Management Office (AiRIMaQ), provided detailed guidance on institutional processes and support structures available to researchers considering Horizon Europe applications, helping participants better understand the practical requirements associated with proposal submission and project implementation.

Participant feedback and future support

Participant feedback highlighted strong interest in Horizon Europe and demonstrated the value of combining program guidance with first-hand insights from experienced researchers. Many attendees reported gaining a clearer understanding of the application process, consortium building, and project management, while also expressing interest in further networking opportunities, partner matching, and practical support for future participation. These responses underscored the importance of continued information exchange and community building among researchers and institutions.

Kyushu University remains committed to supporting researchers in expanding international collaborations and strengthening research networks through Horizon Europe and other international research programs.

*The presentation slides by Hiroshige Matsumoto and Leonard Kwati, as well as slides on Kyushu University's internal administrative procedures, are available on the following page. Access is restricted to Kyushu University faculty and staff.

• Horizon Europe Information Session

Contact

Inquiries on Horizon Europe Applications at Kyushu University

AiRIMaQ: Academic Research and Industrial Collaboration Management Office
E-mail: research★airimaq.kyushu-u.ac.jp

Inquiries on this event

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

*Please replace ★ with @.