On Saturday, December 13, the eighth edition of the OIST-Keio Showcase Talk Series, a joint symposium organized by Keio University and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), was held. The event took place on Yagami Campus at the Forum on the 7th floor of Building 14 and at the Yagami Innovation Laboratory (YIL). The theme of this event was "Science meets Society: Twist, Flow, and Instability." Researchers from both universities came together to share cutting-edge insights in fluid dynamics and mechanical sciences from diverse perspectives and to engage in discussions aimed at fostering new collaborations.
In the opening remarks, Vice President for Research Professor Toshiharu Saiki emphasized the importance of Keio University and OIST — both selected under the "Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS)"— further deepening their involvement in joint projects to mutually enhance their research capabilities, and his hope that this symposium would serve as a platform for nurturing such opportunities.
The symposium consisted of three lectures: "Analysis and Design of Structures and Fluid Flows," "Multiphase Fluid Dynamics," and "Geophysical Fluid Dynamics." The sessions were moderated by Professor Yutaka Kazoe of the Emerging Research Center of Fluid Mechanics at Keio University's Graduate School of Science and Technology, and featured presentations by Professor Koji Fukagata, Associate Professor Satoko Fujioka, and Professor Norihiko Sugimoto from the same center.
From OIST, Professor Eliot Fried of the Mechanics and Materials Unit, Assistant Professor Dan Daniel of the Droplet and Soft Matter Unit, and Associate Professor Amin Chabchoub of the Marine Physics and Engineering Unit delivered lectures on innovative research topics. Each presentation was followed by lively question-and-answer sessions, with active and in-depth exchanges of ideas on advanced research themes.
Following the lectures, a poster session was held featuring early-career researchers and graduate students from both universities. Joined by the symposium lecturers, participants engaged in constructive discussions, asking in-depth questions about the research presented and perspectives on future research directions. The session provided a valuable opportunity for meaningful academic interaction.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Professor Kenji Yasuoka, dean of the Graduate School of Science and Technology, who expressed his sincere appreciation to all participants. "The OIST-Keio Showcase Talk Series Vol. 8" exemplified the ongoing partnership between Keio University and OIST and offered a wonderful opportunity to explore the potential for collaborative efforts in fluid dynamics and mechanical sciences.