Joint Symposium held by the Graduate School of Agriculture, the University of Florida and the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS)
The Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, co-hosted the “KUGSA–UF–JIRCAS Joint Symposium: Food Systems and the Global South” in collaboration with the University of Florida and the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS). The symposium was held over two days, on December 16 and 17, 2025, at Graduate School of Agriculture, with support from the SPRING Program.
The symposium opened with welcoming remarks by Professor Ryutaro Tao, Dean of the Graduate School of Agriculture. This was followed by addresses from Professor Yasuyuki Kono, Vice President of Kyoto University, and Professor Noriyuki Kioka, Vice Dean of the Graduate School of Agriculture, who presented the concept for the planned Food Systems Research Institute.
Subsequently, keynote lectures were delivered by Dr. Carlo Cafiero (FAO ESS), Dr. Miyuki Iiyama (JIRCAS), Professor Adegbola Adesogan (University of Florida), and Dr. Yasuhiro Tsujimoto (JIRCAS). Drawing on their respective professional backgrounds, the speakers shared insights and experiences related to food systems, nutrition, policy, and international cooperation.
Following the lectures, a panel discussion moderated by Professor Kaoru Kitajima was held, with Dr. Yasunari Fujita (JIRCAS) joining as an additional panelist. The session was guided by questions submitted by students, and each panelist offered perspectives informed by their academic expertise and practical experience. The discussion underscored the importance of collaboration across research areas and the value of diverse perspectives in addressing increasingly complex challenges. It also highlighted the need to consider how research outcomes can be effectively connected to local societies and real-world practice. Participants further reflected on the idea that while scientific research is often driven by researchers’ curiosity and intellectual interests, its broader significance lies in its potential contribution to people’s lives and to the pursuit of a more sustainable society.
On the first day, a poster session featuring graduate students from the Graduate School of Agriculture was held. Students presented their research projects and engaged in lively discussions with invited speakers and other participants. In the afternoon, a career development seminar led by representatives from the private sector provided students with an opportunity to consider how their research activities relate to future career paths.
On the second day, a feedback session was organized for the students who had presented posters the previous day. Dr. Carlo Cafiero and Professor Adegbola Adesogan participated in this session, offering concrete and constructive comments on each student’s research topics and questions from the perspectives of an international organization and an overseas university. For the students, this session served as a valuable opportunity to re-examine their research within an international context. In the afternoon, participants took part in a visit to Kizu Farm.
Through this symposium, dialogue on linking academic research to societal needs and international practice was further deepened, and new possibilities for future research collaboration and human resource development were identified. The Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, will continue to advance education and research initiatives addressing global challenges in close cooperation with the University of Florida, JIRCAS, and other partner institutions in Japan and abroad.
Opening Session
Panel Discussion
Group Photo
Poster Session
Group Photo after the Feedback Session
