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On March 8, 2024, Shinshu University held an event to encourage companies, universities, and research institutions to work together in order to strengthen research capabilities in the field of aqua regeneration (ARG), which comprises various fields related to the regeneration of the global environment, focusing on water and water-based green hydrogen. The event, held at the Media Garden (Matsumoto City), was part of the "Water Metropolis Shinshu Week." The two-day event began on March 8, and attracted a total of 293 participants, both at the event site and online.

In his opening remarks, expressing his enthusiasm for strengthening research capabilities in the field of ARG, President Soichiro Nakamura said, "We live in an era in which the wisdom of humankind is increasingly being tested on a global scale to see how we can make the most efficient use of water. In this context, I hope that the University will make great progress in water research."

Following opening remarks by President Nakamura, five professors introduced Shinshu University's ongoing efforts and research in the field of ARG on the following topics at the event.

Katsuya Teshima, Special Advisor to the President, Director of the Research Initiative for Supra-Materials, Distinguished Professor "Expansion of Research by Aqua Regeneration Organization"

Morinobu Endo, Special Emeritus Professor, the Research Initiative for Supra-Materials "Global Water Challenges and Innovations in Membrane Science and Technology for a Sustainable Society"

Kazuhiro Komatsu, Professor, School of Water Environment and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering “Challenges and Technical Solutions for Water Infrastructure in Japan and in Nagano Prefecture”

Kazunari Domen, Specially Appointed Distinguished Professor, the Research Initiative for Supra-Materials, "Water-based Green Hydrogen Energy as a Next-generation Energy Source and its Demonstration in Society"

Hideki Tanaka, Professor, the Research Initiative for Supra-Materials, “Challenging Innovations in New Applications of Water Resource”

In addition, Mr. Takahide Watanabe, Executive Director for Industrial Policy, Nagano Prefecture, Mr. Takeshi Sato, Mayor of Iida City, and Mr. Shin Miyanomoto, Deputy Mayor of Matsumoto City, each stated that "Water is a precious resource for Nagano Prefecture and the world. I would like to work together with Shinshu University's efforts (Nagano Prefecture).”” I would like to work together with Shinshu University as a demonstration town to create a future where Shinshu University's research can solve various problems in the world (Iida City).”” Even if one municipality tackles a social issue, the activity will not spread. I would like to work together with all of you to improve the environment to solve global water issues. (Matsumoto City)." We received messages of support from the participants with high expectations for future co-creation with Shinshu University.

Finally, under the theme of " Advancing Solutions through Demonstration Town Formation around the ARG Organization as Core," Nobuhiro Sugihara, Vice Executive Director, Administrative Head Quarters Chief Strategy Officer (CSO),Shinshu University Innovative Research & Liaison Organization Advanced Research Promotion Office Director, and Katsuya Teshima, Special Advisor to the President, Director of the Research Initiative for Supra-Materials, Distinguished Professor facilitated the discussion. Five professors engaged in advanced research in the ARG field participated in a panel discussion. Participants actively asked questions, such as "How can manufacturing companies get involved?" and "What kind of efforts will be made in the demonstration town?", indicating the high level of interest in Shinshu University's activity in the ARG field.

Starting with this event, Shinshu University will accelerate its collaboration with companies, universities, research institutions, and support organizations in and outside of Nagano Prefecture, and will further focus on strengthening its research capabilities in the field of ARG.