The 3rd Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology Okinaga Award Ceremony and Commemorative Lecture were held atHachioji Campus

The 3rd Center for Medical Mycology Research Okinaga Award (TIMM Okinaga Award) award ceremony and commemorative lecture were held at Teikyo University's Hachioji Campus on Saturday, December 6, 2025. This award was established in 2023 to recognize researchers who have devoted themselves to their studies at the Center and achieved outstanding research achievements.

The recipient of this award is Shigehiro Hagiwara, Director of the Medical Technology Department and Clinical Laboratory Technology Division at Saiseikai Utsunomiya Hospital. He performed genetic identification and antifungal susceptibility testing on 30 Aspergillus strains isolated from 29 cases of external otitis mycosis diagnosed at Otorhinolaryngology Department of Saiseikai Utsunomiya Hospital between 2013 and 2016. His findings revealed the presence of cryptic species exhibiting low antifungal susceptibility, which could not be differentiated using conventional morphological identification methods. Furthermore, susceptibility testing demonstrated the potential for the selection of topical antifungal drugs as a promising new treatment option. His findings were published in an English journal. In recognition of these research results, the Graduate Graduate School of Medical Technology, Division of Medicine, awarded him a PhD in Clinical Laboratory Medicine in 2019. Since receiving his degree, Hagiwara has continued his research, actively isolating and analyzing causative bacteria from clinical specimens of fungal infections in Tochigi Prefecture. His contributions to the development of medical mycology and clinical laboratory medicine are highly recognized, and he was awarded this year's TIMM Okinaga Prize.

At the award ceremony, Professor Rui Kano of the Center explained the reasons for the selection, and the recipient was presented with a certificate and commemorative plaque. This was followed by a commemorative lecture by Mr. Hagiwara. At the award ceremony, Mr. Hagiwara expressed his gratitude and the Center staff gave congratulatory speeches, and the celebration party was held in a friendly atmosphere.

The Center will continue to support the development of young researchers who will contribute to the advancement of medical mycology research.

For more information about the Medical Mycology Research Center, click here

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