Overall 31 researchers from 22 countries and regions connect research, industry and future collaboration
The Institute of Ocean Energy (IOES), Saga University, hosted the 13th International Platform on Ocean Energy for Young Researchers (IPOEYR 2026) from 19 to 23 October 2026. Nineteen young researchers from 17 countries and regions joined IOES staff and students for laboratory visits, research presentations and discussions on future joint work in Saga (Honjo campus and Imari satellite campus), Japan
Connecting research with practice
The program brought young researchers into direct contact with IOES expertise and experimental facilities. At the Imari Satellite on 20 October, participants learned about ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), heat exchangers, seawater research, wave energy, offshore wind energy, and tidal energy. A visit to Namura Shipbuilding’s Imari Shipyard connected these discussions with marine engineering in industry, while a visit to Okawachiyama introduced the region’s porcelain heritage.
Research exchange and recognition
On 21 October, the Young Researcher Seminar at Saga University’s Honjo Campus featured 19 presentations across five sessions, covering OTEC, wave energy, tidal and ocean currents, offshore wind and oceanography. Gael Anastas of the University of Genoa received the Best Presenter Award for “Numerical Assessment of a Linear Track Wave Energy Harvester”. Participants also received certificates of participation.
From discussion to joint publications
On 22 October, participants worked with IOES researchers in four groups: OTEC; wave energy converters; offshore wind systems; and tidal, oceanography and environment. Each group presented a three-minute publication plan, identifying how members’ expertise could be combined, potential IOES collaborators and useful facilities. The shared target is at least one joint paper per group within one year.
Visits to Saga University, Saga Castle and the Saga City Waste Treatment Plant complemented the research program with local culture and examples of carbon capture and resource reuse. The five-day event concluded with departures from Fukuoka on 23 October, carrying forward new research contacts and plans for international collaboration.
Media enquiries
Institute of Ocean Energy (IOES), Saga University
TEL 0952-28-8624 | https://www.ioes.saga-u.ac.jp/
Event report and photographs https://ipoeyr.com/2026/gallery