NEW
Qdai-mail Tsushin #099
The e-mail magazine "Qdai-mail Tsushin" delivers campus news every month.
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Friday, April 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 University hosts RENKEI Live Event to strengthen UK–Japan research collaboration
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Kyushu University hosted the first RENKEI Live Event, "Researcher Spotlight #1," online on 16 March 2026, bringing together over 60 participants from the UK and Japan to launch a new initiative that promotes researcher-to-researcher collaboration. Featuring presentations by Dr. Xuesong Wei and other speakers, the event highlighted RENKEI's role in advancing UK–Japan research exchange and international collaboration.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/696
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* Workshop report: "Transformative Humanities: Purposes, Pressures, Possibilities" held at Kyushu University in collaboration with Durham University
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Kyushu University hosted the international workshop "Transformative Humanities: Purposes, Pressures, Possibilities" on March 24, 2026, at its Ito Campus in collaboration with Durham University. The dialogue-driven workshop explored the current and future roles of the humanities and marked the official launch of ThinkNet, a new global network connecting humanities scholars across institutions. Discussions generated practical ideas for collaboration, reaffirming Kyushu University's commitment to advancing international dialogue on the humanities.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/697
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* ASEAN in Today's World (AsTW) was held at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, from Monday, March 2, to Thursday, March 12, 2026.
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Kyushu University hosted the 18th ASEAN in Today's World (AsTW) program, bringing together 18 students from Japan and ASEAN countries for a two-week international exchange at Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Participants from six countries engaged in shared classes and daily life after completing online pre-program lectures, deepening mutual cultural understanding and regional awareness. The program concluded with a certificate ceremony. The next AsTW is scheduled for 2027 at Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/698
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* Kyushu University professor Hiroshi Koide receives a commendation for cybersecurity from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
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Professor Hiroshi Koide of Kyushu University has received the 2025 Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Encouragement Award for Cybersecurity in recognition of his longstanding contributions to cybersecurity education, research, and professional training. His work, carried out in collaboration with diverse partners inside and outside the university, has played a significant role in advancing practical cybersecurity capacity in Japan.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/699
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* Kyushu University Forum "KYUDAI NOW" in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
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The 3rd KYUDAI NOW in Viet Nam was held on Saturday, 21 March 2026, at The King Hotel, Thai Nguyen, in the northern Vietnamese city of Thai Nguyen. The forum was hosted by the Kyushu University Institute for Asian and Oceanian Studies (Q-AOS), co-organized with Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF), supported by the Vietnam Association of Kyushu University Alumni (VAKA), and endorsed by the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam. The event was a great success with more than 150 registered participants and was fully subscribed, drawing alumni, academics, researchers, and professionals from across the region.
https://q-aos.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/events/events_view.php?cId=2642
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* KOREA KIYON Co.,Ltd. Donates Research Equipment to I2CNER
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The International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER) at Kyushu University received a donation of advanced research equipment from KOREA KIYON Co.,Ltd.,strengthening its research infrastructure for perovskite solar cell development. A donation ceremony held on April 3, 2026, brought together representatives from industry and academia, underscoring the value of international and industry–academia collaboration. The initiative supports I2CNER's ongoing efforts toward advancing carbon-neutral energy research.
https://i2cner.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/news/14377/
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* Kyushu University signs agreement with CNRS to establish OPHELIA, the international joint research laboratory
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Kyushu University and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) signed an agreement on April 1, 2026, to establish the Organic Photonics and Electronics International Laboratory (OPHELIA) in Tokyo. The new international joint research laboratory will serve as a hub for collaborative research and researcher exchange between Japan and France, including Sorbonne University, advancing cooperation in organic photonics and electronics. The initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening strategic research collaboration between Kyushu University and the CNRS.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/view/702
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**Research
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* 'Spin-flip' in metal complexes can help solar cells leap beyond limits
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Solar energy is a promising source of green energy, yet conventional solar cells cannot fully utilize it due to efficiency limits in semiconductors. Researchers have now found a strategy to overcome this barrier with a new design strategy for exciton amplification. Using a molybdenum-based "spin flip" emitter, they harvest multiplied excitons generated by singlet fission. The system achieves quantum yields of around 130%, surpassing the conventional 100% limit and opening possibilities for solar cells and LEDs.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/377
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* Star light, star bright, baby stars blow rings alight
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Observing the Taurus Molecular Cloud,a research team led by Kyushu University ha s found that during the early growth period of a baby star, the protostellar disk blows magnetic flux 1,000 au in size and create s a gia nt relatively warm ring. Describ ing these phenomena as a baby star's sneezes these expulsion s of energy and gas help the star to properly develop.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/385
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* Does gravity follow the rules of quantum mechanics?
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A key question in physics is whether gravity follows quantum rules, but testing this is difficult because gravitational effects are so weak. Researchers from Kyushu University have theoretically proposed a method using momentum-squeezed states in optomechanical systems to amplify gravity-induced entanglement signals. This approach could make such signals easier to detect, paving the way for future experiments to determine whether gravity has a quantum nature.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/381
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* A simple way of making hydrogen from alcohol by using iron and UV light
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In an effort to develop catalysts from abundant and inexpensive elements, researchers from Kyushu University have found that mixing methanol, iron ions, and sodium hydroxide and then irradiating it with UV light generates hydrogen gas at rates comparable to those of catalysts used in today’s markets The team hopes their findings will lead to more sustainable hydrogen energy production.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/researches/view/387
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**Discover the research
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* Harnessing the Power of Spin: Pioneering Innovation through Cutting-Edge Physics
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From smartphones to supercomputers, almost all our daily electronics run on the flow of "electron charge." But did you know? Electrons have another interesting property called "spin." In this feature, we sit down with Associate Professor Yamashita, a young researcher exploring this mysterious "electron spin" to create next-generation, ultra-high-performance devices. Join us as we dive into the world of Spintronics—the future of technology—and hear his inspiring message for the students who will lead the way!
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/research/information/discover-research/012_yamashita
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**Notice
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* Japan's First Joint Degree Program (JDP) at the undergraduate level among national universities!
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ISI was established in 2018 as the 12th undergraduate school of Kyushu University, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds to tackle global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Building on this mission, ISI plans to launch a pioneering undergraduate Joint Degree Program with the University of Glasgow in October 2028, enabling students to study in both Japan and the UK and engage in fieldwork on environmental issues in Asia and Europe.
The program offers valuable pathways for students aspiring to work internationally, including international careers across the public and private sectors, as well as graduate study.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/notices/view/528
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* Kyushu University Global Professional Certificate Program
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The Global Professional Certificate Program is a Minor Certificate Program at Kyushu University designed to foster students with international perspectives, leadership, and practical skills for success in Japan and abroad. The program evaluates and certifies students’ global learning experiences—such as study abroad and international collaboration—while emphasizing intercultural understanding, problem-solving, and leadership development. Available to all undergraduate students, beginning in the 2026 academic year, the program offers three certification levels awarded as Open Badges.
https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/notices/view/534
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* Ho Lab Receives Telecom Interdisciplinary Research Award (Encouragement Prize)
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Research from the Hsin‑Ni Ho Lab (Faculty of Design, Kyushu University) received the Telecom Interdisciplinary Research Award (Encouragement Prize) from the Telecommunications Advancement Foundation of Japan. The award‑winning study, conducted in collaboration with Yamaguchi University and MIT, investigates the temporal integration of tactile and thermal perception and provides important insights for the design of next‑generation haptic interfaces. The findings are expected to contribute to future communication technologies capable of r conveying the realism of touch across distance.
https://www.design.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/topics/30805/
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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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