Infection Prevention for a Safer Future in Kumamoto

Sharing science, saving lives: Kumamoto University connects with the public through hands-on learning and hope

On April 27, 2025, Kumamoto University hosted a public talk event titled “Infection Prevention for a Safer Future in Kumamoto” at the Tsutaya Bookstore, Kumamoto Sannenzaka. The event, featuring a hands-on experience session, was part of the “MACHINAKA Campus (Campus in Town)” series—an outreach initiative co-organized with Newco-One, Inc., aimed at fostering dialogue between the university and the local community. Kumamoto University’s Executive Director Chikako Miyao also attended the event.

To open the event, Professor Kazuaki Ohtsubo of the Faculty of Life Sciences gave an engaging presentation on Kumamoto University’s swift and decisive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the challenges faced in the early days of the outbreak and described how the university, recognizing an urgent societal need, took the lead in building a reliable PCR testing infrastructure. This included establishing a testing facility, securing a cleanroom environment, and assembling a team of certified professionals holding Clinical Laboratory Technician Licenses.

One of the university’s most significant contributions was the creation of a collaborative framework between the local government and the academic sector—a model of public-academic partnership. Under an official agreement with Kumamoto Prefecture, the university carried out a total of 18,931 PCR tests between December 2020 and March 2024. This large-scale effort made a crucial contribution to public health and community safety during a time of crisis.

To further strengthen these efforts, the Center for Biomedical Laboratory Science (CBLS) was established in 2021 within the Faculty of Life Sciences. The Center not only advances research in cutting-edge medical technology but also trains the next generation of highly skilled healthcare professionals. Officially registered by Kumamoto City as a temporary public health testing facility, the CBLS plays a vital role in supporting the region’s preparedness for future infectious disease threats.

The second speaker, Professor Masahiro Yamamoto, Director of the CBLS, introduced the university’s crowdfunding campaign to support the Center’s ongoing mission. He emphasized the importance of continued investment in training advanced medical personnel, developing innovative diagnostic methods, and building a testing infrastructure that can respond swiftly to future outbreaks. He also called on the public to join in this effort and help safeguard Kumamoto’s health and future.

After the talks, attendees had the rare opportunity to get up close with actual PCR equipment under the guidance of university staff. They also experienced how to properly wear and remove Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—a skill crucial for preventing infection—through an interactive demonstration. The event also featured an introduction to the basics of PCR testing, virus detection principles, and Professor Ohtsubo’s latest research on using glycan as a tool for identifying viruses.

Through this event, participants gained firsthand insight into the university’s research, its social mission, and its dedication to serving the local community during times of urgency. This event helps bridge the gap between researchers and the public, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for public health and scientific progress.

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