Activity Report of Open Application Program 2021 vol.12 (Alternative Online)
Aiming for the Longest Lifespan in the World
Report from Shizuoka Prefecture
In cooperation with the West Java Provincial Government in Indonesia, Shizuoka Prefecture conducted a virtual tour of a research laboratory for selected 20 high school students from West Java. In November 2017, we signed a memorandum of understanding on human resource development and the promotion of economic cooperation with the West Java Provincial Government.
The program aims to deepen the students' understanding of the initiatives and most recent research and technology in the health and medical treatment fields, including one of Shizuoka's attributes, health and longevity, and the supporting manufacturing industry. The two-day virtual tour of universities and research facilities showed the attractiveness of higher education institutions to encourage students to consider studying in Shizuoka. In addition, the Consortium of Universities and Local Communities in Shizuoka (a public organization) gave a presentation about Shizuoka to inspire them to come and study in the prefecture.
On the first day (December 14), the students did a virtual tour of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, and the National Institute of Genetics. At the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, the staff explained the initial research to find 'medicinal seeds' for new drug development and the process of turning the newly-discovered 'medicinal seeds' into a new drug. The National Institute of Genetics presented its latest genetic research and its applications to medicine. A staff member of the Consortium of Universities and Local Communities in Shizuoka, a former international student who subsequently found a job in Japan, also gave a lecture on studying in Japan.
On the second day (December 15), the students had a virtual tour of the Faculty of Engineering, Shizuoka University, and the Hamamatsu University School of Medicine. At the Faculty of Engineering of Shizuoka University, the students were introduced to the basic research on cancer treatment using photochemical reactions based on the theme of medical-related manufacturing. Hamamatsu University School of Medicine presented its research on applying optoelectronics and other technologies to medical devices. They explained how they integrate manufacturing technology with health care and medicine using optics. The students were particularly interested in the medical device development collaboration project with private companies. They then had a completion ceremony afterward. The wife of the Governor of West Java mentioned in her message to the students to "fulfill your dreams through the Sakura Science Exchange Program".
When we conducted the international exchange utilizing the online platform during the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted the students to experience it as if they were in an in-person interaction. We tried to give them a very realistic experience by showing them a pre-recorded video of the laboratory.
We were able to promote the high level of education and research capabilities at higher education institutions in the prefecture through this program. We also increased their interest in studying in Shizuoka and Japan with the strong support of the West Java Provincial Government and participating organizations in the prefecture. We wish also to extend our deep gratitude to all participating institutions. We hope to continue promoting exchanges with West Java Province.