40BBL01102
Advanced Conference 4
2nd Half
1 Credit
47 Basic Biology Program

 

■Outline

Attend the international conference (The 70th NIBB Conferece, Nov, 2026, Venue: Okazaki Conference Center) to engage with presentations highlighting cutting-edge research findings regarding the “Astrobiology”, and to participate in discussions with eminent researchers in this field.
We will inform you of the Conference website later.

 

■Learning objectives

Students will attend presentations by researchers from a wide range of fields from laboratory based photosynthesis measurements of microalgae to exoplanet observations using extremely large telescopes to understand the interdisciplinary scope of astrobiology. The course aims to teach the essential mindsets and methodologies required for collaborative research across different disciplines. Moreover, students will have the opportunity to comprehend novel findings and the subsequent questions that emerge from the research outcomes. Furthermore, students will gain insights into the dynamics of research communication in the context of an international gathering.

 

■Grading policy

Participants in the international conference are required to submit a report. Grades will be assigned based on the contents of the report. The report should be written on one A4 sheet and sent by email to Professor Kenji Takizawa (kenji-t@nibb.ac.jp) by December 18th.

 

■Lecture Plan

The oxygen released by plant photosynthesis and the vegetation covering the Earth's surface significantly impact the global environment. Since the transmission spectra of atmospheric oxygen and the reflection spectra of vegetation can be observed from vast distances, they serve as crucial "biosignatures" for seeking life on exoplanets. Predicting the co-evolution of planets and flora in environments different from Earth, and detecting the signals emitted by those planets through astronomical observation, requires the collaboration of researchers across numerous fields, including biology, environmental science, and astronomy.
In this conference, we will invite a researcher from NASA, who leads the field of astrobiology, to discuss the significance and ultimate goals of this emerging interdisciplinary research. Additionally, we will host leading experts in photosynthesis measurement, satellite remote sensing, and exoplanet observation to deepen our understanding of each respective field. Using "spectroscopy" as a common keyword, we will facilitate discussions and exchange ideas on life-related phenomena ranging from the molecular level to the planetary scale.

 

■Location

Okazaki Conference Center

 

■Language

English

 

■Textbooks and references

There are no specified textbooks or reference books for this course.

 

■Notes for students of other programs

Students other than Basic Biology Program who wish to enroll in this class should contact Graduate Student Affairs Section, Okazaki Administration Center (r7139@orion.ac.jp) during the registration period.

 

■Related URL

 

■Contact for Course Inquiries

Regarding the lecture contents:
Kenji Takizawa
kenji-t@nibb.ac.jp

Regarding participation in the conference:
Kiyoshi Tatematsu
ktatem@nibb.ac.jp
nibbconf@nibb.ac.jp