The First Conjoint Meeting of RIKEN and the International Society of Microbiota (ISM), Tokyo 2025

The first cojoint meeting between RIKEN and ISM, held in Tokyo from October 8–9, 2025, marked a major milestone in global microbiota research. Organized under the leadership of Dr. Hiroshi Ohno (RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Japan) and Prof. Marvin Edeas (Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, France), the event was held as a “RIKEN Symposium”, and brought together leading scientists, clinicians, and industry innovators from around the world, creating a vibrant platform for East-West exchange in the rapidly advancing field of microbiome science.

Day 1 opened with a keynote by Dr. Ohno on the evolution of microbiota research, followed by sessions exploring the impact of microbiome on immunity, metabolism, inflammation, and the gut-brain axis. Presentations showcased advances in microbiome-based diagnostics, the role of microbial dysbiosis in chronic diseases, and the therapeutic potential of modulating microbiota. A dedicated session on aging and longevity examined age-related microbiota changes, lessons from Japanese centenarians, and the influence of diet and probiotics on healthy aging. The day concluded with discussions on reinventing fermentation, focusing on the discovery of new microbial strains and health-promoting compounds.

Day 2 started with a keynote by Prof. Edeas on the future of microbiota medicine, then shifted focus to clinical translation, with sessions on microbiome-based diagnostics, regulatory updates, and the application of microbiota science in oncology, metabolic, and neurological disorders. Notably, Prof. Alain Stintzi (University of Ottawa) talked about butyrate as a precision modulator, highlighting its anti-inflammatory properties and potential in gastrointestinal disease treatment. Other highlights included examining the gut microbiota’s role in Alzheimer’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and developing postbiotic metabolites as new drug leads. The meeting also included a session on the skin microbiome, personalized nutrition, and the future of microbiota medicine.

A vibrant poster session showcased innovative research from around the world, covering topics from gut microbiota modulation in metabolic and neurological disorders to machine learning methods for microbiome-based diagnostics. The variety of presentations, from the effects of maternal obesity on infant microbiota to the role of microbial metabolites in cancer and stress responses, highlighted the field’s wide scope and potential for translation.

The meeting encouraged collaboration between academia and industry, with participation from leading Japanese health and nutrition companies and innovative biotech startups. This unique intersection of expertise and perspectives is expected to catalyze new developments in microbiome-based therapies and diagnostics.