Feb 27 2026

The Faculty of Dentistry, Niigata University hosted the "International Collaborative Symposium on Development of Human Resources in Practical Oral Health and Treatment 2026" from February 8 to February 9, 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This symposium was co-hosted by Faculty of Dentistry, The National University of Malaysia,UKM.

Now in its 15^th session, this symposium aims to nurture young oral health researchers and establish a collaborative research network across the world, especially Asia.

From the Faculty of Dentistry at Niigata University, a total of 47 participants, including 27 graduate students, took part in the symposium. Additionally, over 170 researchers attended from various regions (including deans of dental schools), such as ASEAN countries, Korea, Nepal, Romania and Palestine.

The symposium featured special lectures, including those by Prof. Baekil Kim (Yonsei University, Korea), Prof. Elham Kateeb (Al-Quds University, Palestine), and from Niigata University, Prof. Kei Tomihara (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) and Research Professor Tomoki Maekawa (Advanced Oral Functional Education and Research Center)

?In addition to their presentations highlighting cutting?edge research, the symposium included four themed symposium sessions, 29 oral presentations, and 49 poster presentations, with lively discussions and on the final day, outstanding presenters were recognized with awards.

On February 9, the Deans' Meeting was held, where participants exchanged views on the development of international collaborative research and the exchange of students and young researchers. Many expressed a strong desire for strengthened collaboration with the Faculty of Dentistry, Niigata University.

Dean Prof. Makoto Inoue and Vice dean for International Affairs Prof. Hiroshi Ogawa also introduced Niigata University’s initiatives under the “Future-Leading and Advanced Graduate-schools (FLAGs)” project. Niigata University Faculty of Dentistry expressed its intention to further enhance the educational and research environment and to strengthen international collaboration in order to attract outstanding international students from around the world.

Moving forward, the Faculty of Dentistry, Niigata University will continue to promote international exchange through these symposiums.

Award Ceremony

Opening remarks by Dean Inoue

Poster Session

Deans meeting

International students at Niigata University introduced Japanese culture.

Speaker’s presentation at the symposium