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

May, 2025

The follwoing 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 her 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.“

May, 2025

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 her 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

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

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

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

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

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.