International Symposium “Aquaphotomics – Health and Beauty”
Aquaphotomics Bulgaria is proud to host the International Symposium “Aquaphotomics – Health and Beauty.”
Join researchers, practitioners, and innovators from around the world for a day dedicated to the science of water — exploring how light and water interaction (Aquaphotomics) is opening new frontiers in health, biology, cosmetics, and beauty.
The symposium brings together leading voices in Aquaphotomics to share the latest research and real-world applications, with a special focus on the connection between water, health, and beauty.
Why Is Water a Miracle? A Bulgarian TV Episode Now Available with English & Japanese Subtitles
Water has always held a special place in human experience — in healing rituals, folk traditions,and everyday life. But what does science say about its mysterious power?
In this beautifully filmed episode of the Bulgarian TV program “No Man’s Land “(Ничия земя), the story travels between the healing springs of Bulgaria and the laboratory of Professor Roumiana Tsenkova at Kobe University, Japan. The program explores how communities have gathered around sacred waters for generations, and how Aquaphotomics — the science of water and light — is now offering new ways to understand what those traditions may have always known.
Professor Tsenkova, founder of Aquaphotomics, speaks about how water interacts with light in ways that reveal information about its environment, its health, and its role in living systems. Her work bridges the gap between ancient belief and modern science — and this episode brings that conversation to life in a warm and accessible way.
Originally broadcast on April 18, 2026, this version is now available with English and Japanese subtitles, making it accessible to our international community.
Watch the full episode on the Aquaphotomics YouTube channel:
We hope this film sparks curiosity, reflection, and perhaps a new appreciation for the water all around us.
Professor Roumiana Tsenkova of Kobe University, founder of Aquaphotomics, has once again been recognized among the World’s Top 2% Scientists in the 2025 edition of the global ranking compiled by Stanford University researchers and Elsevier B.V.
The new list, announced in September 2025, marks the sixth consecutive year (2020–2025) that Professor Tsenkova has received this honor—affirming her enduring international influence and leadership in pioneering a new field of science.
Global Recognition for Pioneering Research
The World’s Top 2% Scientists ranking analyzes data from Elsevier’s Scopus database. It identifies scientists whose research impact, measured through standardized citation metrics, places them among the top 2% in their respective disciplines worldwide.
The 2025 edition evaluated more than 100,000 scientists across 22 scientific fields and 174 subfields, highlighting both career-long and single-year research influence.
Aquaphotomics and Its Global Impact
Professor Tsenkova is internationally recognized as the founder of Aquaphotomics, a scientific discipline that explores the molecular structure of water as a mirror of biological and chemical systems using spectroscopy. Her pioneering research has redefined how scientists understand water’s functional role in living systems, connecting agriculture, medicine, environmental science, and biotechnology. Through her innovative vision and sustained dedication, Aquaphotomics has become a growing international field, inspiring collaborations and advancing new approaches to understanding water and life.
Aquaphotomics.com proudly celebrates this remarkable achievement and extends its warmest congratulations to Professor Roumiana Tsenkova for her continuing contributions to scientific innovation and discovery.
About the Top 2% Scientists List
The ranking is developed annually by a team led by Professor John P. A. Ioannidis at Stanford University, in collaboration with Elsevier B.V. It provides a publicly available database of the most influential scientists worldwide, based on citation indicators from the Scopus database.
The dataset is hosted on Mendeley Data, and Professor Tsenkova’s profile can also be viewed on TopSciNet. In the 2025 edition of the list, 89 scientists from Kobe University were recognized among the world’s Top 2 % researchers.
We are delighted to introduce a short film beautifully directed by Koji Nishijima, the Japanese filmmaker behind the documentary Pale Blue Dot.
Created especially for Aquaphotomics Day at EXPO 2025, this poetic work captures the essence of water as the mirror of life — ever-changing, sensing, and connecting all living beings. Through moving images and narration, it invites us to reflect on the message of Aquaphotomics — the science that listens to the “voice of water” through light.
“Born from water, and returning to water — to live is to renew ourselves every single day.”
Watch the film below (Produced and directed by Koji Nishijima, 2025)
From left: Shogo Shigeoka (Spa Yunosato), Prof. Roumiana Tsenkova (Kobe University), and Kayoko Okusako (Dr. Recella) at the Aquaphotomics Day event, Bulgarian Pavilion, EXPO 2025 Osaka.
We are very pleased that our event, “Aquaphotomics Day” at the Bulgarian Pavilion of EXPO 2025 Osaka, was featured by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). The article highlights the scientific and cultural significance of the event and celebrates the contributions of Professor Rumiya Tsenkova, the Bulgarian-born founder of Aquaphotomics at Kobe University.
For readers’ convenience, we present below the English translation of the original Bulgarian report, preserving its content and tone as faithfully as possible.
Bulgarian Scientist at the Center of the Aquaphotomics Day at EXPO 2025 Osaka
On 1 October 2025, at the Bulgarian Pavilion of EXPO 2025 Osaka (which has been open since May), the “Aquaphotomics Day” — a milestone for the emerging science of aquaphotomics — was held. The science, founded by Prof. Rumiana Tsenkova, a Bulgarian scientist based in Japan, investigates the connectedness of water molecules through light and shows how their bonding determines the functionality and properties of water in humans, animals, plants and various solutions.
The event aligned with the overall theme of the Expo, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives: Cocreation for Sustainability — Connecting Lives”, and attracted considerable interest from Japanese companies, the scientific community and visitors.
The day began with a screening of the documentary film Pale Blue Dot by Japanese director Koji Nishijima — tracing the role of water from its central place in Shintoism, through the prism of aquaphotomics, to its cosmic significance. The film had also been shown in Bulgaria in September 2024.
In the afternoon, an international symposium on aquaphotomics was held at the pavilion, where diverse applications of the science — from agriculture and veterinary medicine to human healthcare and industrial technologies — were presented. As part of the hands-on section, visitors could participate in measurements with portable spectrophotometers, and individual “aquagrams” — graphical images reflecting the momentary state of water molecules in the organism — were created from participants’ palms. Two Japanese cosmetics companies demonstrated how these aquagrams can be used to analyse hydration, elasticity and overall skin condition, and to recommend appropriate products.
The event’s guest of honour was the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Japan, Ms Marieta Arabadzhieva, who also took part in the demonstration measurements. The festive day ended with Bulgarian folk dancing led by enthusiastic Japanese dancers — a symbolic affirmation of the idea of “connectedness” which unites Bulgaria’s participation at EXPO 2025.
On October 1st, 2025, the Bulgaria Pavilion of EXPO2025 (Osaka, Japan) hosted a special event titled “Aquaphotomics Day.” The event was co-organized by Aquaphotomics Research Field of Kobe University, Spa Yunosato, Dr. Recella, Isol Technica, and the Institute for Life Design.
The celebration highlighted the deep scientific and cultural connection between Bulgaria and Japan, paying tribute to the founder of Aquaphotomics, Professor Roumiana Tsenkova, a Bulgarian-born scientist from Kobe University.
Professor Tsenkova has received numerous honors from her hometown of Ruse, including the 2016 Honorary Citizen of Ruse Award and the 2015 Ruse Ambassador Award. Presenting Aquaphotomics at the Bulgaria Pavilion—where art, science, and humanity meet—was a deeply symbolic gesture, uniting two nations through the language of water.
The Bulgaria Pavilion under a clear beautiful autumn sky.
The “Aquaphotomics Day” banner. “Water is your mirror – Let your water speak.”
From early morning, guests lined up outside, eager to join the one-day event.
The cheerful pavilion mascot, “Lacto-Chan,” which was named Best Mascot at EXPO 2025[1][2], greeted attendees and set a warm, welcoming tone at the entrance.
Welcome to the Bulgaria Pavilion!
Open space inside the Pavilion
Within the bright interior of the Pavilion, visitors were invited to explore Aquaphotomics through a short movie, a few posters and three interactive booths. Researchers in white lab coats guided participants as they discovered how light and water interact—revealing invisible biological information hidden within water.
Before exploring the booths, visitors gathered in the Pavilion’s mini theatre to watch a short introductory film about Aquaphotomics produced by the Japanese artistKoji Nishijima.
The film beautifully introduced the science of Aquaphotomics through visuals of light, water, and nature, showing how water serves as a mirror that reflects and connects all aspects of life—from agriculture and biology to materials science and astronomy. It concluded with the message: “Water connects everything.”
Hands-On Aquaphotomics Experience
After the screening, visitors moved to the main exhibition area, where they experienced Aquaphotomics firsthand through three booths operated by researchers from Kobe University and partner companies.
Hand Scanning Booth by Spa Yunosato Visitors measured their NIR spectra by the Bulgarian APS spectrophotometer developed especially for Aquaphotomics before and after mild stimuli such as fragrance exposure or light exercise and compared them visualized through the Aquagram®.
Skin Scanning Booth by Dr. Recella Participants measured their skin using near-infrared light to visualize their personal Aquagram®, a fingerprint of the water structure in the skin.
Meet the Scientists Booth by Aquaphotomics Lab, Isol Technica, Institute for Life Design Attendees spoke directly with researchers to learn how Aquaphotomics reveals the hidden language of water and its potential applications in health, agriculture, and industry.
Hand Scanning Booth by Spa YunosatoHand Scanning Booth by Spa Yunosato
The combination of the introductory movie and hands-on experience created a complete learning journey—from conceptual understanding to personal discovery—allowing every visitor to “see their own water.”
Meanwhile, the Meet the Scientists area offered direct dialogue with Aquaphotomics researchers who explained the scientific principles and applications behind the technology. The space buzzed with excitement as visitors experienced science not as an abstract concept, but as something deeply connected to their own bodies and senses.
Skin Scanning Booth by Dr. RecellaMeet the Aquaphotomics ResearchersMeet the Aquaphotomics Researachers
Cultural Exchange and Shared Experience
As afternoon sunlight streamed through the Pavilion’s glass walls, the atmosphere turned festive. Guests, researchers, and staff joined hands to perform a Bulgarian national dance, filling the space with laughter, rhythm, and joy.
Among the dancers were Her Excellency Marieta Arabadjieva, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Japan, and Professor Roumiana Tsenkova, symbolizing unity between Bulgaria and Japan. Their dance embodied the essence of Aquaphotomics itself—connection, resonance, and harmony.
Bulgarian national danceBulgarian national dance
Following the dance, Ambassador Arabadjieva and Georgi Kostov, Director of the Bulgarian Pavilion, visited the Aquaphotomics booths. Guided by researchers, they experienced live demonstrations of the technology, learning how near-infrared light can reveal the dynamic molecular structure of water. Their enthusiastic participation represented the bridge between nations, science, and people that Aquaphotomics continues to inspire.
Professor Roumiana Tsenkova (top), Ambassador Marieta Arabadjieva (right), Director of the Bulgarian Pavilion, Georgi Kostov (left)
Aquaphotomics Symposium — Science, Innovation, and Connection
Welcome message by Ambassador Marieta Arabadjieva
The second half of the event featured the Aquaphotomics Symposium, held in the Pavilion’s conference hall. The session opened with a speech by Ambassador Marieta Arabadjieva, who warmly praised the collaboration between Bulgaria and Japan and emphasized the importance of scientific and cultural exchange. Her message perfectly echoed the spirit of EXPO2025—a celebration of humanity’s creativity and innovation.
The symposium featured three inspiring presentations:
Professor Roumiana Tsenkova (Kobe University): Introduction to Aquaphotomics — Water as a Mirror of Life
Mr. Shogo Shigeoka (Spa Yunosato): Industrial Applications of Aquaphotomics in Water and Wellness
Dr. Teresa Escrig (AI scientist): What the Water Says? Artificial Intelligence and Aquaphotomics
Prof. Roumiana TsenkovaShogo Shigeoka, Spa YunosatoDr. Teresa EscrigDiscussions with audience
Each presentation revealed a different facet of Aquaphotomics—from scientific foundations to practical applications and technological frontiers. Lively discussions with the audience reflected the growing excitement around water as a key to understanding life and health.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to all organizers, researchers, and supporting members
Through interactive experiences, cultural exchange, and academic dialogue, “Aquaphotomics Day” introduced Aquaphotomics as a bridge between nations and disciplines—where water becomes a language of life. The event was not only a celebration of 20 years of Aquaphotomics but also a promise to continue exploring the unseen connections that unite water, light, and life.
On October 1, 2025, the Bulgarian Pavilion at EXPO 2025 will host two special events dedicated to Aquaphotomics.
Aquaphotomics Day (9:30–12:00)
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Aquaphotomics, the science founded by Professor Roumiana Tsenkova of Kobe University. Discover how water molecules act as mirrors of their surroundings, uniting natural sciences from agriculture to medicine, and explore the potential of this rapid, non-destructive, and cost-effective method of research.
Aquaphotomics Symposium (15:00–17:00)
Featuring:
Prof. Roumiana Tsenkova (Founder of Aquaphotomics, Kobe University)
Dr. Teresa Escrig (Founder/CEO, What Matters Academy, USA)
Mr. Shogo Shigeoka (Yunosato Aquaphotomics Lab, Japan)
The symposium will be followed by an opportunity for visitors to experience real-time measurements (16:30–17:00).
Join us in celebrating the journey of Aquaphotomics and discovering the future of water science at EXPO 2025.
The 5th Aquaphotomics International Conference (AIC2025) was successfully held from May 17–20, 2025 at Rokko Hall, Kobe University, with live online streaming. Marking the 20th anniversary of Aquaphotomics, this milestone event brought together scientists, educators, and industry partners from 21 countries to celebrate two decades of progress and to envision the future of this rapidly expanding field.
Highlights of the Conference
Public Lecture, Aquaphotomics School & Workshop (May 17) The conference opened with a public lecture by Prof. Roumiana Tsenkova, founder of Aquaphotomics, followed by talks from experts in academia and industry. The Aquaphotomics School offered beginner and advanced sessions, attracting students and young researchers from around the world. At the same time, the Aquaphotomics Workshop, led by Dr. Paolo Renati and Dr. Pierre Madl, featured presentations on Quantum Field Theory, introducing new perspectives on hydrogen bonding in water and coherent domains.
Scientific Program (May 18–20) Over three days, the conference hosted 46 oral presentations and 15 posters across ten sessions. Research covered a wide spectrum — from agriculture, food, medicine, and cosmetics to pioneering discussions introducing quantum electrodynamics and quantum biology into Aquaphotomics, and vice versa. Aquaphotomics can serve as a new experimental platform in quantum theories, opening new pathways for collaboration.
Cultural and Networking Events A lively welcome reception and a traditional banquet at Soshuen in Kobe provided opportunities for cultural exchange and scientific networking. The banquet also marked the 20th anniversary of Aquaphotomics, with awards presented for Best Poster and Distinguished Contribution.
Sponsors and Support Special sponsor sessions highlighted innovative projects from industry leaders including Dr. Recella, Spa Yunosato, Kiyotake Zaimoku Ten, and VIAVI Solutions, showcasing the connection between Aquaphotomics research and real-world applications.
Looking Ahead
The conference attracted 257 participants (189 from Japan and 68 from abroad), reflecting the vibrant and growing international Aquaphotomics community. As the field enters its third decade, the 5th International Conference laid the foundation for new paradigms, interdisciplinary collaborations, and innovative applications in science, technology, and society.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,We hope this message finds you well. We are thrilled to share several important updates with you:
■ Speakers
We are delighted to announce the initial lineup of esteemed speakers for the upcoming 5th Aquaphotomics International Conference, scheduled for May 17–21, 2025, at Rokko Hall, Kobe University, Japan. This conference marks the 20th anniversary of Aquaphotomics and will feature distinguished experts, including:
Prof. Roumiana Tsenkova (Kobe University, Japan)
Prof. Yukihiro Ozaki (Kwansei Gakuin University, Japan)
Prof. Giuseppe Vitiello (University of Salerno, Italy)
Prof. Jack Tuszyński (University of Alberta, Canada)
Dr. Antonella De Ninno (ENEA, Italy)
Prof. Sylvie Roke (EPFL, Switzerland)
Dr. Anirban Bandyopadhyay (NIMS, Japan)
For the full list of speakers, please visit our Speakers Page.
In addition to the Aquaphotomics School, we are excited to announce an Advanced Workshop titled “Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) and Field Perspective Applied to Water and Living Systems”, to be held on May 17, 2025, as part of the conference. This workshop will provide participants with an in-depth exploration of the QED framework and its application to understanding water’s role in biological systems. This will be a powerful theoretical lens through which we can further understand the dynamic structure of water—an essential principle at the heart of Aquaphotomics. It’s an excellent opportunity for researchers to deepen their knowledge in this cutting-edge area. For more details, please visit our Workshop Page.
We are pleased to share our new promotional video that introduces the vision, people, and possibilities of the upcoming Aquaphotomics Conference. In an exclusive interview, Prof. Roumiana Tsenkova, founder of Aquaphotomics, chats with Mr. Shogo Shigeoka, CEO of Yunosato, about what makes AIC2025 so transformative. This concise video is perfect for sharing with colleagues or students interested in the science of water. You can view it here or on our YouTube Channel.
We are launching a High School Program (Free!) aimed at inspiring the next generation of water scientists. This initiative offers Japanese high school students the opportunity to observe and experience the conference firsthand, fostering curiosity and awareness of Aquaphotomics. Educators interested in involving their students are encouraged to visit our High School Program Page for more details.
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Let’s continue to explore the wonders of water together. Please contact us at the [email protected] if you have any comments or queries.
On behalf of the Aquaphotomics International Society, Roumiana Tsenkova
On Behalf of the Organizing Committee of the 5th Aquaphotomics International Conference
Welcome to Aquaphotomics
The role of water molecular systems in nature remains underexplored. With advancements in computer science, measurement technologies and quantum field theory, water research has gained attention across disciplines.
In 2005, Prof. R. Tsenkova of Kobe University introduced “Aquaphotomics,” a scientific field that studies water’s molecular system through light spectroscopy. By analyzing water spectra under various conditions, Aquaphotomics identifies water as an integrative multidimensional biomarker reflecting the molecular and energy states of systems.
Since the first Aquaphotomics symposium in 2014, the field has grown through active collaboration, with contributions from experts such as Prof. G. Pollack (University of Washington), Prof. Y. Ozaki (Kwansei Gakuin University), Prof. M. Yasui (Keio University), Prof. Christian Huck (University of Innsbruck) and others. The 5th International Conference celebrates Aquaphotomics’ 20th anniversary, featuring keynote speakers like Prof. S. Roke (EPFL, Swiss), Prof. G. Vitiello (University of Salerno, Italy), Dr. Anirban Bandyopadhyay (NIMS, Japan), Prof. H. Zang (Shandong University, China). Events include an Aquaphotomics School, open lecture, sessions on various scientific fields and awards for best poster and most active Aquaphotomics team.
Water research is crucial in today’s interdisciplinary landscape, with innovations in measurement devices promising breakthroughs in disease diagnosis, prevention, agriculture and industry applications, wellbeing etc. This conference welcomes contributions from various fields, from biology and medicine to agriculture, chemistry, and space exploration, aiming to advance water molecular system research and its applications.
This year’s conference is uniquely positioned to provide a comprehensive experience by aligning with the much-anticipated EXPO OSAKA 2025. This strategic scheduling offers our participants the opportunity to not only engage with cutting-edge Aquaphotomics research but also to immerse themselves in a world-class cultural and technological exposition.
We invite your participation to make this milestone event a success.
Chairperson of Aquaphotomics International Conference, Founder of Aquaphotomics Head of the Aquaphotomics Research Field, Kobe University, Japan Prof. Roumiana Tsenkova
第５回アクアフォトミクス国際会議組織委員会を代表して WELCOME TO AQUAPHOTOMICS
