Inter-Academia 2026 (the 23rd International Conference on Global Research and Education) has ended after a very successful flow of events, talks, posters, meetings, and interactions. Due to the large attendance and thoughtful organizing, this conference marks now an important step forward in strengthening academic collaboration between Japan and Europe, becoming a milestone event in the relations between various institutions.
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Our group contributed to this dynamic and interdisciplinary event by a Plenary Talk (Daniel Moraru) and an oral presentation (Daris Alfafa) – acknowledged by a IA Young Researcher Award for Oral Presentations.
The event brought together researchers and institutional leaders from Shizuoka University, other partner universities across the world, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University (UAIC), Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS) – a valued newer member of the Inter-Academia network and co-organizer of this edition. This year, the network even extended to include significant contributions from SRM Institute of Science and Technology and other institutions adjacent to the Inter-Academia Community.
There was also active participation of university leadership across the network, including even plenary talks by UAIC Rector, Prof. Liviu George Maha and SU President, Prof. Kazuyuki Hizume. Meetings with Vice-Rectors, many Deans and key persons of many Faculties from both sides were a good start for the conference, as well. We were also honored by the presence and support for several days from H.E. Mr. Takashi Katae, Ambassador of Japan to Romania.
Special thanks are certainly due to the General Chairs, Prof. Ionuț Topală and Prof. Claudiu Costin, and to their dedicated team whose contributions behind the curtains are greatly appreciated. The important contributions of Assoc. Prof. Iuliana Motrescu and Prof. Liviu Miron, Vice-Rector of IULS (both as part of the Executive Committee on behalf of IULS), as well as the meaningful support from the IULS Rector, Prof. Acad. Gerard Jităreanu, are also acknowledged.
Overall, the conference featured excellent plenary talks, numerous high-quality oral presentations, and many tens of posters, creating an exciting scientific atmosphere, and hopefully leading to various smaller collaborations in the future.
Beyond the scientific program, discussions highlighted concrete opportunities for student mobility through the Erasmus+ program, the concept of Double Degree Program (with an important agreement signed now also between SU and IULS, as well as a new start with another DDP student between SU and UAIC soon), various joint research initiatives, and, more broadly, long-term institutional partnerships.
Many thanks to all organizers, supporters, colleagues, and students who made this event both productive and inspiring.
Looking forward to the next steps in various directions, and to the future edition of Inter-Academia, to be organized at Riga Technical University, Latvia by Assoc. Prof. Pavels Onufrijevs and his team.