Academic participants

Feng GaoChair, SwedenConfirmed

Prof. · Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University

My research explores new semiconductor materials and optoelectronic technologies for energy, information, and healthcare applications. I look forward to discussing how stakeholders see future optoelectronic technologies fitting into society and where they believe research can make the greatest impact over the coming decades.

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Masahiro Yoshizawa-FujitaChair, JapanConfirmed

Prof. · Materials & Life Sciences, Sophia University

My research focuses on the development of rechargeable batteries, particularly electrolyte materials. I am also developing highly polar solvents capable of dissolving cellulose. I am dissolving bamboo to extract cellulose and using it to develop new materials.

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Helena BaloghCoordinatorConfirmed

Senior Coordinator · Strategic Collaboration Unit, Linköping University

My role is to discover, facilitate and support possible new connections that can lead to collaborations academia–academia and academia–industry. Additionally, I am interested in how a university campus can be used as an experimentation arena. Finding an environment to do field work is sometimes a challenge, especially when there is a need to involve humans. Campuses could be better utilized, while at the same time acting as bridges between researchers.

Yukiko TakaoCoordinatorConfirmed

Team Leader · Center for Research Promotion and Support, Sophia University

Mina KyogokuCoordinatorConfirmed

Project Manager · Center for Research Promotion and Support, Sophia University

I am keen to gain a deeper understanding of how international research consortia foster collaboration and create new partnerships. I look forward to meeting researchers, learning from their experiences, and witnessing the passion behind their research.

Leteng LinConfirmed

Associate Prof. · Built Environment and Energy Technology, Linnaeus University

I work at the intersection of chemical engineering, materials science, sustainable energy and circular resource systems. My current focus is on converting biomass into high-value functional carbon materials for energy storage, environmental remediation and climate-resilient circular systems.

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Xiaoyan JiConfirmed

Prof. · Division of Energy Engineering, Luleå University of Technology

My research is on carbon capture and utilization, batteries and hydrogen production, with the aim of mitigating CO₂ emissions.

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Mahmoud MousaviConfirmed

Prof. · Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University; Researcher, Hitachi Energy

My research at Uppsala University focuses on architectured materials, multiphysics and computational mechanics, while through my collaboration with Hitachi Energy I work on applying these approaches to challenges in future electrical power systems. I’m keen to hear how researchers and industry stakeholders see materials and system-level innovation contributing to the future of electrical power transmission.

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Fangqin GuoConfirmed

Associate Prof. · Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University

I work at the intersection of materials science, hydrogen energy, electrochemistry and sustainable energy systems. My current research focuses on hydrogen-storage materials, thermochemical hydrogen compression, hydride- and alloy-based electrodes for all-solid-state batteries, and the durability of alkaline water electrolysis under fluctuating renewable power conditions.

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Roman SelyanchynHostConfirmed

Associate Prof. · Q-PIT, Kyushu University

My research is on gas separation membranes that could be used to capture CO₂ from air or from industrial gas mixtures. I’m keen to hear how stakeholders see this technology fitting into CO₂ management in the built environment — schools, offices, and other buildings.

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Swagatha GhoshConfirmed

Assistant Prof. · Applied Physics, Nagoya University

My research aims at understanding the fundamental molecular mechanisms that regulate climate adaptation of certain fish species near the North Pole. We use structural biophysics and high-resolution imaging to address these questions, and our findings could have biomedical applications. From the stakeholders, I would like to hear about their interest in bringing climate awareness into school and university classrooms.

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Irina ManchevaChair, SwedenConfirmed

Assistant Prof. · Political Science, Umeå University

I focus on natural resource governance and the implementation of sustainability goals. I am particularly interested in exploring real-world implementation challenges and identifying opportunities for communities to advance climate adaptation and resilience through nature-based solutions.

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Emanuel LeleitoChair, JapanConfirmed

Lecturer · Civil Engineering, Nagoya University

My research explores how human-centered urban informatics, grounded in architecture and urban planning, can contribute to more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities. I use spatial, computational, and immersive methods to develop participatory approaches that bring technological innovation, local knowledge, and collective action together. At the retreat, I hope to exchange ideas beyond disciplinary boundaries, uncover unexpected connections, and explore how they might develop into new collaborations in research, education, and practice.

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Patrik StrömConfirmed

Prof. · European Institute of Japanese Studies (EIJS), Stockholm School of Economics

My research is focusing on the development of the advanced service industry and the transformation of economies that are becoming more service and knowledge based. The primary regional focus is Japan, South Korea, China and other emerging markets of East Asia, as well as the Single Internal Market for services in the EU. During the last ten years I have increasingly worked with issues regarding the transition towards the green economy in Europe and Asia. Main contributions within this area are the books Services and the Green Economy (2016) and the Research Handbook on the Green Economy (2024).

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Jonathan RoquesConfirmed

Associate Prof. · Biological & Environmental Sciences / SWEMARC, University of Gothenburg

I am a biologist, specialized in animal welfare, ecophysiology and behavior of aquatic species. My main research interest is to optimize the rearing conditions and welfare of animals in aquaculture practices. I use a multidisciplinary approach, combining physiology and behavior together with system design and the development of sensors and use of AI to ameliorate current farming practices. I am aiming at increasing the sustainability of local farming seafood for self-sufficiency, through interdisciplinary and socially engaging research. I am aiming to hear more about novel technologies for implementation in aquaculture systems.

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Ayyoob SharifiConfirmed

Prof. · The IDEC Institute, Hiroshima University

My research focuses on smart cities and the interface between urbanism and climate change mitigation and adaptation. I am particularly interested in integrated planning approaches that facilitate co-benefits and synergies for health, sustainability, resilience, and peace.

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Prasanna DivigalpitiyaInvited by GCT3Confirmed

Associate Prof. · Human-Environment Studies — Urban and Architecture, Kyushu University

My research examines urban growth, land-use efficiency, and urban transformation across expanding and shrinking cities. Using GIS, satellite imagery, spatial analysis, and modelling, I investigate how urban development strategies influence urban form and land-use efficiency over time. Focusing on South and Southeast Asia, Japan, and Western cities, my work seeks to support evidence-based planning strategies that foster sustainable, resilient, and livable urban environments.

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Xuepeng QianInvited by GCT3Confirmed

Prof. · Global Environmental Studies, Sophia University

I study resilient cities and communities through urban sustainability, environmental governance, and sustainability transitions. My recent research examines how cities and local communities respond to challenges such as decarbonization, urban shrinkage, resource circulation, climate risks, and behavioral change. By integrating urban studies, behavioral science, systems approaches, and data-driven analysis, my work aims to support more sustainable, adaptive, and resilient urban futures.

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Richard NakamuraInvited by GCT3Confirmed

Senior Lecturer · Business Administration, University of Gothenburg

My research concerns how the green transformation and digital transformation impact the economic activities of agents. Seen from entrepreneurial and business perspectives, understanding Smart cities initiatives and how they contribute to the overall green transformation and sustainable development is the core of my research interest in this field.

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