Nature Portfolio, Yakult and ISM Join Forces in Tokyo to Connect Global Funding with Japanese Microbiome Research
From Japanese Microbiome Science to Global Opportunity
A new opportunity is opening for the microbiome research community in Japan.
On 24–25 September 2026 at The University of Tokyo, ISM–RIKEN Targeting Microbiota will welcome the Global Grants for Gut Health (GGGH) programme, jointly supported by Nature Portfolio and Yakult.
GGGH has already supported more than USD 2.5 million in microbiome research and awards three research grants of USD 100,000 each year.
In Tokyo, the programme will be presented directly to Japanese and international researchers, with a dedicated presentation explaining its objectives, impact and application process.
How can Japanese microbiome research connect more strongly with global funding?
The discussion will bring together Hiroshi Ohno, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences; Kiyoshi Takeda, Osaka University; Reiko Shinkura, The University of Tokyo; and Yumi Matsuoka, Osaka University, together with Jeffrey Robens from Nature Portfolio.
They will be joined by Marvin Edeas, Founder and Chairman of ISM, to explore how Japanese researchers can engage more effectively with international funding opportunities.
Three Best Abstract Prizes in Tokyo: JPY 100,000 each
The collaboration also introduces: Three Global Grants for Gut Health Best Abstract Prizes
The recipients will be selected by the conference scientific and organising committees, keeping scientific excellence and independence at the heart of the awards.
Beyond funding, ISM–RIKEN Tokyo will bring together leading Japanese and international scientists for two days spanning host–microbiota interactions, microbial metabolites, gut–brain and gut–lung communication, single-cell and strain-level approaches, precision therapeutics and emerging microbiome technologies.
The objective is clear: to create stronger connections between Japanese scientific excellence, international collaboration and new opportunities for the next generation of microbiome researchers.
Join us at:
ISM–RIKEN Targeting Microbiota 2026
24–25 September 2026 | The University of Tokyo, Japan
