Jul 25 2018

"Symposium for High School Students -Elucidation of Autophagy Mechanism-" was held as Niigata University Special Symposium on Education and Research on Sunday, July 8, inviting Dr. Yoshinori Osumi (Tokyo Institute of Technology), the 2016 Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine, who has great influence on both basic research and a wide range of research fields including medicine.

This symposium was planned by the Faculty of Science to primarily encourage high school students in Niigata Prefecture to directly experience the world's top research and to increase interest in science. Approximately 400 people, including 250 high school students, met at the International Conference Hall at Toki Messe.

Following the opening remarks, Professor Motoni Kadowaki, the Vice President of Niigata Institute of Technology and Niigata University professor emeritus, spoke on the background and history of autophagy research. Dr. Osumi talked about his work in yeast's autophagic phenomenon discovery as well as his career as a researcher, sending messages to high school students.

High school students were able to ask Dr. Osumi questions directly in the panel discussion afterwards titled "Autophagy is Fun!" They wouldn't stop raising their hands until the last moment of the session, giving a glimpse of their high awareness.

The plan for next year's Special Symposium on Education and Research are afoot already. We hope you look forward to it!