Researchers from University College London (UCL) and the University of Osaka (UOsaka) participated in the International Psychogeriatric Association Congress 2025 (IPA 2025), held in Kanazawa from 25 to 27 September. The congress was chaired by Professor Manabu IKEDA (Department of Psychiatry, UOsaka).
 
This collaboration reflects the deepening partnership between UCL and UOsaka, strengthened through their ongoing efforts to address global challenges in dementia and psychogeriatric research, as well as the mental health of older adults. At IPA 2025, the two universities co-organised several symposia, educational programs, and meetings, demonstrating their continued commitment to advancing these fields.
 
Joint Sessions and Programs
Plenary Debate Session
“Where we go from here after we have the amyloid-targeting therapy for Alzheimer disease?”
Organisers: Professor Manabu IKEDA (UOsaka) and Professor Robert Howard (Old Age Psychiatry, UCL)
Speakers: Manabu IKEDA and Robert Howard

Educational Program
“Young-Onset Dementia – For Multi-Disciplinary Professionals”
Organisers: Associate Professor Maki SUZUKI (Department of Psychiatry, UOsaka) and Professor Sebastian Crutch (Dementia Research Centre, UCL)
Speakers: Sebastian Crutch, Maki SUZUKI, Manabu IKEDA, Eneida Mioshi, and Nikki Zimmermann

A Young-Onset Dementia Coordinators’ Meeting, organised by Associate Professor SUZUKI (UOsaka) and Professor Crutch (UCL) was also held to promote exchange between professionals in Japan and the UK involved in care and service development for younger individuals living with dementia. This collaborative project, made possible through the generous support of the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, aims to develop support systems for individuals living with rare dementias and their families (Rare Dementia Support: RDS).

A video and newsletter highlighting the activities of this project in Kanazawa and other locations are available at the links below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMLAUc5qLI8
https://www.raredementiasupport.org/news/rare-dementia-support-japan-expansion/

Plenary Session
“Mental Health in Older Adults: Local Disasters and Global Insights”
Organisers: Professor Junko OTANI (Graduate School of Human Sciences, UOsaka) and Associate Professor Tzung-Jeng Hwang (National Taiwan University Hospital)
Speakers: Professor Lisa Gibbs (Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne) and Professor Shih-Cheng Liao (National Taiwan University College of Medicine) 

This session was conducted as part of UOsaka’s broader international research collaborations, highlighting the university’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges in aging societies through global partnerships. Professor Gibbs from the University of Melbourne, one of UOsaka’s strategic partner institutions, joined the session in collaboration with the organiser, Professor OTANI.

Through these jointly organised symposia, educational lectures, and meetings at IPA 2025, UCL and UOsaka have further strengthened their partnership, moving beyond strategic collaboration towards a mature, enduring alliance dedicated to global progress in dementia and psychogeriatric research.