Thirty-four years have passed since the first conference, and the scope of research at ICSE has expanded widely from ecology, evolution, and conservation to molecular biology, analytical chemistry, genetics, and green technologies such as phytoremediation and phytomining. We hope that this international conference will once again serve as a warm and welcoming forum for those who love serpentine soils and plants, and that it will provide an opportunity to cultivate new research ideas through interdisciplinary exchanges.

The Rekisaikan, a facility in Kyoto Prefecture, will provide an excellent venue for the conference. It is adjacent to the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, offering attendees a wonderful opportunity to acquaint themselves with Japanese flora. The mid-conference tour will include a one-day trip to the famous serpentine site, Mt. Oe.

We also invite you to join us on a two-night, three-day post-conference field trip (June 18-20) in Nagano Prefecture, featuring Mt. Shirouma, one of Japan's premier alpine-serpentine spots. The main visit will be to the Serpentine Nature Trail at Happo Ridge (on the second day), but we will first visit the adjacent Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden for preliminary learning. Additionally, we will visit Hisui coast, recognized for its deep connection with jade, one of Japan's geological treasures. On the final day, we will visit the spring water sources of Azumino on the final day.

So, exciting scientific sessions and a field trip are lined up. We are looking forward to welcoming you to Kyoto, Japan.

Sincerely,

Takafumi Mizuno (Chair of ICSE 2025)

Associate Prof., Mie University, Japan
on behalf of the Organizing Committee