On March 7, 2026, the 17th Forest and Forestry Experience Tour, organized by Kyoto Prefecture, was held at the Uji Campus of Kyoto University with the cooperation of the Institute for Chemical Research and the Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere. About 30 participants from inside and outside Kyoto Prefecture attended the event and visited the Hekisuisya facility, the Xylarium, and the Deterioration Organisms Laboratory.
　From ICR, Dr. Keito Mineo (program-specific assistant professor, Synthetic Organotransformation), gave a lecture titled “Forests and People in Kyoto: From Temple Architecture to the Future Forest Chemical Industry.” Participants expressed surprise that research on such large historical time scales is being conducted at the Uji Campus and voiced expectations for the realization of a forest-based chemical industry.

Comment from the speaker:
The Yamashiro region has long been known for its developed use of forests since ancient times and for serving as a hub of timber distribution. This event provided a valuable opportunity for residents of Kyoto Prefecture to learn that a variety of research activities connecting the past and future of forests and wood are being conducted at the Uji Campus located in this historic region. I hope to continue advancing research and practice through collaboration across disciplines and regions.