Ms. Tomoe Kodama, a first-year doctoral student in the Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, received the Excellent Presentation Prize at the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Japan Mendel Society, held on June 15, 2025. This marks her second consecutive year receiving the award, following her recognition at last year's meeting.

Awardee: Tomoe Kodama (Supervisor: Prof. Sachihiro Matsunaga)
Presentation Title: Elucidating the Mechanism of Intracellular Symbiosis by Developing Methods to Enhance Phagocytic Ability in Animal Cultured Cells
Conference: The 2nd Annual Meeting of the Japan Mendel Society (June 15, Fukui Chamber of Commerce and Industry)

This research aims to elucidate the mechanism of "secondary endosymbiosis," in which eukaryotes incorporate other eukaryotic algae that subsequently evolve into organelles. In this presentation, Ms. Kodama reported her success in improving the efficiency of microalgal uptake by human cultured cells through modification of the co-culture medium.

Award Comment:
"I am truly delighted that my research has been recognized for the second consecutive year. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Professor Matsunaga and all the members of our laboratory for their continuous support. I will remain dedicated to my research and strive to achieve further results."