Kyoto University has long held a series of extension programs which aim to share part of the university's academic research achievements with society and to help enhance the learning and cultural activities of adult citizens. The 33rd program in the series was held this year.
This year's program, titled "Message from Young Kyoto University Researchers," featured lectures by four scholars on two days. In the first session on February 11, Professor Toshiya Murai (Graduate School of Medicine) discussed "Considering Mental Illnesses from the Viewpoint of 'Sociality,'" and Associate Professor Michiho Ito (Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences) discussed "Relaxing with the Flavor of Japanese Basil? Japanese Basil Is Not Just for Eating." In the second session on February 18, Professor Yasuo Sugiyama (Graduate School of Management) lectured on the "Management of Business Ecosystems" and Associate Professor Junji Ito (Institute for Research in Humanities) lectured on "World War I: Its Implication for Russia." Over the two days, a total of 792 citizens joined the program, which also accompanied a vibrant exchange of questions and answers after each lecture.
Participants left such comments as "The lecture overturned the conventional notion of the relations between first impressions, sensory judgment and the brain," "I enjoyed learning about the wonderful world of the flavor of Japanese basil," "It was interesting to know that today's corporate entities and the economic environment can be compared to ecosystems," and "I learned about something regarding the ethnic issues in East Europe."
 From left, Professor Murai, Associate Professor Michiho Ito, Professor Sugiyama and Associate Professor Junji Ito each giving a lecture |
 Extension program venue |