On August 4, 2025, the Symposium 2025 for the Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS)—primarily hosted by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), with co-hosting by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)—was held at the Industry Club of Japan Building in Chiyoda, Tokyo. A total of approximately 800 people attended the event, either in person or online.

At the Symposium, aimed at fostering collaboration among the J-PEAKS-selected universities and promoting partnerships with industry, the main venue featured a keynote speech; presentations on initiatives being undertaken by the FY2024 universities; and case studies of industry–academia–government collaboration from the FY2023 universities. In the sub-venue, exhibits showcased initiatives from both the FY2023 and FY2024 universities.

In the main venue, the Symposium commenced with opening remarks from JSPS President SUGINO Tsuyoshi and MEXT Minister Dr. ABE Toshiko.

Following the opening remarks, a keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. YAMAZAKI Koetsu, Chairperson of the Program Promotion Committee for J-PEAKS (the committee responsible for the program implementation, including open calls, screening, and progress management) and President of the Fukushima Institute for Research, Education and Innovation (F-REI). In his lecture, Dr. Yamazaki spoke about his expectations for the J-PEAKS-selected universities. The lecture was followed by a session showcasing the initiatives of the universities selected in FY2024. Presidents and other representatives from each university shared their institutional visions and strategies for management and infrastructure development that build on their unique strengths. They also highlighted key aspects of their research activities.

The symposium then moved on to presentations of industry-academia-government collaboration cases by the universities selected for J-PEAKS in FY2023. President YOKOTE Koutaro of Chiba University outlined the university’s initiatives, including the establishment of a corporation fully funded by Chiba University, as well as efforts aimed at creating startups. Assistant Professor MURATA Satoshi of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology outlined the university's collaborations with companies and government agencies aimed at the practical application of research outcomes in society.

In the sub-venue, poster sessions were presented by administrative staff from the FY2023 and FY2024 J-PEAKS-selected universities. These sessions included lively two-way interactions between participants and presenters, showcasing each university’s distinctive initiatives.

The Symposium concluded with a speech by Dr. HAMAGUCHI Michinari, Chief Supporter of J-PEAKS’ Accompanying Team, which provides advice and proposals to help the selected universities effectively advance their initiatives under the program, and Director of SCARDA (Strategic Center of Biomedical Advanced Vaccine Research and Development for Preparedness and Response) at AMED (Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development). In his speech, Dr. Hamaguchi shared his reflections on the presentations delivered by the universities. While emphasizing the need for university reform to strengthen research competitiveness, he also highlighted the importance of sharing initiatives and building collaborative networks among universities to address common challenges.

Following the closing of the Symposium, an information exchange session was held among university and corporate representatives, along with officials from relevant government ministries. The session served as a valuable opportunity to share insights aimed at further advancing the J-PEAKS initiatives in the future.

Updates on the progress of the J-PEAKS initiatives are available on the websites below. We encourage you to stay informed and follow their future developments closely.