News & Activities

SDGs Symposium 2026 - AI and Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges for a Sustainable FutureWe are pleased to announce that the SDGs Symposium 2026 - Al and Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges for a Sustainable Future will be held on 17th February 2026. The event will take place in a hybrid format, both onsite at the University of Tokyo and online. We look forward to your participation.https://www.springernature.com/gp/researchers/campaigns/sdg-symposium-2026?lid=w1nflj8nra5y&utm_source=braze&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ACPG_NONE1_AWA1_W7_CEEV_06I8H_UTokyoSDGs25%20(SN_EN)_Variant%202&cep-id=68b66e22120a3c04ea90573aDate: Tuesday 17 February 2026Time: 14:00-17:10 JST (Symposium) 17:20-19:00 JST (Student poster session, Networking event)Venue: Ito International Hall, The University of Tokyo and Online (Zoom Webinar)Language: English (simultaneous Japanese translation)The event registration is free of charge.If you would like to request accommodations due to a disability, etc., please contact us here.Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how we create, analyze, and act on information, driving innovation across industries and academia. It holds promise for creating sustainable solutions for optimizing resource use, improving inclusivity , and planning smart cities . Yet, AI also raises concerns . Its environmental footprint, including high energy and water consumption , remains poorly understood. Its societal risks such as widening inequalities , job losses, and biased decision-making demand urgent attention. This event aims to examine how AI can support the transition to a sustainable future and the achievement of the SDGs , while minimizing negative impacts. Discussions will focus on how to leverage AI’s potential to tackle sustainability challenges and create sustainable solutions, but also how to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and equity.Join leading researchers and students to engage in dynamic dialogue on AI’s role in shaping a sustainable and equitable society.

SAKURA SCIENCE Exchange Program (SSP)JST Invitation ProgramWe invite young talented people from other countries and regions to Japan through Sakura Science Exchange Program in a collaboration of industry−academia−government, to introduce and offer experience in Japanese science and technology. 39,635 young people visited Japan on this program, over the ten−year period from 2014 to 2023.Link: https://ssp.jst.go.jp/enSAKURA SCIENCE High School ProgramSAKURA SCIENCE Indian University ProgramSAKURA SCIENCE Supporters ProgramOnline University VisitOnline High School Exchange ProgramEligibility Criteria for Sakura Science Exchange ProgramStudents, researchers and others engaged in science and technology who are 40 years old or younger from all countries and regions

Japan Science and Technology Agency.Link: https://www.the-easia.org/jrp/collaborators.htmlIdentifying international partners can be challenging for researchers initiating collaborative activities. To assist prospective applicants in finding collaborators, forming international teams, and participating in the e-ASIA JRP Call for Proposals, the following hyperlinks lead to databases of researchers and research projects:AustraliaNHMRC-funded projectshttps://www.nhmrc.gov.au/funding/data-research/outcomes-funding-roundsFellows of the Australian Academy of Sciencehttps://www.science.org.au/fellowshipDatabase of scientists and innovators by the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Scienceshttps://aahms.org/fellowship/e-Library by the University of New South Waleshttps://www.unsworks.unsw.edu.au/primo-explore/search?vid=UNSWORKSSydney Digital Theses (Open Access) by the University of Sydneyhttps://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/2123/345Open Access Theses by the Australian National Universityhttps://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/handle/1885/3

Sakura Science Exchange ProgramLink: https://ssp.jst.go.jp/en/program/Sakura Science Exchange Program invites aspiring youth for a short period of time and promotes the exchange in the field of science and technology. Individual application cannot be accepted. Overseas and Japanese organizations jointly plan the program, and the Japanese organization sends applications to JST within the designated period. Eligibility Criteria for the program1. Countries or regions for invitationBasically, all countries and regions are eligible for invitation.2. Requirements for inviteesThe invitee must meet the following requirements when coming to Japan.Affiliation / Age(i) High school students, Technical college students(ii) University students, Graduate students, Postdoctoral fellows, Faculty members, and persons who are engaged in work related to science and technology at public institutions and are below 40 years old.Experience of staying Japan In principal, invitation by Sakura Science Exchange Program must be the first stay Japan for the invitee.