Conference participants gather at the entrance of TUJ Kyoto
Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) Kyoto hosted the international academic conference “Molecules and Materials” on March 29–30, 2026, led by Michael L. Klein of Temple University’s College of Science and Technology.
The conference brought together 18 scholars from Japan and across Asia, including participants from Taiwan and India, marking the second time the event has been held in Kyoto since the campus opened in 2025. The conference is part of a broader global initiative, with the next event scheduled for Fall 2026 in Rome. TUJ Kyoto continues to strengthen its role as a platform for international collaboration.
Special lectures honored Professor Susumu Okazaki of the University of Tokyo for his longstanding contributions to the field.
In his closing lecture, Professor Klein explored the relationship between science, computing, and human collaboration, referencing pioneers such as Alan Turing, Claude Shannon, and Seymour Cray. He emphasized that advancing science depends not only on technology, but also on connections between people.
Professor Klein, who has longstanding ties to Kyoto University dating back to the 1970’s and 1980s, explained his preference for Kyoto as a venue:
“Kyoto has a unique atmosphere where history, beauty, and a sense of community come together. It allows people to step away from daily routines and truly connect.”
In parallel with his academic work, in his former role as Dean of Science & Technology, Professor Klein was a champion of community engagement. One of his ambitious projects has finally come to fruition, namely a mobile STEMM education initiative at Temple University in the United States. This “STEMM bus” aims to expand access to hands-on scientific learning for students without adequate laboratory facilities in their high schools.
Collaborations like this reinforce TUJ Kyoto’s role as a center for international exchange.
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