Soka University is holding a Kickoff Symposium for MEXT's "Private University Research Branding Project" titled "Establishment of a Recycling-oriented Society in African Countries - Interdisciplinary Collaboration between Ethiopia and Japan -"

Soka University (Hachioji, Tokyo/ President: Yoshihisa Baba) was awarded a grant under the project "Research Development on Appropriate Technology and Establishment of Local Industrial Foundation for Constructing a Sustainable Recycling Society in Developing Countries" as part of the "Private University Research Branding Project" driven by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in November 2017.

The project aims to establish a sustainable recycling-oriented society utilizing abundant natural energy in the continent of Africa, between Ethiopian Universities and Soka University. The project proposes "Plankton Eco-engineering" as a new interdisciplinary research field by integrating the research themes of science and humanities. More specifically, the project will retrieve natural energy (i.e. Biogas) and nutrients from excessive biomass (i.e. aquatic weeds), and mass-cultivate phytoplankton under plentiful natural sunlight in Ethiopia. Phytoplankton contain a rich source of protein, and also have the potential to be used as a dietary supplement. Utilizing these advantages, we target nutritional improvement, raising awareness of the environment and establishment of a new industrial infrastructure through the commercialization of valuable products derived from the biological resources.

Soka University will hold a Kickoff Symposium entitled, "Establishment of a Recycling-oriented Society in African Countries - Interdisciplinary Collaboration with Ethiopia -"at Room 201, S Building, Soka University on 12th May (Sat).

In Session 1 of this symposium, Prof. Tatsuki Toda, Dean of Graduate School of Engineering, will share an overview of the project, which will be followed by a speech on approaches for improving social challenges introduced by Prof. Firew Tegegne, President of Bahir Dar University. The symposium will also welcome Mr. Hiroyuki Kinomoto, Director for JICA Tokyo International Center, and Prof. Shuhei Ban from The University of Shiga Prefecture as guest speakers in Session 2.

Outline is as follows: *Kindly refer to the attached flier for more detail.

- Coverage Manuduction
[Time and date] 12th May (Sat), 2018 / 13:00 Open  13:30 Start  16:10 Close
[Venue] Room 201, Bldg S, Soka University (Hachioji, Tokyo. 15 minutes from JR Hachioji Station by public buses.)
[Participant] Open to anybody (Free of charge, no application required)
[Reference] Soka University Research Branding HP  https://www.soka.ac.jp/research/branding/
Contact us via phone or Email if in need of coverage.

<Contact in regard to the event>
Planning and PR Department, Soka University: Iwaki
Phone: 042-691-9442  Mobile: 090-2933-5179

https://www.soka.ac.jp/en/   e-mail: publicrelation@soka.ac.jp