On March 27, 2026, Tohoku University hosted the Q-DREAM Engineering Medicine Workshop at the School of Medicine Centennial Hall on Seiryo Campus.
Q-DREAM is a recently established collaborative framework between Tohoku University and the University of Washington (UW). The workshop provided an opportunity to promote research exchange and collaboration in biomedical engineering, one of Q-DREAM's priority fields.
Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine Naoto Ishii delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of the partnership between the two universities. These remarks were followed by Fumio S. Ohuchi, Specially Appointed Professor at the Organization for International Initiatives, who outlined the background of Q-DREAM's establishment and the vision for its future. Next, Tetsuro Eto, also a Specially Appointed Professor at the Organization for International Initiatives, highlighted the importance of human networks connecting Japan and the United States. Eto also touched on Seattle's world-leading innovation ecosystem and noted that the city is home to the Seattle Japanese Researchers Community (SJRC).
The workshop's first session began with a presentation by the organizer, Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Professor Yoshifumi Saijo. Saijo gave a detailed overview of Tohoku University's history of world-leading research in biomedical engineering and its cutting-edge achievements. Professor Kuniyasu Niizuma of the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering then spoke about the latest therapeutic research on cerebrovascular disorders, highlighting the university's strong capabilities in clinical research. The guest keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Kenta M. Hagihara, a researcher at the Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics. His lecture, entitled "Optical Engineering for Psychiatry," showcased research using next-generation microscopy technology to visualize neurotransmitters in the brain.
In the next session, UW Assistant Professor of Radiology and Materials Science Avik Som introduced his research in a presentation titled "Delivering the Cure: Image-Guided Delivery of Biomaterials." In addition, Professor Kei Takase of Tohoku University's Graduate School of Medicine presented on new interventional radiological treatments for adrenal hypertension.
Associate Professor Parmanand Sharma of Tohoku University Hospital presented on the application of "lightweight AI" in ophthalmology. Next, UW clinician-researcher Dr. Annelise Mah-Som discussed the development of new engineering tools for interpreting the genetic basis of diseases. Additional presentations covered next-generation treatment approaches from diverse perspectives, including cancer immunotherapy with reduced side effects by Graduate School of Dentistry Assistant Professor Ariunbuyan Sukhbaatar, and supersulfide metabolism as a therapeutic target for T-cell-mediated inflammation by Graduate School of Medicine Assistant Professor Shunichi Tayama.
Each session featured active discussion and a lively exchange of ideas.
This workshop is expected to lead to new collaborations in biomedical engineering between Tohoku University and UW, leveraging Seattle's innovative ecosystem and forming a new core of cooperation between the two universities.
Contact:
Global Strategy Office
Email: kokusai-r
grp.tohoku.ac.jp
