NAIST Green Economy Seminars will be held for members of the NAIST Green Economy Consortium (NGEC) to introduce and discuss seeds, latest topics, and open innovation initiatives of researches to realize the Green Economy.
In this seminar, Assoc.Prof. WATANABE Daisuke (Biotechnology), Prof. HOSOKAWA Yoichiroh (Materials Science) and Assist. Prof. TOKUNO Sohei (CDG) will talk about cutting-edge science and technology and its future prospects of each field. We hope you will join us.
The 4th NAIST Green Economy Seminar
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 13:30-15:45
Venue: Online (Zoom)
Participation Fee: Free of charge
Eligibility: The members of NAIST Green Economy Consortium, and, faculty, staff and students of NAIST
Registration: Click Here (After registration, we will send you Zoom ID to attend the seminar by February 23.)
Language: Japanese
Schedule:
13:30 – 13:35 Opening Remarks (Assoc. Prof. WATANABE Daisuke, Chairperson of NGEC)
13:35 – 14:10 Talk 1: Driving Regional Co-Creation Innovation from Nara, Japan’s Capital of Fermentation (Assoc. Prof. WATANABE Daisuke, Biotechnology)
14:10 – 14:15 Break
14:15 – 14:50 Talk 2: Bioprocess Engineering for Plant and Animal Cells (Prof. HOSOKAWA Yoichiroh, Materials Science)
14:50 – 14:55 Break
14:55 – 15:30 Talk 3: The Social Risks of Machine Learning (Assist. Prof. TOKUNO Sohei, CDG)
15:30 – 15:40 General Discussion
15:40 Closing Remarks (Prof. KATO Ko, Director of CDG)
Abstract:
Talk 1: Driving Regional Co-Creation Innovation from Nara, Japan’s Capital of Fermentation (Assoc. Prof. WATANABE Daisuke, Biotechnology)
In Nara, an ancient capital of Japan, fermentation techniques were introduced alongside continental cultures and refined over centuries, particularly around temples. We aim to connect the traditional fermented foods of this “the Capital of Fermentation” to new innovation through co-creation with local communities. In collaboration with local producers, we have demonstrated that Narazuke is a lactic acid–fermented food, opening pathways for added value. We are also working to revive Karamiso, a medieval seasoning described in historical records associated with Kofuku-ji Temple, while exploring naturally occurring koji molds.
Talk 2: Bioprocess Engineering for Plant and Animal Cells (Prof. HOSOKAWA Yoichiroh, Materials Science)
We have been developing a wide range of methods for detecting and manipulating diverse types of cells by combining lasers, optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and microfluidic devices. The applications of these methods extend from plant science to medical fields, and we have been collaborating with many researchers working on cells across a broad spectrum of disciplines, from biology to medicine. In this talk, I will introduce an overview of our research, together with the background of how it expanded in a serendipitous, “one thing leads to another” manner.
Talk 3: The Social Risks of Machine Learning (Assist. Prof. TOKUNO Sohei, CDG)
Machine learning is a highly useful technology that is widely employed not only in research but also in industry. However, as exemplified by reports that Amazon discontinued its hiring candidate evaluation tool after it was found to disadvantage female applicants, the use of machine learning in decision-making processes involving people has raised social concerns such as discrimination and lack of transparency. In this talk, as an example of interdisciplinary research integrating technology and the humanities, we will introduce philosophical discussions that address these issues and examine what kinds of solutions may be possible.
The archive will be available for members of NAIST Green Economy Consortium, and, faculty, staff and students of NAIST on Youtube until March 31, 2026.
Organizers: NAIST Green Economy Consortium (NGEC), Center for Digital Green-innovation (CDG)
Contact: nge-consortium@cdg.naist.jp