Institutional development · Research, innovation and assessment · Japan
Japan's education minister tours Kyoto University's iPS cell and iCeMS research centres
On 4 October, education minister Seki Yoshihiro visited Kyoto University, heard its research-strengthening plan as an International University of Research Excellence and toured its stem-cell and cell-material science institutes.
Why it matters: Kyoto University's leadership briefed the education minister directly on its research-strengthening plan, and he voiced expectations for its activities as an International University of Research Excellence.
Kyoto University said that Seki Yoshihiro, Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, visited on 4 October 2026 and toured the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) and the Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS).
According to the university, President Tachikawa Yasuto outlined its plan to strengthen research structures as an International University of Research Excellence, and the minister expressed expectations for its future activities in that role.
At CiRA, the minister discussed regenerative medicine products using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells with institute leaders including honorary director Yamanaka Shinya, and viewed next-generation 'iPS cells 2.0' and heart muscle cells derived from them.
The university reported that iCeMS director Uesugi Motonari told the minister the institute has created 13 start-up companies and runs 'On-site Laboratory' facilities jointly operated with overseas institutions.
Editor’s view
Scott James, Research and Innovation Editor
Kyoto University presented its research-strengthening plan as an International University of Research Excellence to the minister, who in turn stated expectations for the university's future activities in that role.
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