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Qdai-mail Tsushin#102
The e-mail magazine "Qdai-mail Tsushin" delivers campus news every month.
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Friday, July 24, 2026
Kyushu U's CONNECT Issue 7: Our annual English university magazine is available from the link below!
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/university/publicity/publications/connect
Kyushu U Connect: Keep up to date on how Kyushu U is engaging with society.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/university/connect/
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**Topics
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* Kyushu U ranked 171st in the QS World University Rankings 2027
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The QS World University Rankings 2027 were released on June 18, and Kyushu University was ranked 171st. This places the university in the top 15% of the 1,504 institutions from more than 100 countries featured in this year's rankings. In addition, Kyushu University is ranked 7th among universities in Japan.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/713
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* Kyushu University ranked 26th for SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure in Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026
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Kyushu University was ranked 26th globally for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026. The ranking recognizes the university’s strong performance in promoting innovation, advancing research, generating patents, and fostering collaboration with industry. In the overall assessment, Kyushu University was placed in the 101–200 band among 1,603 institutions worldwide. The university will continue to strengthen its education, research, and partnerships through its “integrative knowledge” initiative, contributing to the realization of a more sustainable society.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/715
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* Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology or Medicine Bruce A. Beutler delivers special lecture at Kyushu University
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On April 21, 2026, Kyushu University hosted 2011 Nobel Prize laureate Professor Bruce A. Beutler for a special lecture and panel discussion. Sharing insights from his scientific journey, Professor Beutler encouraged students and researchers to pursue curiosity-driven research. More than 500 people attended, with lively discussions extending the Q&A session. In the panel discussion, Professor Beutler, Dr. Adam Smith of Nobel Prize Outreach, and faculty from Kyushu University exchanged views on research approaches, team building, and career development. The event, held as part of the Nobel Prize Inspiration Initiative, inspired participants through valuable scientific and career insights.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/714
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* Three strategic partner universities gathered in Taiwan to explore new opportunities for international collaborative research
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Kyushu University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and National Taiwan University convened in Taiwan for the 2026 UNIQ Resonance Workshop to strengthen international research collaboration. The three-day event focused on interdisciplinary partnerships, researcher networking, AI and machine learning applications, and opportunities for joint funding and research projects. Participants also exchanged best practices in library and information science and explored programs supporting global talent development. The workshop reinforced researcher networks and highlighted the UNIQ Trilateral Alliance’s commitment to advancing innovation, knowledge exchange, and international academic cooperation.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/716
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* UIUC delegation visits Kyushu University
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A delegation from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), led by Chancellor Charles L. Isbell Jr., visited Kyushu University on June 22, 2026, to strengthen their strategic partnership. During meetings with university leaders, faculty, and researchers, both institutions explored new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in areas such as mathematics, information science, agriculture, medicine, and library science. The visit also included networking events and campus tours, highlighting the value of personal connections in fostering long-term research partnerships. The discussions reinforced a shared commitment to addressing global challenges through international cooperation and joint research initiatives.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/718
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* Kyushu University signs university-level agreement with IIT Hyderabad
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Kyushu University and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) signed a university-level academic cooperation and student exchange agreement during an online ceremony on July 6, 2026. The agreement builds on growing collaboration between the two institutions, including the KYUDAI NOW forum and high-level discussions held earlier in 2026. University leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding joint research, educational cooperation, and international academic exchange. The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Indian Consulate in Fukuoka and JICA, highlighting the broader significance of Japan-India academic collaboration.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/717
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**Research
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* What dental calculus can tell us about the oral microbiomes of ancient Japan
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Researchers from Kyushu University and collaborating institutions analyzed DNA preserved in dental calculus from ancient Japanese skeletal remains, mainly from the Edo period (1603-1868), to investigate changes in oral microbiomes over time. They compared ancient and modern samples and found differences linked to historical period, geographic region, and the evolution of specific oral microorganisms. The study also examined Methanobrevibacter oralis, an archaeon associated with periodontal disease, revealing that strains found in the blackened teeth (ohaguro) of Edo-period women belonged to the same genetic lineage. These findings demonstrate that dental calculus is a valuable resource for exploring past diets, cultural practices, regional variation, and long-term human-microbe relationships.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/402
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* A new theoretical framework to identify what quantum gravity would look like
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Quantum mechanics and gravity are two fundamental theories in physics that govern the natural world. However, uniting these two principles into the single theory of “quantum gravity” has yet to be done. Now researchers have developed a theoretical framework that outlines what observations can distinguish between classical and quantum descriptions of gravity. The framework provides researchers with a roadmap for designing experiments to test one of the most sought-after theories in modern science.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/408
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* Wasted pumpkin peel can keep your food fresh
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Researchers at Kyushu University developed a biodegradable food packaging material using carbon quantum dots (CQDs) synthesized from pumpkin peel waste. The CQDs block UV light, suppress microbial growth, and improve film strength, helping soft, perishable produce stay fresh longer. Available as a film or sprayable coating, the material offers a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging that could reduce food waste during transport and storage,with promise for regions lacking cold chain infrastructure.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/404
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* Rewriting the reactivity rules: A new catalyst for recycling mixed plastics
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From ocean pollution to carbon emissions, mixed plastics are an environmental headache. Japanese researchers have now developed a catalyst that selectively degrades polyurethane in mixed plastic waste while leaving coexisting polyester and nylon intact. Using an iridium-based catalyst with a phenolate salt additive and hydrogen gas, the method was successfully tested on blended textiles and end-of-life car seats, offering a practical route to recycling complex plastic combinations long considered too difficult to separate.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/411
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* Capturing the cosmic ‘drift’ before a star is born
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Stars like our Sun are formed from the gravitational collapse of prestellar cores. However, prestellar cores have strong magnetic fields that need to be weakened for gravitational collapse to take over, allowing a star to form. By observing two tracer molecules in a prestellar core, researchers have observed ambipolar diffusion, a velocity discrepancy between ions and neutral particles. This process weakens the core's magnetic field, which eventually collapses to form a protostar.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/405
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* Thin-film electronics that can move and become their own connectors
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Researchers have developed prototype thin-film electronic module s that can move, dock, and undock with other devices. The module is composed of an actuator layer that bends when heated, layered onto a circuit. The prototype can be arranged and manipulated to establish mechanical and electrical connections simultaneously.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/412
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**Features
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* Managing water with local wisdom and science
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Kyushu University researchers are restoring rivers and wetlands in Asakura by combining scientific research with traditional Japanese water-management techniques. Working closely with local communities, they preserve historic stone structures that reduce flooding and support biodiversity. Their National Geographic-supported project demonstrates how local wisdom and nature-based solutions can contribute to sustainable environmental management.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/712
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**EVENTS
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* Q-AOS Brown Bag Seminar Series
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Date: Every Wednesday 12:10 – 12:50
Every Wednesday during lunch, learn about research related to SDGs in Asian and Oceanian regions and expand your research network at the Q-AOS Brown Bag Seminar Series. The webinar is free, available in English and Japanese, and open to everyone!
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/events?tag_id=2
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** Introduction to Alumni Platform "Kyudai PAL"(Free registration)
"Kyudai PAL" (abbreviated as KyuPAL) is a closed online platform where alumni and current students can easily connect with friends and the university
In addition to interacting with other members in communities organized by graduation department, industry, and club, members can receive news about the university and information about alumni events, send direct messages, and participate in group chats with other users.
*Registration application, Kyudai PAL details here (Free registration)
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/university/graduate/kyupal
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** Stay Connected
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https://www.facebook.com/KyushuUniv.en/
https://x.com/KyushuUniv_en
https://www.instagram.com/kyushuuniversity/
https://www.youtube.com/user/KyushuUniv
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