Activity Report of Open Application Course vol.16
Young researchers from Bangladesh experienced advanced scientific research in Kumamoto
Report from the Graduation School of Science and Technology
Supramolecular Chemistry Laboratory
Kumamoto University
(academic major in Material & Life Chemistry)
For a nine-day period from November 12 to November 20, 2017, the Supramolecular Chemistry Laboratory at Kumamoto Univ. held a training and hands-on learning program for a group from the People's Republic of Bangladesh. The group consisted of nine young researchers (five instructors, two researchers, and two graduate students) from the University of Dhaka (two researchers), Nokahali Science and Technology University (two researchers), and the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (two researchers). The program featured an introduction of advanced researcher in the field of chemistry, particularly supramolecular chemistry, tours of manufacturing technology at private corporations in Kumamoto, and exchange with younger researchers and students at Kumamoto Univ.
Training Program
The Group from Bangladesh took classes taught by Kumamoto Univ. faculty members on advanced research in fields such as supramolecular chemistry, materials chemistry, and photochemistry. Lectures were also given by young faculty members from the Univ. of Dhaka and young researchers from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and Kumamoto Univ.
The group also introduced Bangladesh, as well as universities in Bangladesh and affiliated institutions. The presentation was attended by numerous graduate students and undergraduate students from Kumamoto Univ. It was an outstanding opportunity to learn about research in advanced fields in Bangladesh. Also, a laboratory tour was held so that the group could observe various synthesis equipment and advanced analysis devices. The group's intense interest in science was evident by how attentively they listened to the lecture and explanation on equipment.
Next, short presentations and group discussions were held in English with graduate students and undergraduate students from Kumamoto Univ. It was a wonderful chance for the young researchers and students from both countries to be stimulated by each other's research and academics. For Japanese students, communicating in English was a challenge. Even so, the discussions were very lively.
Hands-on Learning Program
During the hands-on learning program, the group toured public research institutions and private chemical corporations in Kumamoto Prefecture. In addition to visiting and touring the Kumamoto Industrial Research Institute, which is the center of R&D in the prefecture, the group also received an explanation of the JST Regional Innovation Program that is being conducted in Kumamoto Prefecture under the guidance of the Institute.
The group also visited corporations involved in coating and surface professing, polymer films, functional monomers, and foods/beverages. The group learned a great deal, including a first-hand look at advanced technology in Japan and environmental measures by manufacturers
On the weekend, the group toured the nature and culture of Kumamoto City and national parks in the Aso area. Although they had a very busy schedule, the researchers were always smiling and had a great time learning about the nature and history of Kumamoto. It was extremely interesting for them to experience the rich nature, culture, and history of Kumamoto. The group also had the opportunity to observe reconstruction from the Kumamoto Earthquakes at Kumamoto Castle and Kumamoto Univ.
We would like to thank faculty members at Kumamoto Univ. for their cooperation in holding this program. Also deserving of special thanks are the Kumamoto Univ. researchers and graduate students who actively participated in international exchange. Finally, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for generous support from the SAKURA Exchange Program in Science.
