Asia Research News 2026 - Editor's desk
This year’s cover image was created for the Digital Myanmar feature, where researchers looked into the complex digital ecosystem providing a lifeline to millions living in turmoil, digital rights, criminal networks, and the hidden costs of our love of electronics. The work is part of a nine-year initiative by Canada’s International Development Research Centre to strengthen research capacity. In our role as the knowledge transfer advisor, we expanded boundaries and gained insightful experience and humility alongside new dimensions of research communications.
This story is featured in the Asia Research News 2026 magazine. Book space in the next issue now.
Science communication in Asia is entering a new chapter. I was honoured to be on the opening panel of a three-day event in Tokyo, where communicators came together to discuss professionalism
and programmes that reflect the region’s diversity while moving towards meaningful engagement with society. You can read about it on page sixteen.
Then, I invite you to explore research bridges built between the United Kingdom and Malaysia, with studies ranging from Antarctic fungi to vaccines, malaria, and the rainforests. The article was based
on public exhibition panels we prepared for a Pop-Up Study UK exhibition.
Read about a UNESCO-endorsed initiative by scientists, policymakers, and industry in over 20 countries, led by Hong Kong to safeguard communities most affected by climate change, reflections from the President of the International Mathematical Union, and progress by scientists in China towards overcoming migraines, the second leading cause of disability worldwide.
Back to the digital world, get a glimpse of the future from Korea, where digital twins will enable healthcare customised to our body and how the human ability to forget is paving the way for a seamless physical AI interaction.
Scientists are using AI to open doors to smart discoveries of new materials and ultra-fast communications, while advanced science at NanoTerasu in Japan with accelerated electrons, a billion times brighter than sunlight, could herald the next generation of electronics.
Enjoy reading and come along with us on a journey to communicate and nurture knowledge.
We would love to hear from you. Have you been inspired by these scientists or have an inspiring story to tell? Get in touch at [email protected].
Beyond the magazine, explore our Newsroom for daily press releases from research institutions, join our community, and journey with us to communicate and nurture knowledge.
Dr Magdeline Pokar
Founder and CEO
