Dear Partners, Participants, Students, and Friends,

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives and activities more than any other event in most of our lifetimes. Academic institutions, hospitals and research institutions globally are trying to navigate their way through this crisis, balancing short-term needs with long-term strategies. While we are all in the same storm, we must realize that we are in different boats, and therefore different solutions and strategies are necessary. Our primary responsibilities are to develop academia, give study opportunities for students, provide services for clients, and contribute to research activities, but on top of that, it is imperative that we support each other in circumventing this uncharted situation.
Locally, nationally, and around the world, this pandemic has affected us all in various ways, and we have vastly different means and capabilities in how to respond. What unites us all is the determination to weather this crisis and perhaps emerge even stronger on the other side. It is a time to look out for one another, lend a helping hand to those who need it, and to reflect on what motivates and drives us, as this will give us the strength we need.
At Seirei International Research Conference 2022 (SIRC2022), we believe in connecting people to facilitate change. Accordingly, our program is characterized by the opportunity to exchange knowledge and make meaningful connections. Over the past three years that we have been holding SIRC, we have learned not only about one area of study but also about all the related scientific areas that our partner institutions are involved in. Also, at last year’s conference we explored and gained experienced in online meetings, online education, and hybrid activities. As a result, we have created new opportunities for sharing our knowledge with each other even at a distance. We have learned new ways of interacting even when travel is not possible.
At SIRC2022, we are moving forward, connecting people to facilitate development of our research activities and partnerships. In addition to research presentations, we will offer other activities such as a symposium and a new students’ exchange event. It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 4th International Conference of SIRC to be held in Hamamatsu, Japan and online on March 3-4, 2022. I am very pleased to give a warm welcome to all researchers, faculty members, staff members, and students at our collaborating institutions and to participants of the conference as well.

Sincerest regards,

Isamu Shibamoto, Ph.D.
Chair, Seirei International Research Conference 2022 (SIRC 2022)