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 conference@aquaphotomics.com 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
The Japan Aquaphotomics Society will hold a ‘Open Lecture’ for the general public on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The lecture will be conducted in Japanese, and anyone interested in water is welcome to attend, with participation available both in-person and online.
Admission is free, but pre-registration is required. We warmly invite you to join us!
The 4th Japanese Aquaphotomics Conference on November 16 & 17, 2024
The 4th Japan Aquaphotomics Conference” (https://aquaphotomics.com/japanconference), which will be held on November 16-17, 2024, at Kobe University in a hybrid format. Please note that this event will be conducted primarily in Japanese. However, if you are interested in joining online, you may take advantage of Zoom’s automatic translated captions feature to follow the discussions. Below is the detailed information in Japanese for those attending locally.
Discover the Beauty of Water and Life in new documentary “Pale Blue Dot”
We are excited to present the new documentary “Pale Blue Dot,” which explores the profound connections among water, light, and life.
Featuring the founder of Aquaphotomics Prof. Roumiana Tsenkova, the Chief Priests of Tenkawa Shrine in Nara, and renowned physicist Haruo Saji, this film beautifully complements our work in uncovering the mysteries of water. Please join us in this cinematic journey that captures Earth’s delicate beauty and the pivotal role of water in sustaining life.
Introducing Aquaphotomics: A Beautiful Japanese Comic on the Science of Water
We had the pleasure of receiving a beautifully crafted Japanese comic that introduces the basics of Aquaphotomics in a visually engaging way. With permission from the artists, we are excited to share these pages with you. Below are the four pages of the comic. (Click to enlarge the images.)
What do you think of the comic? Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this post with others who might be interested in Aquaphotomics!
Professor Roumiana Tsenkova has been awarded the Council for Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (CNIRS)’s Gerald Birth Award for 2024
We are delighted to report that Professor Roumiana Tsenkova was awarded the Council for Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (CNIRS)’s Gerald Birth Award for 2024 in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the development of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), particularly through her pioneering work on non-invasive disease diagnostics and as the founder of Aquaphotomics.
In 2005, Prof. R. Tsenkova proposed for the first time newly identified water absorbance bands and spectral patterns specific to biological and aqueous systems, and she introduced the concept of building a database, the Aquaphotome, to be used for diagnosis, quantification, and functional characterization at the system level. This work led to the discovery of the phenomenon of water acting as a collective mirror of matter and energy.
The award was conferred especially in recognition of Professor Tsenkova and her collaborators’ Aquaphotomics research on elucidating water activity in food.*1 The significance of this research lies in clarifying the correlation between absorbance in the water vapor bands and water activity, demonstrating the definition of water activity, and presenting water spectral patterns as a new dynamic multidimensional biomarker for food preservation.
The award ceremony was held at the International Diffuse Reflectance Conference at the University of Tennessee, USA, on August 1st, 2024, and the awardee presentation took place on July 31st, 2024. On the same day, Professor Tsenkova and Associate Professor Jelena Muncan served as session chairs for the Aquaphotomics session.
The Gerald S. Birth Award is a distinguished honor bestowed by the Council for Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (CNIRS) to recognize outstanding innovation in the fields of diffuse reflection or diffuse transmission spectroscopy. Established in memory of Dr. Gerald S. Birth, the founder of the International Diffuse Reflectance Conference (IDRC), this award celebrates significant advancements and contributions to the art and science of Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy.
Dr. Birth made notable contributions to the development of instrumentation technologies related to diffuse reflectance, and the award is conferred biennially to researchers whose work exemplifies groundbreaking progress in these areas. Eligible candidates are those conducting research in the visible, NIR, or mid-IR regions of diffuse reflection or transmission spectroscopy.
*1Malegori, C., Muncan, J., Mustorgi, E., Tsenkova, R. and Oliveri, P. Analysing the Water Spectral Pattern by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics as a Dynamic Multidimensional Biomarker in Preservation: Rice Germ Storage Monitoring. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy (IF 4.4), p.120396, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2021.120396
We hope this message finds you well. We have an important update regarding our scheduled conference.
This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the announcement of Aquaphotomics. In honor of this occasion, we are thrilled to announce that the 5th Aquaphotomics International Conference has been rescheduled to May 2025 to align with these celebrations.
The open lecture and the Aquaphotomics school are set for May 17th, followed by the Aquaphotomics International Conference at Kobe University on the 18th and 19th. May 20st will serve as a travel day, with a study tour scheduled for the 21st. This strategic rescheduling aligns our event with the much-anticipated EXPO OSAKA 2025, providing a unique and comprehensive experience in Japan.
Aquaphotomics will be participating in the EXPO OSAKA 2025 exhibition in various ways, and we would like to offer a unique opportunity to our delegates to immerse themselves in a world-class cultural and technological expo, in addition to attending the conference. Such coordination will also allow international participants to make the most of their stay in Japan, minimizing travel constraints and maximizing cultural and professional enrichment.
We will continue to share updates through our website and direct communications. Please stay tuned for more information on the program, keynote speakers, and special events.
This decision opens up new avenues for collaboration, learning, and exploration at both our conference and EXPO OSAKA 2025. I would be grateful for your understanding and support on this matter.
