The 10th Presidents’ Conference of HeKKSaGOn, the German–Japanese University Alliance, was held on 30–31 October 2025 at the University of Osaka (Suita Campus). Founded in 2010 by six universities—Heidelberg University, Kyoto University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Tohoku University, the University of Göttingen, and the University of Osaka—the alliance convenes its leaders approximately every two years. Marking the 15th anniversary of its establishment, this 10th milestone meeting brought together about 170 participants, including presidents and vice presidents, invited guests, researchers, students, and the organizing team.
Under the theme “Transdisciplinary Initiatives and Alliance Building for Global Futures,” participants discussed how the member institutions can mobilize their diverse strengths to connect science and society and to shape future-oriented collaboration between Germany and Japan.
The Opening Session featured greetings from representatives of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Osaka-Kobe, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and the German Research Foundation (DFG), who expressed expectations for further advancement of academic cooperation through HeKKSaGOn.
The keynote speech, “In Vivo Cell Environment Resilience – Visualized by Next-Generation Imaging Technology,” was delivered by Professor Masaru ISHII, Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Osaka, followed by a lively exchange, particularly among early-career researchers.
Following the keynote speech, the six university presidents gave presentations on their respective institutional visions and pioneering initiatives related to the conference theme, engaging in discussion on academic freedom, the societal contributions of science, and the importance of international collaboration.
In parallel with the presidents’ conference, a multilayered program unfolded, including meetings and seminars organized by the six Joint Projects and one Working Group. In addition, a Student Workshop brought together 15 students selected from the six member universities to discuss “Designing Transdisciplinary Futures: Creating, Applying, and Enabling New Fields,” with outcomes presented during the Plenary Session on 31 October.
At the conclusion of the conference, a Joint Statement was adopted, outlining the direction for future cooperation within HeKKSaGOn, including sustained collaborative research, support for young researchers, advancement of responsible science, and strengthened engagement with society.
The upcoming 11th HeKKSaGOn Presidents’ Conference is scheduled to be hosted by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in 2027. Building on this hosting experience, the University of Osaka will continue to deepen German–Japanese academic cooperation and cultivate the next generation of global talent.
＜Links＞
https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/international/action/network/hekksagon
AloJapan.com