TGSW2026 Opens: Addressing Global Challenges and Exploring the Future of Science and Technology

Tsukuba Global Science Week (TGSW) 2026 officially opened on October 1, with the Opening Session beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Held over three days from October 1, TGSW marks its 14th edition since the international conference was first launched in 2010. With the University Hall serving as the main venue, researchers from France, Germany, Taiwan, and other parts of the world who have collaborative ties with the University of Tsukuba have gathered to discuss the future of science and technology.

At the Opening Session, President NAGATA Kyosuke delivered the opening remarks, speaking about the University's commitment to addressing global challenges and emphasizing the need for closer collaboration among research institutions in Tsukuba Science City.

Dr. Marcel Van de Voorde, Professor Emeritus at Delft University of Technology, who joined the event from Europe, also highlighted the importance of strengthening research collaboration between Japan and the countries of the European Union (EU).

On July 30, the Government of Japan signed an agreement with the EU on Japan's association with Horizon Europe, the EU's key research and innovation funding programme, paving the way for enhanced joint research and greater mobility among outstanding researchers. Dr. Van de Voorde also welcomed the agreement as a significant step forward.

The keynote address in the latter half of the session was delivered by UNO Yoshiaki, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, whose responsibilities include science, technology and innovation policy, alongside national resilience and reconstruction policy.