Activity Report of Open Application Program 2024 vol.10 (Course A)
International Exchange Program with Mapúa University, Philippines
Report from Okayama University of Science
Under the Sakura Science Exchange Program, a youth science exchange initiative by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Okayama University of Science (OUS) welcomed seven students and one faculty member from Mapúa University (MU) in the Philippines from October 20 to October 26, 2024. Over the course of seven days, the participants engaged in hands-on training themed "Cutting-Edge Medical Materials: From Fundamental Research to Practical Applications."
At the Okayama Campus, the program focused on the cultivation of human stem cells used in regenerative medicine and pharmaceutical development. Participants began by preparing reagents and sterilizing equipment, then proceeded to practicing aseptic operations, followed by seeding and cultivating cells, and observing cell behavior, including detachment and passaging. Additionally, they attended lectures on protein crystallization as a medical material and conducted experiments to create and observe the resulting crystals. These experiences were highly valuable, as such opportunities are rarely available in the Philippines. The participating students demonstrated immense dedication, eagerly engaging in the experiments and asking numerous questions.
Participants also toured advanced research facilities such as the Research Instruments Center, Design and Manufacturing Center known as Science Dream Lab, and a research facility for fish farming using the Third Water (allowing both marine and freshwater fish to be raised together in the same aquarium), and the Museum of Dinosaur Research. A particularly memorable moment occurred during a visit to the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) equipment. The accompanying faculty member expressed gratitude, stating: "We had a lecture on NMR spectroscopy just days before our trip to Japan, so it was incredibly meaningful for the students to see the actual equipment and hear research explanations." The students' enthusiasm was clear, as they asked questions even after the scheduled time had passed, which impressed the OUS lecturers.
On October 24, the participants visited the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Imabari Campus. They attended a lecture by Lecturer Masashi Mukohda on the relationship between gut flora and lifestyle diseases. They also toured the open laboratories, which are not divided into specific research groups but instead shared as a common space. The students were deeply impressed by the environment, which allows knowledge and experimental results from different fields to merge, fostering surprising discoveries and innovative outcomes.
On the program's final day, the MU delegation paid a courtesy visit to President Hiroyuki Hirano. The students expressed their gratitude, saying: "The hands-on experiments and exposure to advanced research facilities were truly incredible experiences." President Hirano explained the university's graduate school system and support for international students. The students showed strong interest in pursuing graduate studies at OUS, eagerly asking detailed questions during the discussion.
In the afternoon, a networking session was held over lunch to discuss the continuation of educational and research exchanges. The session included eight graduate students from OUS: one MU student currently enrolled in the OUS doctoral program, one international student from China, and two Japanese graduate students who participated in a research exchange at MU the previous academic year.
The day's activities concluded with a research exchange session, open not only to MU and OUS students directly involved in the program, but all OUS students where participants passionately presented and discussed their research topics. Crowds gathered around the posters, and lively discussions continued without pause. The active participation of OUS faculty, staff, and students contributed to the event's resounding success, which was an unexpected and delightful outcome for us.
Finally, the program concluded with a presentation session, where all MU participants shared their learning and achievements.
Currently, two MU students who participated in this program have expressed their desire to enroll in the OUS doctoral program, with one student aiming to conduct their master's thesis research in the same laboratory where the training took place. OUS is providing follow-up support in cooperation with relevant departments, demonstrating the rapid and far-reaching impact of this program.
This valuable program significantly strengthened the relationship between OUS and MU. The opportunity to conduct this exchange was invaluable not only for the MU students but also for the OUS students. OUS students shared that interacting with students from overseas was an excellent experience, and although presenting their research in English was nerve-wracking, they found they found it enjoyable. Clearly, this program provided OUS students with valuable educational and academic stimulation.
As a result of this successful program, we anticipate further strengthening educational and research collaborations between OUS and MU in the future.
[Contact Information]
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