Welcome Message

It is my great pleasure to welcome all of you to the University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan (UOEH) for the UOEH International Symposium 2026, Designing Sustainable Work, Well-being, and Society.

As Director of the International Center, I am especially delighted to welcome colleagues and friends from across the globe to our university. Your participation reflects our shared commitment to advancing international collaboration in occupational health and to addressing the increasingly complex challenges facing workers and workplaces worldwide.

At UOEH, we believe that global challenges require global partnerships. Scientific excellence flourishes when researchers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers come together across disciplines, cultures, and national boundaries. This symposium embodies that spirit by providing a forum where diverse perspectives can be exchanged, innovative ideas can emerge, and lasting collaborations can be established.

International collaboration has become more important than ever. As the nature of work continues to evolve through digital transformation, demographic change, globalization, and environmental challenges, no single country or institution can address these issues alone. By learning from one another and sharing our experiences, we can develop evidence-based solutions that contribute to healthier workers, safer workplaces, and more sustainable societies.

We also hope that this symposium serves as an opportunity to strengthen friendships and expand academic networks. Beyond the scientific sessions, I encourage you to enjoy conversations with colleagues, explore opportunities for future collaboration, and experience the culture and hospitality of Kitakyushu and Japan.

I extend my sincere appreciation to all participants, speakers, partner organizations, and members of the organizing committees whose commitment has made this international gathering possible.

I hope your time at UOEH will be both scientifically rewarding and personally memorable. May this symposium mark the beginning of new collaborations and enduring friendships that will continue to advance occupational health around the world.

On behalf of the International Center, I warmly welcome you to UOEH and wish you an enjoyable and successful symposium.

It is my great honor and pleasure, on behalf of the Steering Committee, to welcome you to the UOEH International Symposium 2026, Designing Sustainable Work, Well-being, and Society. We are delighted to welcome distinguished researchers, occupational health professionals, practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world to the University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan (UOEH) in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan, on November 13–14, 2026.

The world of work is undergoing profound transformation. Rapid advances in technology, demographic changes, globalization, climate change, and evolving work arrangements are reshaping the way we work and live. Against this backdrop, the theme of this symposium reflects our shared commitment to designing work that not only prevents occupational injuries and diseases but also promotes health, well-being, resilience, and sustainability. Sustainable work enables individuals to flourish throughout their working lives, strengthens organizations, and ultimately contributes to healthier and more sustainable societies.

This symposium provides a unique platform for exchanging cutting-edge scientific knowledge, sharing innovative practices, and fostering interdisciplinary and international collaboration. Our scientific program features distinguished keynote speakers, high-quality symposia, oral and poster presentations, and interactive discussions covering a broad spectrum of topics, including occupational safety and health, mental health, psychosocial risk management, healthy work design, sleep and fatigue, and sustainable workplace policies. We encourage all participants to engage actively in these discussions, exchange ideas, and build meaningful collaborations that extend well beyond this meeting.

I would like to express my deepest appreciation to our distinguished speakers, presenters, sponsors, reviewers, and members of the Steering Committee and Organizing Committee, whose dedication and generous contributions have made this symposium possible.

I sincerely hope that the discussions and connections formed during these two days will inspire new perspectives, stimulate innovative research, and strengthen global partnerships that advance healthier workers, healthier workplaces, and a more sustainable future.

Thank you for joining us. I wish you an inspiring, productive, and memorable symposium, and I hope you enjoy your stay in Kitakyushu.