[Topics] University Forest Technical Staff Honored with the 27th Forest Management Technology Award

At the Japanese Association of University Forests in Japan, which comprises 27 member universities, Mr. Kohei Yamauchi and Mr. Taketo Ogata, both Technical Specialists at the Kyushu University Forest, were awarded the "Technical Contribution Award" and the "Academic Contribution Award," respectively.
The award ceremony was held on September 25, 2025, in Utsunomiya City.

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Japanese Association of University Forests

Established in 1951, the Japanese Association of University Forests consists of 27 national, public, and private universities across the country, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. The university forests span a wide range of climatic zones--from subarctic to subtropical--and host diverse forest ecosystems. Each university utilizes the unique characteristics of its forest field sites to conduct a variety of educational and research activities.
In recent years, the Association has promoted initiatives that go beyond individual university boundaries, such as the "Open Forest Practice," which allows students from different institutions to participate in field training, and activities as part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's "National Joint Usage/Research Center for Education."
The Association has also established the Forest Management Technology Award Committee, which selects recipients for the Forest Management Technology Award. This award recognizes significant contributions to education and research in university forests, as well as efforts in forest maintenance and management.

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Award Selection Criteria

Mr. Yamauchi - Recipient of the Technical Contribution Award
Through the development and utilization of a forest database, Mr. Yamauchi has promoted the digitalization of education, research, and forest management.

Mr. Ogata - Recipient of the Academic Contribution Award
By organizing long-term monitoring data, Mr. Ogata has established a foundation for research on forest biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

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Research Overview

Mr. Yamauchi
"Collection of Natural History Information and Development of a Database for the University Forest of Kyushu University"

Mr. Ogata
"Academic Contribution through the Organization of Foundational Data Based on Long-Term Monitoring"

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Expected Outcomes

Mr. Yamauchi
Mr. Yamauchi's work in collecting natural history data--fundamental information that offers insights into the lives and history of plants and animals through long-term observation--and developing a forest database has created an environment where users of the University Forest can easily access and utilize forest information.
This advancement has opened up new opportunities for education and research for students, researchers, and the broader public. For example, a new PBL-style practicum (Project-Based Learning), in which students formulate and solve their own questions, has been introduced for students across all faculties. Furthermore, the database has been utilized in forest zoning for the "Forest Management Plan" compiled every ten years at Kyushu University Forest, contributing to data-driven forest management. Mr. Yamauchi's efforts have made a significant contribution to the digitalization and sustainable management of the University Forest, which has a history of over 100 years.

Mr. Ogata
Mr. Ogata has compiled long-term monitoring data on trees and climate--some of which spans up to 80 years--enabling reliable estimations of species diversity, forest biomass (carbon stock), and growth rates (carbon uptake).
These data are essential for answering critical questions such as: How much biodiversity and carbon sequestration capacity do forests possess? and How are these affected by climate change?--questions that are central to achieving global goals like Nature Positive and Carbon Neutrality.
Such foundational data, built through steady and meticulous fieldwork, are indispensable for advancing scientific understanding.
Moreover, the long-term, high-quality data generated from Kyushu University Forest have become a valuable resource for both internal and external research, including international collaborative studies, and continue to inspire new research initiatives.

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Message from the Award Recipients

Mr. Yamauchi
I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award. I sincerely appreciate the recognition of the steady efforts I have made in my daily work.
Managing a vast forest area over a long period is not something that can be accomplished alone. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow technical staff, faculty members, and my family who support me every day.
I will continue to dedicate myself to daily tasks with the aim of enhancing the value and appeal of the University Forest.

Mr. Ogata
I am truly honored to receive the Academic Contribution Award, which is more than I could have ever hoped for.
The organization of foundational academic data based on long-term monitoring, which was recognized through this award, could not have been accomplished by myself alone. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the many predecessors at the University Forest who conducted observations over the years, as well as to the professors who have guided me throughout this journey.
Moving forward, I hope to continue contributing to research and education through my work at the University Forest.

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For Research-related inquiries

University Forest Technical Office
Phone: 092-948-3102 or 3103
Email: kasuya★forest.kyushu-u.ac.jp
(Please replace ★ with @ when sending an email.)

Japanese Association of University Forests Website
Kyushu University Forests Website