The visit of Dr. Yoshitaka Fujihara marks the successful startup of the Fibrobesity Visitor Programme launched by our partner in Finland, the University of Oulu. In this way, Dr. Fujihara has become the first visiting professor supported by the mentioned programme. The 2-weeks stay took place last October thanks to the hospitality of Dr. Renata Prunskaite-Hyyryläinen’s laboratory.

Dr. Fujihara is an Assistant Director General of the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center (NCVC) Research Institute, a Director/Professor of the Department of Advanced Medical Technologies, and a Head of the Developmental Biotechnology Core at the NCVC situated in Osaka, Japan.
Dr. Fujihara has long-lasting in-depth experience analyzing gametogenesis, fertilization, and embryogenesis in mammalian reproduction. His research has revealed the function of numerous previously uncharacterized genes and explained the function of the molecular factors critical for fertilization. He has published over 60 research articles, generated over 250 mouse models, and has been supported continuously by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

During his visit, Dr. Fujihara gave two lectures: “Transgenic rat models for human disease modelling” and “The molecular mechanism of mammalian fertilization revealed by genome-edited mice”. Furthermore, Dr. Fujihara held in vitro fertilization assay training that was hosted by the Biocenter Oulu Transgenic and Tissue Phenotyping Core facility. The training was especially praised by the participants. The first-time trainees got hands-on experience and step-by-step instructions where experts could pick up specific details and differences in the techniques and discuss practical matters. The method will be used further not only for in vitro fertilization but also for identifying fertility-related defects. Along with an intense scientific program, Dr. Fujihara experienced the first snow, observed migratory birds at Liminka Bay and rapids at Kiiminki river.

Here is how Dr. Fujihara summarized the visit himself. ‘’It was my second visit to Oulu, and I had a great time for two weeks. I gave one technical lecture and two scientific lectures. I noticed that the Finnish audience was too shy to ask questions that were very similar to the Japanese. We discussed in vitro fertilization and genome editing methods. It was interesting to learn how some things are done differently from each other. Along with the scientific program, I experienced Oulu culture and nature and introduced some of Japanese culture for an exchange. I appreciate the hospitality of your facility members, Dr. Renata Prunskaite-Hyyryläinen’s laboratory members, and her family. During the visit, we have also planned new projects. I am looking forward to the next visit to Oulu and seeing you again!’’.