On September 29, 2026, UOsaka held an online symposium with the University of Toronto, our global knowledge partner. The symposium aimed to promote the development of new joint research projects in the three priority areas of Health, Materials Science, and Quantum/AI, which serve as key areas for expanding collaboration between the two institutions.

Researchers from a variety of fields at both universities took part in the symposium. Participants from UOsaka included ONOYE Takao and HAYASHI Mikako, Executive Vice Presidents and ITO Chihiro, Vice Director of the Institute for International Initiatives. Gwen Burrows Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement & Impact at the University of Toronto, also participated in the event.

After opening remarks from representatives of both universities, breakout sessions were held in each of the three focus areas. Following research presentations by lead speakers, participants engaged in group discussions. The symposium brought together more than 60 participants, who exchanged ideas actively on potential future research collaborations. The event concluded with an announcement of a seed fund program designed to support the initiation of collaborative projects between researchers at the two universities.

The symposium is expected to further strengthen the partnership between UOsaka and the University of Toronto.