Gifu University hosted the 54th University Forum, "Environmental University Forum" at the university auditorium on November 6, 2019. Gifu University has designated the month of November as an environment month since its declaration of environmental university in 2009. The environmental forum has been conducted annually since the declaration. On November 6, a total of 252 people (59 staff, 178 students, and 15 local citizens) attended the forum.

Professor Akira Fujishima, Director of the Photocatalysis International Research Center, Tokyo University of Science was invited to the forum as guest speaker. Under the title, "Enjoy Science: Close in on Photocatalysis," he introduced examples of photocatalysis application to agriculture and medicine, and touched on the history of photocatalysis from its finding to utilization. Currently, Professor Fujishima is researching marble coating by photocatalysis at the world cultural heritage sites for preservation. In his speech, he talked about joys and difficulties in research, underscored the importance of wider perspectives, never-give-up attitude, being curious about things happening in our daily lives, and deep thinking about questions we have in mind.

"I was very surprised to know that photocatalysis has been widely used in our life." "I now believe that our society will become more convenient with the application of photocatalysis in medicine and in our life in the near future." "I would like to advance my research keeping abreast of ongoing changes in the world." They are the comments made by the participants after the forum.

Gifu University continues to implement unique environmentally-friendly programs/projects in the years to come.