【At the entrance of IVReD】From left: Executive Vice President Tsuyoshi Setoguchi from HU, Deputy Director of IVReD Yasuhiko Suzuki, Director of IVReD Hirofumi Sawa, and President Kiyohiro Houkin from HU

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, President Kiyohiro Houkin and Executive Vice President Tsuyoshi Setoguchi of Hokkaido University visited IVReD.

During the visit, they toured the institute’s facilities, including newly introduced research equipment and researchers’ offices. Following the tour, Director Hirofumi Sawa provided an overview of IVReD’s research activities and introduced the institute’s ongoing research and development initiatives.

The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics in preparation for future infectious disease crises, as well as Hokkaido University’s efforts to promote industry–academia–government collaboration and foster the next generation of researchers. The meeting concluded with an active and productive exchange of ideas.

【Discussion】

【Prof. Suzuki, Deputy Director of IVReD, explaining newly installed equipment during the facility tour.】

【Group Photo】

From left: Project Manager Kenichi Yamamoto, President Kiyohiro Houkin, Deputy Director of IVReD Yasuhiko Suzuki, Director of IVReD Hirofumi Sawa, and Executive Vice President Tsuyoshi Setoguchi.

IVReD will continue to advance the research and development of next-generation vaccines and contribute to preparedness for future infectious disease threats.