2026 Activity Report vol.5:Hokkaido University

The Sakura Science Program (SSP) was conducted at Hokkaido University from September 6 to September 12, 2026. A total of eight participants, including two faculty members and six students from three Indian institutions—Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Berhampur (IISER Berhampur), Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), and JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru—participated in the program. The program aimed to provide the participants with opportunities to experience advanced research activities at Hokkaido University, interact with researchers and faculty members, and develop academic connections that may contribute to future research collaboration, student exchange, and institutional partnerships. Throughout the program, the participants visited research laboratories and exchanged ideas with researchers, attended the ICATs-FHM academic conference, and cultural activities. In addition to the academic activities, the program also provided opportunities for cultural and social exchange, allowing the participants to gain a broader understanding of Japan's research environment, higher education system, and academic community.

[September 06, 2026]

Participants arrived at New Chitose Airport in the afternoon. After arrival, participants checked in to the hotel in Sapporo city.

[September 07, 2026]

Participants began their academic activities with a visit to the laboratory of Prof. CHIKENJI Takako at Hokkaido University. During the visit, the participants were introduced to the laboratory's research activities and had the opportunity to learn about ongoing research projects and experimental approaches. The laboratory visit provided valuable insights into biomedical research and allowed the participants to interact with researchers and gain a better understanding of research practices at Hokkaido University.

In the afternoon, the participants visited Dr. Gowda's laboratory. They were introduced to the laboratory's research activities, with a particular focus on lipid analysis, lipidomics, and the application of analytical techniques in food and biomedical research. The participants also learned about experimental approaches and analytical instruments used in the laboratory, including LC–MS-based methods for the analysis of lipid molecules and bioactive compounds. The visit provided an opportunity for the participants to discuss research topics with laboratory members and exchange ideas about different research approaches.

Later in the day, the participants attended a Health Sciences Seminar delivered by Prof. Jens Pahnke from the University of Oslo, titled “Aging Brains, Broken Lipids, and New Treatments: Unraveling Alzheimer and Huntington Disease from Molecules to Medicine.” The presentation highlighted potential therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases, providing participants with an opportunity to learn about current developments in neuroscience and biomedical research from a molecular perspective.

[September 08, 2026]

The participants joined an excursion to Yoichi as part of the International Symposium for Wine and Gastronomy: FOOD and Terroir. The group visited the Hokkaido University Yoichi Orchard, where they learned about local grape cultivation and vineyard management. They then visited Niki Hills Winery and Hirakawa Winery, where they learned about modern grape-growing practices and wine production. The excursion also included a pairing lunch featuring Yoichi wines and locally sourced food and desserts, providing participants with insights into Hokkaido's wine industry, local food culture, and the concept of terroir.

[September 09, 2026]

Participants attended the International Conference on Advanced Technologies for Sustainable Food, Health, and Materials 2026 (ICATS-FHM 2026) held at Hokkaido University. The conference brought together researchers, faculty members, and students from Japan, India, and other countries to exchange knowledge and promote collaboration in the fields of food, health, and materials.

Throughout the conference, the participants attended lot of lectures covering diverse research topics, including sustainable bioactive production, food functionality, biomedical research, lipid-related diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and sustainable wine production. The program also included a poster session, which provided an opportunity for the participants to present their own research work, discuss their findings with researchers and other attendees, and receive feedback and suggestions.

[September 10, 2026]

Participants continued their participation on the second day of the ICATS-FHM 2026. They attended a series of invited lectures covering a broad range of topics, including advanced materials, lipid-related health research, cellular senescence, sustainable agriculture, and biomedical applications.

Participation in the conference allowed the participants to gain exposure to a wide range of interdisciplinary research and to engage in academic discussions with researchers from different institutions and fields. The experience also encouraged scientific communication and international academic exchange, contributing to the development of future research networks and collaborative opportunities.

[September 11, 2026]

Participants visited the Nikon Imaging Center at Hokkaido University, where Mr. KOBAYASHI Kentaro introduced the center and its advanced imaging facilities. The participants learned about microscopy and imaging technologies used in life science research and their applications in visualizing cellular and molecular structures.

The group then visited the Laboratory of Molecular Chemical Biology, where Prof. MONDE Kenji, Prof. TANIGUCHI Tohru, and Dr. Mahadeva M. M. Swamy introduced their research activities. Participants learned about the laboratory's interdisciplinary research in chemical biology and related fields. They also had lunch with Prof. MONDE, providing an opportunity for informal academic exchange and interaction.

In the afternoon, the participants visited the Hokkaido University Museum, where they explored exhibits on the university's history, scientific research, and academic development. The visit provided a broader understanding of Hokkaido University's research culture and contributions to science and education in Japan.

[September 12, 2026]

The participants departed after completing the SSP activities at Hokkaido University. The program provided them with meaningful opportunities to explore research facilities, interact with researchers, and participate in academic and cultural activities. The experiences gained during the visit contributed to greater academic exchange and strengthened connections between the participating institutions.