Event – Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research

【Report】The GIAR International Symposium

kanri_eng01 — Mon, 18 May 2026 02:35:52 +0000

On 11th May 2026, GIAR held the International Symposium of Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR) under the theme of “Update on Tumor Microenvironment -From Basic Insights to New Therapies“. It was organized by Dr. YOKOBORI Takehiko and Dr. TURTOI Andrei of the GIAR Division of Gene Therapy Science.

Following a welcome address by President of Gunma University, Prof. Yasuki ISHIZAKI, the guest speakers delivered their presentations at Gunma University Tojo Hall. Each talk led to active discussions among the audience. Finally, the event concluded with closing remarks by GIAR Director Minoru HANAYA.

[From left to right: (GU) President. ISHIZAKI, Dr. YOKOBORI, and Prof. KURATA]

[From left to right: Deputy Director. NAKANISHI (Kyoto University Hospital), Prof. PANNEQUIN (Montpellier University, CNRS and INSERM), Prof. TOMASINI (Cancer Research Center of Marseille)]

■Link
GIAR International Open Laboratory　University of Montpetllier
GIAR Division of Gene Therapy Science Dr. YOKOBORI Laboratory

【Information:May 11】The GIAR International Symposium (International Open Laboratory, University of Montpellier)

kanri_eng01 — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:18:15 +0000

Updated 2026.04.30
On May 11^th 2026, GIAR will host the International Symposium of Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR) titled “Update on Tumor Microenvironment – From Basic Insights to New Therapies“. It will be held on-site and online. We look forward to your participation!

【Date/Time】2026.05.11 [Mon.] 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM(7:00 AM – 11:00 AM in CEST)
【Venue】Gunma University, Showa Campus (Tojō Hall) & Online　※Online simultaneous distribution available
【Pre-registration】Required（https://forms.gle/mmXpW83uB1Cr3NrCA)
【Organizers】
Associate Professor Takehiko YOKOBORI (Division of Gene Therapy Science, GIAR)
Professor Andrei TURTOI (PI of International Open Laboratory (University of Montpellier), GIAR)

【Timetable】※Lectures in English

Time	Program	Speakers
14:00-	Opening Remarks	Prof. Yasuki Ishizaki President of Gunma University
14:05-	Lecture	Prof. Andrei Turtoi Principal Investigator, International Open Laboratory(The University of Montpellier), GIAR “Defensive Paracrine Signals in the Tumor Microenvironment”
14:40-	Lecture	Prof. Morito Kurata Professor, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine “To Reveal Tumor Microenvironment: From Drug Resistance to Therapeutic Approaches”
15:15-	Lecture	Prof. Yuki Nakanishi Deputy Director of the Endoscopy Department,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Kyoto University Hospital “Stromal Control of Antitumor Immunity in Colorectal Cancer: Mechanisms and Translational Implications”
15:50-	Coffee Break
16:10-	Invited Lecture	Prof. Julie Pannequin Research Director, Institute of Functional Genomics, Montpellier University, CNRS and INSERM “Deciphering Tumor Dissemination on Colorectal Cancer”
17:00-	Invited Lecture	Prof. Richard Tomasini Ph.D., Leader of the Team DISARM, INSERM U1068, Cancer Research Center of Marseille “Intra-tumoral Microenvironment and Cellular Communication: Two Key Drivers of Pancreatic Cancer Aggressiveness”
17:50-	Closing Remarks	Prof.Minoru Hanaya Director of GIAR
18:15 –	Networking Dinner	Restaurant Cinema (Onsite only)

【Links】
GIAR, International Open Laboratory,University of Montpellier
GIAR,Division of Gene Therapy Science, Dr.Yokobori Laboratory

[Contact]GIAR Support Office
E-mail: kk-kensui4＃ml.gunma-u.ac.jp
(Please replace “#” with “@”.)

【Information】The Seminar of GIAR(Apr.27/ Prof.Ichiro HIRATANI)

kanri_eng01 — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:45:32 +0000

On April 27th, 2026(Mon), GIAR will host a seminar titled「「ゲノム三次元構造」とは何か？ ― ゲノムの設計原理に迫る―」on site. Professor Ichiro HIRATANI (Team Director, Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research(RIKEN BDR)) will present his latest research findings on the development of a novel method for analyzing DNA replication, as well as on the analysis of regulatory mechanisms of three-dimensional (3D) genome organization using single-cell genome-wide DNA replication sequencing technology (scRepli-seq).

The seminar offers a valuable opportunity to foster collaborative research, and to expand research networks. We look forward to your participation!

【Date/Time】206.April 27 [Mon.] 16:00～17:00
【Venue】Gunma University (Showa Campus) Basic Medicine Bldg. 4F Graduate School Seminar Room ※No online simultaneous distribution
【Organizer】Dr. Keisuke Nimura (Professor, GIAR)
【Pre-registration】Not Required　※Please come directly to the venue.
【Timetable】※This seminar will be held in Japanese.

Time	Program	Speaker
16:00 –	Lecture	Professor Ichiro HIRATANI Ph.D. Team Director, Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research(RIKEN BDR))
16:45 –	Discussion	Discussion with researchers on campus

【Related Links】
GIAR Dr.NIMURA Laboratory

[Contact] GIAR Dr.NIMURA Laboratory
E-mail: nimura＃ml.gunma-u.ac.jp (Please replace “#” with “@”.)

【Information】GIAR Symposium (Feb.26 / Viral Vector Core)

kanri_eng01 — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 23:30:15 +0000

On February 26^th 2026, GIAR will host the Symposium of Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR) titled “難治性てんかんに対する遺伝子治療の実現を目指して“. It will be held on site at Tokyo International Forum. We look forward to your participation!

【Date/Time】2026.02.26 [Thur.]　13:30~18:00
【Venue】 Tokyo International Forum (Hall D5)　※No online simultaneous distribution
【Pre-registration】Required
〈Registration Form〉https://forms.gle/bChRnUykDyGuM7nG7
【Organizer】Director HIRAI Hirokazu (Viral Vector Core, GIAR)

【Timetable】*This symposium will be held entirely in Japanese.

Time	Program	Speakers
13:30 –	Welcome Address	Dr. Yasuki Ishizaki President, Gunma University
13:35 –	Guest Address	Director Kanae Kurata Director, Life Sciences Division, Research Promotion Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
13:45 –	Lecture	Dr. Kazuhiro Muramatsu Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University
14:20 –	Lecture	Dr. Soichi Oya Professor, Graduate School of Medicine,Gunma University
14:40 –	Break
14:50 –	Lecture	Dr. Ryuta Koyama Director, Department of Translational Neurobiology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
15:25 –	Lecture	Dr. Hirokazu Hirai Director, GIAR Viral Victor Core / Professor, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine
16:00 –	Lecture	Dr. Yutaro Itabashi Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Gunma University Hospital
16:20 –	Break
16:40 –	Lecture	Dr. Susumu Uchiyama Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University
17:15 –	Panel Discussion	Moderator：Dr. Hirokazu Hirai Director, GIAR Viral Victor Core / Professor, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine
17:35 –	Closing Remarks	Dr. Minoru Hanaya Director, GIAR, Gunma University
17:45 –	Networking Session

【Links】
Gunma University
Viral Vector Core, GIAR
Department of Neurophysiology & Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine

[Contact] GIAR Support Office
E-mail: kk-kensui4＃ml.gunma-u.ac.jp
(Please replace “#” with “@”.)

【Information】The Seminar of GIAR(Feb.16/ Prof.Hiroyasu KIDOYA)

kanri_eng01 — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 04:07:21 +0000

On February 16th, 2026(Mon), GIAR will host a seminar titled「血管制御から読み解く-腫瘍微小環境のメカニズム-」on site. Professor Hiroyasu Kidoya (Professor, Department of Integrative Vascular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui) will present recent research findings on the molecular basis of angiogenesis and vascular maturation, the regulatory mechanisms of disease-associated vasculature, and their therapeutic potential. The seminar offers a valuable opportunity to foster collaborative research linking vascular biology and gene therapy, and to expand research networks. We look forward to your participation!

【Date/Time】206.02.16 [Mon.] 17:00～18:00
【Venue】Gunma University (Showa Campus) Basic Medicine Bldg. 4F Graduate School Seminar Room ※No online simultaneous distribution
【Organizer】Dr. Keisuke Nimura (Professor, GIAR)
【Pre-registration】Not Required　※Please come directly to the venue.
【Timetable】※This seminar will be held in Japanese.

Time	Program	Speaker
17:00 –	Lecture	Prof. Prof. Hiroyasu KIDOYA Professor, Department of Integrative Vascular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui
17:45 –	Discussion	Discussion with researchers on campus

【Related Links】
GIAR Dr.NIMURA Laboratory

[Contact] GIAR Dr.NIMURA Laboratory
E-mail: nimura＃ml.gunma-u.ac.jp (Please replace “#” with “@”.)

【Information】The Seminar of GIAR(Jan.30/Prof.Katsuto TAMAI )

kanri_eng01 — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:24:04 +0000

On January 30th, 2026(Fri), GIAR will host a seminar titled「「再生誘導」とは？-皮膚の難病研究から明らかになった「再生」のメカニズム-」on site. Professor Katsuto TAMAI (Guest Professor, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Osaka; Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of StemRIM Inc.) will present cutting-edge developments in regenerative induction medicine and share insights on translating research seeds into real-world applications. The seminar offers a valuable opportunity to foster collaboration and expand research networks. We look forward to your participation!

【Date/Time】206.01.30 [Fri.] 17:00～18:00
【Venue】Gunma University (Showa Campus) Basic Medicine Bldg. 4F Graduate School Seminar Room ※No online simultaneous distribution
【Organizer】Dr. Keisuke Nimura (Professor, GIAR)
【Pre-registration】Not Required　※Please come directly to the venue.
【Timetable】※This seminar will be held in Japanese.

Time	Program	Speaker
17:00 –	Lecture	Prof. Prof. Katsuto TAMAI Guest Professor, Department of Stem Cell Therapy Science, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Osaka / Founder, Chief Scientific Officer, StemRIM Inc.
17:45 –	Discussion	Discussion with researchers on campus

【Related Links】
GIAR Dr.NIMURA Laboratory

[Contact] GIAR Dr.NIMURA Laboratory
E-mail: nimura＃ml.gunma-u.ac.jp (Please replace “#” with “@”.)

【Report】The GIAR International Symposium (International Open Laboratory, The University of Queensland)

kanri_eng01 — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 06:00:55 +0000

On December 4, 2025, the Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR) held the GIAR International Symposium under the theme “A Life Course Approach to Women’s Health.”

GIAR’s International Open Laboratories (IOL), The University of Queensland Laboratory, was established by Gunma University in October 2023. This laboratory was created to strengthen international collaborative research on women’s health by utilizing the Japan Nurses’ Health Study (JNHS) and the international cohort research project InterLACE. At the symposium, researchers presented their latest findings with the aim of advancing a systematic life-course approach to women’s health research.

The symposium opened with a welcome address by President Yasuki Ishizaki, followed by a presentation by Professor Kunihiko Hayashi, who introduced GIAR and outlined the epidemiological study, the Japan-Study group on Nationwide Occupational cohorts of Women health professionals (J-SNOW).

In the keynote lecture, Professor Gita Mishra of The University of Queensland presented initiatives aimed at translating research on women’s health across the life course into policy and practice. In the invited lectures, Professor Jenny Doust (The University of Queensland) discussed improvement strategies derived from women’s experiences and current healthcare support for heavy menstrual bleeding in Australia, while Professor Rebecca Hardy (Loughborough University, UK) reported on life-course factors influencing age at menopause.

During the GIAR–The University of Queensland Laboratory session and Gunma University research presentations, a wide range of studies was shared, including analyses of menopausal symptoms from the Japan Nurses’ Health Study (JNHS), associations between midlife weight change and knee pain risk in women, characteristics of endometriosis and menopausal transition identified through the InterLACE consortium, and recent findings on women at high risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition, Professor Akira Iwase of the Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, reported on challenges related to endometriosis and fertility.

The symposium was held in a hybrid format and brought together 78 participants from universities and institutions in Japan and abroad, providing a valuable forum for active discussion and exchange.

[From left to right: (Gunma University(GU)) President ISHIZAKI, Prof. HAYASHI, and Prof. MISHRA (GU, The University of Queensland(UQ)).]

[From left to right:(UQ) Prof. DOUST ,(Loughborough University) Prof. HARDY , and (GU)Prof.IWASE. ]

[From left to right: (UQ) Dr. CHUNG , (GU) Dr. IDENO, Dr.NAGAI, and Dr. ITO.]

[(GU) GIAR Director HANAYA. ]

【Information】The GIAR International Symposium (International Open Laboratory, The University of Queensland)

kanri_eng01 — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 08:51:39 +0000

(Updated:19 Nov)
On December 4^th 2025, GIAR will host the International Symposium of Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR) titled “A Life Course Approach to Women’s Health“. It will be held on-site and online. We look forward to your participation!
The latest information will be posted on this website.

【Date/Time】2025.12.04 [Thurs.] 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
【Venue】Gunma University (Millennium Hall)&Online　※Online simultaneous distribution available
【Pre-registration】Required（https://forms.gle/YJZBHR4Lg2KitCL18)
【Organizers】
Professor Minoru Hanaya (Director of GIAR)
Professor Gita Mishra AO (PI of International Open Laboratory(The University of Queensland), GIAR)

【Timetable】※Lectures in English

Time	Program	Speakers
10:00-	Opening Remarks	Prof. Yasuki Ishizaki President of Gunma University
10:05-	Introduction	Prof. Kunihiko Hayashi Distinguished Professor, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR)
10:15-	Lecture	“A Life Course Approach to Women’s Health: from Research to Policy and Practice” Prof. Gita Mishra AO Centre Director, Australian Women and Girls’ Health Research Centre, NHMRC Leadership Fellow, School of Public Health, the University of Queensland (Australia) Adjunct Professor, GIAR (Japan)
11:15-	Break
11:25-	Special Lecture	“Australian Women’s Experiences of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and its Management: Lessons for Improvement” Prof. Jenny Doust Clinical Professorial Research Fellow, Australian Women and Girls’ Health Research Centre, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland (Australia)
12:25-	Lunch Break
14:00 –	GIAR UQ Lab Session	“Study on Menopausal Symptoms in the Japan Nurses’ Health Study” Dr. Yuki Ideno Associate Professor, Gunma University Center for Food Science and Wellness/ GIAR (Japan) “The Association Between Race/Ethnicity and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Women Varies by Body Mass Index: A Pooled Analysis of 15 Cohort Studies” Dr. Kazue Nagai Associate Professor, Gunma University Center for Food Science and Wellness/ GIAR (Japan) “Association of Trajectory of Body Mass Index with Knee Pain Risk in Japanese Middle-Aged Women” Dr. Ayumi Ito Assistant Professor, International Open Laboratory(IOL), The University of Queensland Laboratory, GIAR(Japan) “Endometriosis and Menopause: Insights into Type and Timing from the InterLACE Consortium” Dr. Hsin-Fang Chung Research Fellow, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland (Australia) Adjunct Collaborative Researcher, IOL, The University of Queensland Laboratory, GIAR (Japan)Q&A 10 min
15:00-	Lecture	“Fertility Issues in Endometriosis” Prof. Akira Iwase Professor, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine (Japan)
15:20-	Coffee Break
15:40-	Special Lecture	“Life Course Factors Associated with Age at Menopause” Prof. Rebecca Hardy Professor of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University (UK)
16:40-	Closing Remarks	Prof.Minoru Hanaya Director of GIAR
17:15 –	Networking Dinner

【Links】
GIAR, International Open Laboratory, The University of Queensland
Gunma University (Japanese)

[Contact]GIAR Support Office
E-mail: kk-kensui4＃ml.gunma-u.ac.jp
(Please replace “#” with “@”.)

【Information】The Seminar of GIAR

kanri_eng01 — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:51:41 +0000

On November 7th, 2025(Fri), GIAR will host a seminar titled「正常および腫瘍性造血の食事による制御機構」on site.
We look forward to your participation!

【Date/Time】2025.11.07 [Fri.] 17:00～18:00
【Venue】Gunma University (Showa Campus) Basic Medicine Bldg. 4F Graduate School Seminar Room※No online simultaneous distribution
【Organizer】Dr. Keisuke Nimura (Professor, GIAR)
【Pre-registration】Not Required　※Please come directly to the venue.
【Timetable】※This seminar will be held entirely in Japanese.

Time	Program	Speaker
17:00 –	Lecture	Prof. Daisuke NAKADA, Ph.D. Henry and Emma Meyer Professor in Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine
17:45 –	Discussion	Discussion with researchers on campus

【Related Links】
GIAR Dr.NIMURA Laboratory

[Contact] GIAR Dr.NIMURA Laboratory
E-mail: nimura＃ml.gunma-u.ac.jp (Please replace “#” with “@”.)

【Information】The Seminar of GIAR

kanri_eng01 — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 04:00:38 +0000

On August 18th, 2025(Mon), GIAR will host a seminar titled「生物活性化合物の設計・合成・機能評価」on site.
We look forward to your participation!

【Date/Time】2025.08.18 [Mon.] 17:00～18:00
【Venue】Gunma University (Showa Campus) Basic Medicine Bldg. 4F Graduate School Seminar Room※No online simultaneous distribution
【Organizer】Dr. Keisuke Nimura (Professor, GIAR)
【Pre-registration】Not Required　※Please come directly to the venue.
【Timetable】※This seminar will be held entirely in Japanese.

Time	Program	Speaker
17:00 –	Lecture	Dr. Mitsuhiro ARISAWA Graduate School and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Osaka
17:45 –	Discussion	Discussion with researchers on campus

【Related Links】
GIAR Dr.NIMURA Laboratory

[Contact] GIAR Dr.NIMURA Laboratory
E-mail: nimura＃ml.gunma-u.ac.jp (Please replace “#” with “@”.)