[Event Report] Research in EuropeーJoint Webinar for Early-Career Researchers

A webinar for early-career researchers, titled “Research in Europe,” was held on Wednesday, February 18.

Jointly organized by four national universities— University of Tsukuba, Kyoto University, Kobe University, and Kyushu University—this webinar was designed to encourage young researchers in Japan to explore research opportunities in Europe. The event was a great success, attracting more than 100 participants including speakers and general attendees.

The program featured a lecture by Dr. Ken Matsumoto, a graduate of the University of Tsukuba and Senior Researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel as well as a Science and Technology Fellow at the Mission of Japan to the European Union. He introduced his own research career in Europe and shared insights based on his experiences. This was followed by a presentation from Deputy Director Dr. Shota Ito of the JSPS Bonn Office, who introduced JSPS support schemes for early-career researchers.

In addition, many staff members and researchers from funding agencies and universities/research institutions in Belgium, Germany, France, and Sweden joined the event, offering detailed presentations on research environments and funding systems in their respective countries. Participants raised a number of questions—such as differences between Japanese and European research cultures—demonstrating the strong interest in pursuing research in Europe.

Through efforts like this, in collaboration with Japanese and European universities and research institutions, the Bochum Office will continue to foster academic exchange between Japan and Europe.