Science Tokyo and Thailand's Chulalongkorn University (CU) jointly held CU-Science Tokyo Matching Day 2026 on January 27 to explore deeper collaborations in the dental sciences between the two institutions.
The Faculties of Dentistry at Science Tokyo and CU have continued to develop a collaborative relationship that started well before the birth of Science Tokyo in October 2024 following the integration of Tokyo Medical and Dental University and Tokyo Institute of Technology. CU-Science Tokyo Matching Day 2026, co-organized by the respective faculties, aimed to further build on that connection and establish a stronger cooperative framework for research and education.
Held in hybrid format with an in-person venue at CU, the event brought together 32 researchers and faculty members - 14 from Science Tokyo and 18 from CU. Representing the Institute at the CU venue were Professor Manabu Kanazawa, an expert in gerodontology and oral rehabilitation, Professor Eriko Marukawa, a specialist in regenerative and reconstructive dental medicine, and Professor Yoshio Yahata, an authority in pulp biology and endodontics. They were joined by CU colleagues from the fields of dental materials, prosthetics, periodontitis, and other dental sciences.
Things kicked off with opening remarks by Science Tokyo's Executive Vice President for Global Affairs Jun-Ichi Takada and Kanazawa, followed by CU Faculty of Dentistry Dean Pornchai Jansisyanont and Professor Thantrira Porntaveetus. Each shared their hopes that the Matching Day would serve as an opportunity to initiate new research while expanding on an already longstanding partnership.
Science Tokyo's Professor Takashi Ono, who specializes in orthodontic science, then gave an overview of the joint degree program offered by the Institute and CU.
After this, 23 participants from both institutions delivered presentations detailing their ongoing research topics and latest clinical achievements.
Participants were then divided into groups for discussions on a wide range of topics, including the application of cutting-edge technologies in the areas of 3D-printed dentures, digital dentistry, and implants, as well as the potential for new treatments emerging from collaborative research into periodontal disease and dental caries. Each group will continue to conduct joint research and hold discussions, submit reports of their findings, and organize events to present the results of their collaboration.
CU Professor Lakshman Samaranayake, who is also emeritus professor and former dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong, concluded the event with his positive outlook on the continued partnership between Science Tokyo and CU.
Ongoing exchanges between Science Tokyo and CU will build on the momentum of this Matching Day to further strengthen collaboration not just within the Faculty of Dentistry, but across the entire Institute.
