Strengthening University Research Excellence and Global Competitiveness in the Age of AI
Tomorrow Today in Research Japan 2026
The research landscape is undergoing a period of profound transformation, driven by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and the increasing globalization of research activities. For universities and research institutions, strategic and organizational decision-making has become more critical than ever—not only in shaping how research is conducted, but also in determining how international collaboration is fostered and how research excellence is strengthened.
The 7th Science, Technology and Innovation Basic Plan, launched this fiscal year, identifies “The Revitalization of Science” as one of its central pillars and promotes a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing Japan’s research capabilities. Against this backdrop, this seminar will focus on three key themes: the evolving research environment shaped by “AI for Science”, the development of international research networks, and strategies for strengthening global competitiveness.
The seminar will bring together research leaders and professionals involved in research strategy, administration, and support. Through presentations from both government and academic perspectives, participants will be able to explore approaches to strengthen research excellence and international competitiveness in an AI era. A panel discussion and networking session will also provide opportunities for participants to exchange ideas and experiences. We hope this seminar will offer valuable insights and foster new collaborations that support future research strategies and initiatives across participating institutions.
Prior to the seminar, a Research Intelligence User Group Meeting will also be hosted. The session will cover: Scopus (abstract and citation database), SciVal (research performance analytics platform) , and Pure (research information management system). We warmly welcome not only current users of these products, but also those interested in learning about their applications and implementation through real-world case studies. We encourage you to attend both the User Group Meeting and the seminar.
Registration
Date: Wednesday, October 7
10:00–12:00 Research Intelligence Solutions User Group Meeting (Lunch provided) 13:00–17:00 Research Strategy Seminar 17:10–18:30 Networking Reception (Buffet-style)
Venue: Bellesalle Shibakoenopens in new tab/window (Sumitomo Shibakoen Building 6F 2-7-17 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Organizer: Elsevier Japan K.K.
Who should attend: Presidents, university leaders, board members, vice presidents, and other senior administrators at universities and research institutions; professionals engaged in research strategy, management, support, and institutional research (IR); researchers; information infrastructure/IT center staff; AI leads; librarians; and other stakeholders supporting research and innovation.
Registration fee: Free of charge
Please note:
The program is subject to change without prior notice.
Simultaneous interpretation (Japanese–English) will be provided.
Audio and video recording during the seminar is not permitted.
Seating capacity is limited. Registration does not guarantee admission, and we may be unable to accommodate all applicants. In addition, applications from individuals who are determined to fall outside the intended audience for this seminar may not be accepted. We appreciate your understanding.
Agenda
Research Intelligence Solutions User Group Meeting (Tentative)
| Empty table header | Program | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
09:30 〜 | Open | |
10:00 〜 10:05 | Opening remarks | Elsevier Japan KK |
10:05 〜 10:30 | "Advancing Research Strategy with SciVal: Delivering Insights Across the Institution through Reports and Dashboards" | Yoshida Chiho, Senior URA, IR Office, Nagoya University |
10:30 ～ 10:55 | "Assessing Research Strength in the Humanities and Social Sciences: An Approach at Hitotsubashi University" | Yasui Kiyotaka, Specially Appointed Research Associate, Institute for Advanced Study, Hitotsubashi University |
10:55 〜 11:20 | Research Intelligence Solutions (Scopus, SciVal & Pure) User Case Studies 3 | |
11:20 〜 11:40 | Products update: Scopus, SciVal, Pure | Elsevier Japan KK |
11:40 〜 12:00 | Q&A session |
Research Strategy Seminar (Tentative)
Time | Program | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
12:30 〜 | Open | - |
13:00 〜 13:05 | Opening remarks | Elsevier Japan KK |
Part 1: AI for Science and Research Strategy | ||
13:05 〜 13:30 | Keynote: "Japan's Strategic Direction in the AI Era under the 7th Science, Technology and Innovation Basic Plan " | Dr. Akaike, Director for EBPM and Integrated Strategy, Cabinet Office (Director- General for Integrated Strategy) |
13:30 ～ 13:55 | "Research Strategy in the AI Era" (Tentative) | |
13:55 〜 14:15 | Break | |
Part 2: Strategic Enhancement of International Collaboration | ||
14:15 〜 14:30 | Keynote; "Global Competition: Challenges Facing Japan's Research Ecosystem " （Tentative） | Elsevier |
14:30 〜 14:45 | "Fostering International Research Collaboration and Partnership Opportunities through Horizon Europe " (Tentative） | Fumiko Oda Manager, National Contact Point for Horizon Europe EU-Japan Center for Industrial Cooperation |
14:45 〜 15:10 | "Strengthening Japan–EU University Partnerships through Horizon Europe " (Tentative) | - |
15:10 ～ 15:35 | "LeapSpace and AI-Enabled Solutions to Advance Research Excellence and Global Competitiveness " (Tentative） | Elsevier |
15:35 〜 16:00 | Break | |
16:00 ～ 16:55 | Panel discussion | Moderator： Yuko Harayama Secretary General of the Tokyo Centre of the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) Expert Community. |
16:55 ～ 17:00 | Closing remarks | Elsevier |
17:10 ～ 18:30 | Networking reception (Buffet) |