Activity Report of Open Application Course vol.55
Japan-India comparison and International Exchange in Superconductivity Research
Report from Shibaura Institute of Technology
Overview
At the Shibaura Institute of Technology, and with the help of the SAKURA Exchange Program in Science, a total of 10 students including 6 graduate students and 4 undergraduates, plus 1 supervising professor, from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in India were invited, during the period of December 5th (Tue) to December 14th (Thu), 2017, and an international exchange program was conducted. This program was made as a diversified framework and was aimed at a comprehensive understanding of Japan, including a robot seminar and laboratory visit, cultural experience accompanied by exchange with students of this university, a field trial in Tokyo, a visit to an international conference etc.
Orientation & Campus tour
They came to Japan on December 5th, and the regular program started on the next day. After arriving at the Toyosu Campus of this university, first an orientation was given which introduced the university and explained the study abroad program that is offered through an affiliation of the universities. After that, a welcome party was held, and time was spent on the exchange with the invited students, students with the same specialization and related faculty members.
In the afternoon they undertook a campus tour and a Yukata (informal summer kimono) dressing experience with the help of the students of this university. It seemed that tension was also relieved by talking with students of the same age, and it was possible to finish the first day of the program in a peaceful atmosphere.
Laboratory tour
On the 7th, and 8th, a robot workshop was given. At the start, there was a lecture by a professor of this University, and the students received explanation about development and prospects in the modern field of robotics. After the lecture, the invitees started to build a robot while getting support from the students and staff, and each of them was immersed in the assembly while struggling hard to make it. After completion, each of the participants introduced their own robot in front of the audience, and finally a battle contest was conducted. It was a sudden change from the silent atmosphere of contending with the robot making, to the shout of joy that was raised when the battle winner was decided, and it was very exciting. Through the implementation of such hands-on workshops, they were very happy to be able to experience the difficulties and interests of manufacturing themselves.
Visit to science facility
On the 9th and 10th they went outside the university and participated in the facility tour. At the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), they were exposed to Japanese advanced science and technology, including a viewing of an ASIMO show. At the Yamanashi Prefectural Maglev Exhibition Center, a test drive could be observed, and it was for a moment, but for the students researching superconductivity every day, it was a very good stimulus to be able to witness the superconducting linear motor car that recorded the fastest speed in the world.
Visit to international conference
In the mornings of the 11th and 12th they visited the international conference held at this university and, in the afternoons, visited the university laboratory. In the conference more than 100 members participated, and researchers gathered from various countries such as India, China, USA, UK, Germany, Belgium, and Russia, and made presentations on superconductivity. The invitees participated in this and got an opportunity to learn about the progress of research in this special field all over the world. In the afternoon they visited the university laboratory and toured the research facilities. They mainly visited the laboratories outside their special study, and held an active question and answer session, with a great deal of interest in the research facilities and equipment that were not seen before.
Results presentation
On the 13th, the final day of the program, the 10 students from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras made a presentation about the things learned and experienced through the program over about a 1 week period, and the program ended.
Thoughts of invitees
●This kind of exchange programs were helpful to the students to explore in science, technology and cultural activities. This is one of the wonderful program and provides the platform to the students to explore more in world. I want specially thank to JST for giving us this wonderful opportunity to attend this exchange program.
Arigato Gozaimashita..!!!
●This is my first trip to a foreign country. I must thank Sakura science program for giving this wonderful opportunity which I will remember for my lifetime. This trip is very good learning experience. I liked Miraikan museum, Robot workshop, Maglev exhibition, Lab visits and most of all Japanese culture. I feel myself blessed to be in this program. SIT has planned 10 days in the best possible way. Once again thank you JST and SIT for this wonderful opportunity.
Future prospects
It was possible to further deepen the exchanges with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras by selecting the SAKURA Exchange Program in Science. It was planned for further joint research, and it will increase the acceptance of international students for both the schools in the future.