CMX Retreat “Wakate Dojo” in FY 2024

Octber 10– 11, 2024 | AWAJI YUMEBUTAI International Conference Center

Koki Kamizaki, Chairperson of the executive committee

　The Center for Medical Transformation (CMX) Retreat, "Wakate Dojo," was held over two days on October 10 and 11, 2024, under the leadership of Prof. Yasuhiro Minami and operated by an executive committee composed primarily of young faculty members. This is the seventh retreat, aiming to provide a platform for young researchers and students affiliated with our center to interact, promote new collaborative research, and revitalize our center.

　This year, 58 researchers and students from 10 laboratories participated. Continuing from last year, the theme was "Yutori (leeway)," and an excursion was organized on the morning of the second day. Participants enjoyed activities such as cycling, tennis, and exploring the Hanakasumi Plateau and the Yumebutai, as well as spending free time with researchers from other laboratories to foster camaraderie.

Strolling along the seaside with Prof. Ohono

Exploring the Hana-Sajiki flower terrace

　We were pleased to welcome two special guest speakers: Dr. Hiroshi Ohno, Deputy Director of the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) and Team Director of the Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, and Dr. Akira Kikuchi, Project Professor at the Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University. Dr. Ohno delivered a lecture titled "Host-Gut Microbial Interactions," covering a wide range of topics on how the gut microbiota is involved in the host's biological defense, immune system, and diseases. Dr. Kikuchi gave a lecture titled "Lessons from Experiments: What I Have Learned at the Faculty of Medicine, Kobe University," sharing insights gained through his research and discussing the transition and future prospects of biological, life science, and medical research. Both lectures provided valuable insights for young researchers and students aspiring to pursue research, and we believe they greatly inspired the young researchers and students who attended.

Special Lectures

　All participating students were allowed to present in one of the following formats: oral presentation, poster presentation, or flash talk, to encourage active participation and discussion among students. A survey was conducted beforehand to determine the preferred presentation format, and the results showed that motivation was very high, with more participants than expected expressing a preference for oral presentations. As a result, the presentation schedule became tight, but all presentations were of high quality.

Voices from the Awadees

　Finally, Professor Toru Takumi, the Center Director, provided a closing evaluation, noting that the event was meaningful for fostering deeper connections. Dr. Kikuchi also commented that such a young-researcher-led event is highly significant, and the conference concluded successfully.

Dr. Kamizaki(right), Chairperson of the Committee, and Dr. Nagashima(left), Committee Member

GN Rsi Suwardana, recipient of the Excellent Presentation Award for two consecutive years

Organizer Yasuhiro Minami (Professor of Cell Physiology)
Chairperson of the executive committee
　　Koki Kamizaki (Assistant Professor of Cell Physiology)
Executive committee members
　　Hanako Ishimaru (Project Assistant Professor of Clinical Virology)
　　Mitsuharu Endo (Lecturer of Cell Physiology)
　　Takaaki Kato (Project Assistant Professor of Structural Medicine and Anatomy)
　　Ryota Shinohara (Associate Professor of Pharmacology)
　　Masahiro Tsujimae (Medical staff of Gastroenterology)
　　Hiroaki Nagashima (Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery)
　　Chieko Matsui (Assistant Professor of Infectious Disease Control)