Language: English (with consecutive interpretation in Japanese)

Seminar Title:
When Does Learning to Read Start? Neurobiology, Development, and Early Identification of Reading Disabilities

Date & Time:
Thursday, October 16, 2025 14:00–16:00 JST

Format & Venue:
Hybrid format:

1. In-person at Hiroshima University, Faculty of Education, 2nd Floor (Meeting Rooms 3 & 4)
2. Online via Zoom
   Consecutive interpretation will be provided.

Seminar Overview:
Reading development doesn’t begin on the first day of school—it starts much earlier, during early childhood. In this lecture, Dr. Nadine Gaab from Harvard University, a leading expert in developmental cognitive neuroscience, will explain how brain development and language environments influence reading acquisition. She will share insights from the latest research on how to identify risks for reading disabilities, such as dyslexia, at an early stage and connect children to appropriate support. The seminar invites us to rethink literacy support from the preschool years to ensure equitable learning opportunities for all children.

Program Schedule:
13:30 – Reception
14:00 – Opening Remarks (Shigeo Mase)
14:05 – Lecture by Dr. Nadine Gaab (Harvard University)
15:45 – Q&A Session
15:55 – Closing Remarks (Norimune Kawai)

Organizers: Educational Vision Research Institute (EVRI), Hiroshima University
Co-host: The Institute for Diversity & Inclusion, Hiroshima University

Register here:
https://evri.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/31386