“Insects: Nature’s Engineers”
Organized by Kyushu University’s Science Communicators, two professors and two student groups will present their research and explore the role of insects in nature and innovation. As usual, after the presentations, participants will have the opportunity to talk with the speakers during our free-roaming discussion time! Learn about the different facets of insects and how they touch our lives from pest management, design engineering, vaccines, and pathogen control. Don’t miss this rare opportunity for an afternoon of stimulating talks and discussions facilitated by university faculty, students, and science communicators!
About Kyushu U Connect event
Kyushu U Connect is an annual public event organized by the Science Communicators at Kyushu University’s Public Relations Initiative. Each year, a single theme is selected, and university researchers and students present their work to the public audience in an intriguing and accessible way. At the same time, each talk is presented in both Japanese and English. The event is an opportunity to introduce the university’s research activities to the community and welcomes people of all backgrounds to engage with each presenter’s talk.
One of the unique features of this event is the “free roaming” discussion time after the presentations. Here, participants are encouraged to go directly to the presenters to exchange ideas, ask questions, and engage in open dialogue. Our goal is to “connect” the university to the larger Fukuoka and Kyushu area. We hope that through this event, we can bring together Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan, and the world in fellowship.
Details
- Target：
General, High school students, Elementary and junior high school students,Current students and staff,Others - Date & Time：
2026.7.12[Sun]13:00–17:00 - Venue name：
Kyushu University Nishijin Plaza - Venue adress：
2-16-23 Nishijin, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka, 814-0002 - Seating capacity：
120people, in order of arrival - Participation fee：
Free of charge
Presenters
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The “Mushi” that Infect Insects: The Curious World of Microsporidia
Professor Chisa Yasunaga-Aoki
(Faculty of Agriculture Department of Bioresource Sciences)
Did you know that insects can get sick, too? Focusing on microsporidia, a unique and little-known group of insect pathogens, this talk explores how insect–microbe interactions shape ecological balance and inspire environmentally friendly pest management approaches known as microbial control.
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Lessons in Craft and Design from the Insects Around Us
School of Design, Kazuya Saito Lab, B4
Toko Kitamura
Kaito Nakagawa
Nagito Imamura
Shunta Amino
The Saito Lab explores the intersection of origami engineering and biomimicry. In this talk, we present studies inspired by tiger beetles, honeybees, cicadas, and earwigs. Participants will also take part in a hands-on origami workshop inspired by the earwig’s unique wing-folding mechanism and explore its engineering potential.
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Tiny Insects, Big Health: From Insect Factories to Edible Vaccines
Professor Jae Man Lee
(Faculty of Agriculture Department of Bioresource Sciences)
Silkworms are best known for producing silk, but they are also emerging as “insect factories” capable of producing proteins used in pharmaceuticals and vaccines. In this talk, I will introduce our research on edible vaccines produced by silkworms and discuss how insect biotechnology may contribute to future healthcare, food security, and a more sustainable society.
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Friend, Foe, or Future? The New Age of Insect Innovation
Brian Blumberg M2 Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Science
Evan Chan B2 School of Agriculture
Feared by many and loved by some, insects are a subject of intense scientific study. Traditionally, these small critters were simply targets to eliminate to protect our health and agricultural prosperity. However, recent advancements have shed light on incredible insect-inspired technologies. Join us as we explore the fine line between mayhem and creation in the world of entomology.
Event schedule
13:00 Start
13:00-13:20 Opening remarks
13:25-13:55 Professor Chisa Yasunaga-Aoki presentation
14:00-14:30 Saito lab students
14:30-14:40 Break
14:40-15:10 Professor Jae Man Lee presentation
15:15-15:45 KYURIOUS student group presentation
15:50-16:45 Free roaming discussion time
16:50-17:00 Wrap up panel with closing comments
17:00 End
Redgistration method
Advanced registration required
https://forms.office.com/r/YXZ3r9kBK1
Registration period: 2026.07.09[Thu]
Inquiries
Name: Kyushu University Public Relations Division
TEL: 0928022131
Mail: sysintlkh★jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Please replace ★ with @
