Activity Report of Open Application Course vol.28
Thai university students learn research and development in Japan's leading-edge organic materials field
Report from Yamagata University
From October 28 (Mon) to November 3, 2019 (Sun), 10 undergraduate students (2 men and 8 women) and one faculty member as a supervisor, a total of 11 members from the Silpakorn University, Thailand, visited Japan to implement the "Sakura Science" Silpakorn University program. During this period, the students learned about a variety of leading-edge research being implemented by the University, both in and out of school, on the theme of "learning research and development in Japan's leading-edge organic materials field."
Upon arrival from Narita Airport in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, where the undergraduate engineering department is located, they first were given orientation and met with undergraduate related faculty and students at the welcoming party, as well as some international students who have come to Japan from Thailand to study. In the training on organic materials, firstly, lectures were given on the concepts and knowledge underlying the study conducted by the supervisor and our university faculty who are implementing joint research.
Also, over the course of two days, the students and faculty visited the Green Materials and Advanced Processing (GMAP) and eight laboratories located in the Frontier Center for Organic Materials (FROM) to deepen their understanding of the knowledge and technology regarding the university's research into organic materials, which a leader in the world.
Also, the visitors learned about the history of development up to the present and working in clean rooms regarding how research can be linked to practical realization, at the Innovation Center for Organic Electronics (INOEL), an off-campus research facility. Furthermore, at the Smarthouse, where these technologies are used to verify our lives in the future, the participants were given descriptions while actually touching and handling products that were developed and prototypes whose practical applications are under consideration for the future.
While the students interacted with undergraduate students of our school, students who had become friendly during the laboratory tours and students in international exchange circles, enjoyed Yamagata's specialty "imoni" and a Thai dessert, exchanged information with each other about their student life.
At the report meeting held on the last day in Yonezawa, there was an elaborate video and presentations on the many things the participants learned despite it being a short period of time. Of course they learned a great deal in the field of research on organic materials, but having been given an opportunity to see Japanese culture and experience the kindness of the Japanese people, it was definitely an unforgettable experience for the participants. The report meeting was an impressive one because not only were students shedding tears, but also were their escort faculty members.
On the last day, they went to Tokyo and toured the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. They were able to see with great interest a variety of exhibits that are creating our future, the more then extended their scheduled time.
Many students vowed sincerely to return to Japan to study and leave Japan to go back home from Narita Airport.