JST-ASPIRE project

JST先端国際共同研究推進事業
次世代のためのASPIRE（マテリアル分野）
「熱活性化遅延蛍光を活用したサステイナブルな次世代バイオ
イメージング材料の創製」(課題ID: JPMJAP2425)

JST Adopting Sustainable Partnerships for Innovative Research Ecosystem (ASPIRE)
ASPIRE FOR RISING SCIENTISTS (Materials Field)
“Development of Sustainable Next-Generation Bioimaging Materials utilizing Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence” (Project ID: JPMJAP2425)

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Activities of our ASPIRE project

2025FY

August, 2025　Visit from NU to UOsaka (Prof. Marc Etherington)

This summer, we were excited to welcome our first international visitor from Northumbria University (NU) through the ASPIRE collaboration, Prof. Dr. Marc Etherington! Prof. Etherington, the PI of the UK side, spent three months at Osaka University starting August 1, 2025, working closely with the Takeda Group. During his stay, he offered valuable expertise in photophysical measurements and analytical techniques for organic emitters, greatly enriching our research activities. Below is a summary of the report.

“Summary here.“

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June, 2025　Secondment from KU to DTU (Prof. Shunsuke Sato)

In the early summer, Prof. Dr. Shunsuke Sato, who just became an Assistant Professor at the Watanabe group at Kitasato University (KU), started his stay at the de Silva group in the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) for 2 months, starting from June 5, 2025. Below is a summary of the report.

“As part of an international research collaboration, I worked with the de Silva group to investigate the solution-phase dynamics of TADF molecules using molecular dynamics simulations. Through our joint efforts, we gained important insights into how different solvent environments influence the structural distributions and energy landscapes of TADF molecules, as well as the aggregate structures formed by multiple TADF molecules. During my stay, I actively engaged with members of the de Silva group and even gave lectures on molecular dynamics simulation techniques, which fostered valuable technical exchange within the project. Beyond research, I also joined social events such as a home gathering hosted by Dr. Leonardo Evaristo de Sousa, which helped build strong personal and professional connections within the team. Overall, this brain circulation program enabled a productive collaboration between computational science groups, yielding results that directly contribute to the success of our project.”

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May, 2025　Visit from UBC to UOsaka (Peiqi Hu)

The following exchange activity in this ASPIRE project was visit of Ms. Peiqi Hu, a PhD student of UBC, to UOsaka! She conducted international collaborative research in the Takeda group at UOsaka for three months, starting on May 19, 2025. Below is a summary of the report.

“During the summer of 2025, I had the opportunity to conduct research at the University of Osaka in the Takeda Group through the JST-ASPIRE program. My main goal was to synthesize a TADF emitter based on a novel acceptor recently developed by the Takeda Group, with potential for bioimaging applications. Prof. Takeda provided detailed scientific feedback and consistent support throughout my stay. I admired the dedication, kindness, and generosity of everyone in the Takeda Group, and I appreciated engaging with their expertise in TADF emitter design, especially those featuring the dibenzo[a,j]phenazine acceptor. A highlight of my exchange was being among the first to begin synthetic work in the Takeda Group’s new laboratory space in the Photonic Center, equipped with brand-new instrumentation. Outside research, I lived in a student residence with support from Prof. Takeda and Mrs. Nawa, making my three-month stay comfortable. I enjoyed Japanese culture and local cuisine, which enriched my overall experience. The warm hospitality of the Takeda Group and memorable interactions, both scientific and personal, have had a lasting impact on me. I continue to stay in touch with members of the group and look forward to contributing to ongoing collaborations.“

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May, 2025　Secondment from UOsaka to UBC (Nae Aota)

The first exchange activity of our ASPIRE project has successfully launched! Ms. Nae Aota, a PhD student of UOsaka, stayed in Vancouver and conducted international collaborative research in the Hudson group at UBC for four months, starting on May 1, 2025. Below is a summary of the report.

“During my JST-ASPIRE study abroad at UBC (May–August, 2025) in the group of Professor Zachary Hudson group, I synthesized polymers from luminescent monomers developed in our laboratory and explored their applications in bioimaging and photodynamic therapy. This research was enabled by a close collaboration between my expertise in the synthesis of novel emissive compounds and the Hudson Group’s strengths in polymer synthesis, nanoparticle preparation, and bioimaging applications. Although my prior experience in biochemistry was limited to foundational coursework, structured online safety training and hands-on instruction allowed me to confidently work in a dedicated bio laboratory, where participatory, discussion-based safety education made a particularly strong impression. Through daily discussions with a postdoctoral mentor and PhD students, I gained valuable insight into designing publishable experiments and presenting research outcomes in group meetings. The inclusive research culture, access to shared instrumentation, and exposure to diverse scientific perspectives broadened my outlook, while collaboration with fellow exchange students fostered mutual support. In addition, cultural experiences, from graduate student union activities to informal social events such as weekly coffee breaks and volleyball, highlighted a balanced and sustainable research environment that values both scientific rigor and well-being. This immersive experience, especially learning new scientific concepts in English, was invaluable for my development as a researcher and exemplifies the international collaboration that JST-ASPIRE seeks to promote.“

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May, 2025　Kick-Off International Workshop in Osaka

On beautifully sunny days, we held our ASPIRE project’s kick‑off international workshop at the University of Osaka Nakanoshima Center, Osaka, Japan. All the PIs finally met face‑to‑face for the first time, engaging in fruitful discussions on international collaborative research and global brain circulation. In addition to oral presentations by all faculty members, early‑career researchers (postdoctoral fellows and graduate students) also delivered talks. To further strengthen our connections, we organized short ice‑breaker presentations and a poster session.
We were delighted to welcome Professor Satoshi Arai from Kanazawa University as an external advisor. His stimulating lecture added significant value to the event. After two days of intensive discussions, the invited members joined a facility tour at Osaka University, where they continued scientific exchanges with related researchers—further expanding the ASPIRE network.

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April, 2025　Mix Lab Open

A new laboratory space has opened to support international collaboration through the ASPIRE project, which was launched to foster global scientific networks and sustainable research partnerships between Japan and leading research communities worldwide. In this mixed lab, Japanese researchers and visiting researchers are working together across national, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries, advancing shared goals and building strong international research relationships.

April, 2025　Coordinator Appointed

We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Nawa has been appointed as the coordinator of our ASPIRE project! She will help us accelerate international brain circulation and strengthen global collaboration. Please join us in welcoming her to the team!

2024FY

March, 2025　Materials Area Meeting at JST

The Japanese team attended the Materials Area Annual Meeting and Kick‑Off event of the ASPIRE program, organized by JST. Professor Takeda delivered a presentation outlining the research roadmap and strategies for international researcher exchange.

January, 2025　Our First Visit to UBC

Professors Watanabe and Takeda visited Professor Hudson at UBC to tour his research facilities, engage in discussions toward joint research, and deliver a lecture related to the current ASPIRE project. Additionally, they interacted with early-career researchers from the Hudson Lab and with affiliated UBC researchers, fostering meaningful discussions and laying the groundwork for a close personal network to advance the ASPIRE initiative.

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December, 2024　Launch of Our ASPIRE Project

Our ASPIRE project has officially launched! To kick things off, we have set up a Slack workspace to expand our network and share information on secondments and invitations.