Back to Community News
A collaborative coral conservation and education project supported by the United States-Japan Foundation (USJF) has received a Notable designation at the globally renowned Core77 Design Awards 2026 in the Design for Social Impact category. The project, Coral Rescue: Conserve Together, is led by the DLX Design Lab at the Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University.
Coral Rescue: Conserve Together brings together researchers and designers to develop a hands-on STEAM education program for high school students in the United States and Japan. The program enables students to grow coral in their classrooms using an aquaculture system and a dedicated app under development by DLX Design Lab, combining environmental science with design thinking to engage the next generation in marine conservation.
The Core77 Design Awards recognition marks a significant milestone for the project, which has accumulated a notable record of recognition since its conceptual stage: the Wired Creative Hack Award Grand Prix (2023), a D&AD shortlist (2023), and a Redesign Everything shortlist (2024). The Core77 designation reflects the project's progression from concept to real-world implementation, which has also been featured on NHK World.
"This project took years of work to bring to life, and what makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it reflects the implementation phase — not just the concept," said Tomomi Sayuda, Research Associate and Experience Design Director at DLX Design Lab. "We're deeply grateful to everyone who's been part of the journey, and especially to the United States-Japan Foundation for their generous support."
USJF awarded the Coral Rescue: Conserve Together team a grant in January 2024 in support of the program's development and implementation. Looking ahead, the team is planning a workshop in Amami Oshima later this year.
