[February 6, 2026] We hosted the University of Osaka Symposium, 4th WPI-PRIMe International Symposium at Nakanoshima Center, titled “AI and Metaverse Frontiers in Biomedical Innovation.” The symposium focus was on cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence, digital twins, metaverse technologies, and ethical considerations in biomedical applications. The event brought together leading researchers from academia and industry to explore emerging interdisciplinary frontiers.
The symposium commenced with an opening address from our university’s President, Dr. Atsushi Kumanogoh, followed by a congratulatory message from JSPS WPI Program Director Dr. Akira Ukawa, and an overview of WPI-PRIMe by Dr. Kohji Nishida, the Center Director of the WPI-PRIMe.
Our symposium featured four sessions addressing major research frontiers: AI Frontier 1 – Metaverse, Poster/flash talk session, AI Frontier 2 – AI for Medicine, AI Frontier 3 – AI for Science, and AI Frontier 4 – Human–AI Coexistence. These sessions explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping scientific discovery, healthcare innovation, and digital environments, culminating in discussions on ethical frameworks and collaborative human–AI coexistence. The event provided an active platform for scientific exchange and fostered new collaborations across diverse research communities.
We were honored to welcome distinguished keynote speakers, including Dr. Hiroaki Kitano (OIST), Prof. Eiryo Kawakami (Chiba University), and Prof. Yuichiro Yano (Juntendo University), whose talks highlighted transformative directions at the intersection of AI and biomedical science. The symposium concluded with a highly stimulating keynote by Dr. Kitano, followed by closing remarks from Vice President Dr. Takao Onoye.
The program was followed by Exchange Event with the symposium participants, which accelerated discussion among the symposium participants.
We were very pleased to welcome over 119 attendees from both academia & industry.