On March 27, 2026, the ‘Q-Dream Engineering Medicine Workshop’ was held at Tohoku University’s Seiyro Campus at the School of Medicine Centennial Hall. The workshop was aimed at promoting research exchange and collaboration in biomedical engineering, which is a priority field of the newly established ‘Q-DREAM’, a comprehensive collaborative framework between Tohoku University and the University of Washington (UW).
The event began with opening remarks from the Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine Prof. Naoto Ishii, who emphasized the importance of the two universities’ partnership. Next, Specially Appointed Prof. Fumio S. Ohuchi of the Organization for International Initiatives presented the background of Q-DREAM’s establishment and the vision the two universities have for its future. Next, Specially Appointed Prof. Tetsuro Eto, also of the Organization for International Initiatives, highlighted the importance of human networks to connecting Japan and the US and introduced the context in Seattle, which boasts one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems and is home to the Seattle Japanese Researchers Community (SJRC).
The first session began with a presentation by the workshop organizer, Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering Prof. Yoshifumi Saijo, who gave a detailed explanation of Tohoku University’s history of world-leading research in biomedical engineering and its cutting-edge achievements. Next, Prof. Kuniyasu Niizuma of the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering spoke about the latest therapeutic research on cerebrovascular disorders, presenting Tohoku 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. The lecture, entitled ‘Optical Engineering for Psychiatry’, showcased cutting-edge research that uses next-generation microscopy technology to visualize neurotransmitters in the brain.
In the next session, UW’s Assistant Prof. of Radiology and Material Science Avik Som introduced his research with his presentation ‘Delivering the cure: Image Guided Delivery of Biomaterials’. In addition, Prof. Kei Takase of Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Medicine presented on new interventional radiological treatment for adrenal hypertension.
Associate Prof. Parmanand Sharma of Tohoku University Hospital presented on the application of ‘lightweight AI’ in ophthalmology. Next, UW Clinician-Researcher Dr. Annelise Mah-Som presented on the development of new engineering tools for interpreting the genetic basis of diseases. There were also presentations from diverse perspectives on next-generation treatment options, including one on cancer immunotherapy with reduced side effects by Graduate School of Dentistry Assistant Prof. Ariunbuyan Sukhbaatar, and one on supersulfide metabolism as a therapeutic target for T-cell-mediated inflammation by Graduate School of Medicine Assistant Prof. Shunichi Tayama. Each session’s discussion period had engaging exchanges of opinion, allowing the attendees to deepen their understanding of one another’s research.
This workshop is expected to lead to new collaborations in the field of biomedical engineering between Tohoku University and UW that are linked to Seattle’s innovation ecosystem, forming a new core of cooperation between the two universities.
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