The International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (WPI-I²CNER) at Kyushu University, in collaboration with the Energy Open Center at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), hosted the OIST-I²CNER Joint Symposium on January 21-22, 2026 at OIST in Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan.

This symposium theme was “Bridging Energy Research for a Sustainable Future.”

In addition to those from I²CNER and OIST, approximately 100 participants from University of Illionis at Urbana-Champaign, Forschungszentrum Jülich, the Paul Scherrer Institute, and Imperial College London also took part in the symposium.

The symposium begun with the opening address by President Markides of OIST and a video message from President Ishibashi of Kyushu University, followed by institutional overviews presented by the directors of both institutes – Prof. Dani, Director of Energy Open Center and Prof. Ishihara, Director of I²CNER.

Over the two days, the symposium featured 15 research presentations, 16 poster presentations, and three laboratory tours, providing participants with valuable opportunities to learn about a wide range of research related to energy for a sustainable future and to engage in meaningful exchanges of ideas.

Furthermore, participants received insightful explanation of various initiatives at OIST, including its innovation and its academic partnership & visiting programs.

Finally, the symposium concluded with the shared hope for further development of mutual collaboration.