On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, approximately 30 representatives of the Global Initiative for Safety, Health & Well-being (GISHW) visited The University of Osaka's Suita Campus, including SANKEN and the Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER).
GISHW is an international platform that collaborates with global institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and multinational corporations to promote safety, health, and well-being in all working environments. This visit was part of their participation in the event "A Gift for the Future: Safety, Health & Well-being for 8 Billion People", held at the Osaka?Kansai Expo and INTEX Osaka. Delegates from Germany, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Spain, South Korea, Brazil, and Finland were in attendance, including GISHW’s head, Mr. Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, and ten key delegates from Saudi Arabia, the host country of the 2030 World Expo.
The visit began at SANKEN, where Director Kuroda extended a warm welcome. Professor Takuo Dome of the Social Solution Initiative (SSI) then introduced the university’s future-oriented project “Inochi Kaigi” (The Life Conference), which envisions solutions for next-generation societies. Delegates also toured the cutting-edge research labs of the Taniguchi and Sekitani laboratories, both of which are scheduled to present at the upcoming international symposium at EXPO-salon on Friday, July 18.
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The delegation then moved to CiDER, a central hub for infectious disease research. Executive Advisor Dr. Kaneda provided an overview of UOsaka’s history and its affiliated research institutions, including CiDER and CAMaD (Center for Advanced Medical Development). Professor Yoshihiro Takashima of CAMaD shared insights into global infectious disease trends based on his experience working with the WHO. The tour also included a visit to the CiDER building, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, where the integration of science and architectural design left a strong impression on the visitors.
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Lunch was held at Minerva, a restaurant on campus, followed by an afternoon visit to NAKANOSHIMA QROSS, a flagship urban co-creation hub that showcases the intersection of academic knowledge and city innovation. Delegates expressed keen interest in the collaborative potential of this urban-campus interface.
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This visit, held as part of the GISHW Expo event that brings together leading institutions from around the world, offered a unique opportunity to introduce Osaka University’s research and societal initiatives. It is expected to serve as a catalyst for future international collaborations and partnerships in the fields of safety, health, and well-being.
(The SANKEN Strategy Office Specially Appointed Professor Motitsugu OGURA)