On Thursday, September 11, 2025, the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) held the 10th session of the Future Science Talent Academy at Ibaraki Prefectural Namiki Secondary School.
This year, the school has been conducting integrated learning under the theme of “Connecting,” and this lecture focused on the power of “research” that connects Japan with the world, delivered to 160 third-year junior high school students.
The session began with an introduction to why JIRCAS engages in international collaborative research in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, particularly in developing countries, and how such research contributes to society. The importance of “global human resources” and “science and technology innovation personnel” who support these efforts was also discussed with the students.
Presenters included Dr. KOSUGI Akihiko, Director of the Biological Resources and Post-harvest Division, and Dr. UKE Ayaka, Researcher in the same division. They explained the significance of palm oil in our daily lives and the technological developments aimed at solving the environmental issues associated with its production.
Dr. Kosugi provided a historical and institutional overview of why Malaysia became a leading producer of oil palm. He explained how advancements in breeding, high productivity, and national policies interacted to elevate palm oil into a major industry—an account that captivated the students.
Following this, Dr. Uke clearly explained how biomass generated during palm oil production is often left unused, causing environmental impacts. She introduced research and development efforts to convert this biomass into sustainable energy and materials, along with initiatives for implementing these technologies.
After the lecture, the students enthusiastically asked questions, and the presenters responded thoughtfully to each one. This interaction demonstrated that the session offered students a valuable opportunity to reflect deeply on the societal significance of science and technology, the importance of international collaboration, and their own future paths and aspirations.
This lecture was inspired by a visit to JIRCAS by a team that participated in last year’s 14th National Science Koshien Tournament, during which Namiki Secondary School’s junior team also took part. Valuing such meaningful “connections,” JIRCAS aims to continue fostering future science talent by providing opportunities to engage directly with research environments and further stimulate interest in science and technology.
