Welcome Message
Dear colleagues,
On behalf of the organizing committee, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2025 Cephalopod International Advisory Council (CIAC) Meeting, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Okinawa, Japan. This triennial gathering serves as a cornerstone for cephalopod research, conservation, and collaboration, and we are thrilled to have you join us for what promises to be an insightful and inspiring event.
Okinawa, renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and stunning coral reefs, provides an unparalleled setting for discussions on cephalopod biology, behaviour, resource management, biodiversity and conservation of the marine environment, ecology, as well other cutting-edge disciplines. As we convene experts, researchers, early career researchers and cephalopod enthusiasts from around the world, we look forward to dynamic exchanges that will advance our collective understanding and stewardship of these remarkable creatures.
This year’s meeting will feature an exceptional line-up of keynote presentations from leading scientists, thought-provoking panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and field excursions. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, share groundbreaking research, and forge lasting professional connections.
Beyond the scientific agenda, we invite you to immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Okinawa. Take time to experience the region’s unique traditions, cuisine, and hospitality. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest, we are confident that Okinawa’s charm and warmth will enhance your stay.
We encourage you to participate actively, explore new collaborations, and make the most of the opportunities this meeting offers. Your contributions will be invaluable in shaping the future of cephalopod research.
Once again, welcome to the 2025 CIAC Meeting in Okinawa. We wish you a productive, enriching, and enjoyable experience, and we look forward to connecting with each of you in the days ahead.
Safe travels, and see you soon!
Prof. Ángel F. González
President of CIAC
Welcome to the CIAC 2025 Conference
Dan Rokhsar and I welcome you to Okinawa and the Cephalopod International Advisory Council (CIAC) Conference 2025. First, we would like to express our deep gratitude to the Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University for their generous support, which made this conference possible. We also wish to acknowledge the corporations and individuals who generously sponsored the conference and AE Planning, which helped administer it. The theme of this conference is “Recent Advancements in Cephalopod Research: Beauty and Complexity.” There is increasing interest in cephalopods from both scientific and cultural communities; we recognize cephalopods as a “boundary object” that bridges various fields, including fishery science, conservation, behavior, and art, while presenting the most recent advancement in cephalopod research and providing an opportunity for future collaboration.
At this year’s conference, we are thrilled to announce four pre-conference workshops: “Session 1: Cephalopod Fisheries Management - Underlying Triggers and Assumptions for Data-Limited Stocks,” “Session 2: The Cryptic Biodiversity of Cephalopods - State of the Art and Future Trends,” “Session 3: Cephalopod Health Management,” and “Session 4: Artificial Intelligence - Unlocking New Frontiers in Cephalopod Research.” The program also features a panel discussion titled “The Devilfish’s Advocate: Cephalopods as Models, Wonders, and Food.” The keynote speakers for the conference include internationally acclaimed scholars: Prof. Yoko Iwata (Tokyo University), Gilles Laurent (Max Planck Institute), Michele Nishiguchi (Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, UC Merced), Jan Strugnell (James Cook University), and Dr. Michael Vecchione (The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History). Additionally, there will be a public lecture by Dr. Tsunemi Kubodera (National Museum of Nature and Science). Alongside the academic content, the conference showcases two art exhibitions featuring internationally recognized underwater photographer Ryo Minemizu and thirteen local artists at two locations.
CIAC provides a wonderful opportunity to welcome students and early-career researchers entering this vibrant field and community. It also serves as a platform for many to reconnect with friends, colleagues, and mentors from around the world for future collaboration and exchange, promoting further advancements in cephalopod research and innovations while enjoying the breathtaking nature and rich culture of Okinawa. Lastly, we thank all the volunteer staff and the local community for their support of the conference.
Welcome to the CIAC 2025 in Okinawa! We wish you a wonderful time!
Ryuta Nakajima, PhD
University of Minnesota Duluth
Dan Rokhsar, PhD
University of California Berkley