On August 21, 2025, the Department of Entomology at National Taiwan University and the Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences at Nagoya University co-hosted the International Symposium for Insect-Microbe Associations in Forest and Agro-ecosystems. Centered on the theme of insect–microbe interactions, the symposium brought together scholars and students from Taiwan, Japan, and Korea to share the latest research and foster cross-border collaboration. The event was also held in conjunction with Dr. Wataru Toki’s academic visit to Taiwan, further strengthening research ties.
The presentations covered a diverse range of topics, including:
• The role of symbiotic microbes in facilitating ant invasions
• Silkworm resistance responses to baculoviruses
• Genetic relationships among vector insects, endosymbionts, and plant viruses
• Parasitic manipulation leading to intersexuality in mantids
• Yeast symbiosis aiding wood digestion in longhorn beetle larvae
In addition, a Taiwanese PhD student currently studying at Nagoya University shared her overseas research and learning experience.
For the first time, the symposium was held in a hybrid format (in-person + online), attracting nearly 60 participants across diverse fields, including entomology, forestry, agricultural chemistry, plant pathology, agronomy, and ecology/evolution. Representatives from the Taiwan Entomological Society and the Endemic Species Research Institute also joined, further broadening the exchange.
The symposium not only achieved its goals but also opened new avenues for future collaborations, showcasing the strong potential of cross-disciplinary and international research partnerships.