SAKURA SCIENCE High School Program Kyoto University Course
Vietnamese Top Science Students Experience Cutting-Edge Science at Kyoto University
On September 8, Kyoto University’s Yoshida Campus was visited by nine Vietnamese high school students and one supervisor who were participating in the Sakura Science High School Program (SSHP) Kyoto University Course. The students participated in exchanges with Kyoto University researchers and students, a campus tour, an experiential program and laboratory visit at the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), and a demonstration lecture and experiment at the Graduate School of Science.
＊Schools for gifted students provide advanced education for students with exceptional abilities in fields such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, literature, and English.
■Nine Students United by a Passion for Science and Technology
During the orientation held at Yoshida International House, Executive Vice President KOFU Koji welcomed the delegation. He explained Kyoto University’s tradition of academic freedom as a commitment to formulating one’s own questions and pursuing truth independently rather than simply following conventional wisdom or the opinions of others.
A student representative remarked, “Although we come from different schools and regions across Vietnam, we are united by our passion for science and technology.” The students expressed their desire to gain new knowledge and perspectives through the lectures and exchanges.
During self-introductions, each student presented their area of interest and future aspirations in English. Their interests ranged from organic chemistry, physical chemistry, astronomy and astrophysics, mathematics, electronics, marine biology, bioinformatics, robotics, and medicine. Some spoke specifically about combining medicine and scientific research to study neurological and mental disorders, while others hoped to develop technologies that benefit society through autonomous systems and robotics.
■Exploring the Historic Yoshida Campus
Despite heavy rain, the group toured the main campus area, took commemorative photographs beside the camphor tree and the Centennial Clock Tower Memorial Hall, and visited the university history exhibition room. Students explored exhibits on the university’s history, student life, and campus development.
【Student Comments】
- “The university itself was the most impressive part of the day. I was amazed by its size and beauty.”
- “I had imagined Japan as highly competitive and stressful, but Kyoto felt calm, quiet, and beautiful, making it an excellent place to study and live.”
■Interacting with Senior Students at Kyoto University
Following an introduction to Kyoto University and the Kyoto iUP program, three Vietnamese students currently studying at Kyoto University gave presentations in Vietnamese about their academic experiences and student life. The high school students listened attentively to seniors with similar backgrounds.
During the exchange session, the students divided into groups and asked questions about study schedules, living expenses, dormitories, application procedures, and differences between high school and university education. Discussions continued even through lunch.
■Considering the Future of Medicine Through iPS Cells
In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA). Kelvin Hui, Associate Director of the Research Promotion Office, introduced the fundamentals of iPS cells and current research advances.
Through an interactive program, students learned how ordinary cells can be reprogrammed using the four Yamanaka factors to become iPS cells capable of differentiating into many cell types. Applications in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug discovery were explained through examples including Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and ALS.
During a cell observation quiz, students examined microscopic images of cardiac, neural, muscle, pancreatic, and iPS cells. They also toured laboratories equipped with microscopes, incubators, PCR systems, and cell analysis instruments. The discussion also addressed the challenge of delivering innovative therapies to patients who need them.
【Student Comments】
- “I am stronger in physics than biology and expected iPS cells to be difficult to understand. However, the clear explanations and laboratory tour changed my impression of biology.”
- “I was amazed that mature cells can be reset and transformed into various cell types. It is an ingenious technology with enormous medical potential.”
■When Mathematical Equations Become Visible Phenomena
The group then visited the Graduate School of Science and attended a demonstration lecture and experiment on geophysical fluid dynamics delivered by Professor ISHIOKA Keiichi. He explained how numerical simulations help researchers understand fluid phenomena occurring within the Earth, volcanoes, ocean circulation systems, and planetary atmospheres.
Although calculus and partial differential equations appeared during the lecture, Professor ISHIOKA explained the concepts in a clear and accessible manner, encouraging students not to be intimidated by mathematics.
In the rotating tank experiment, students first predicted how ink and sediment would move within the rotating water tank and then tested their predictions through direct participation. Some were delighted when their predictions proved correct, while others were surprised by unexpected outcomes.
【Student Comments】
- “The interactive experiment was fascinating. I learned that mathematics can lead to conclusions that are difficult to reach through intuition alone.”
- “In Vietnam we rarely have opportunities to conduct experiments, so seeing and participating in one was tremendously valuable.”
■A Day That Expanded Future Possibilities
Through conversations with university students, exposure to cutting-edge iPS cell research, and hands-on scientific experimentation, the participants broadened their intellectual horizons beyond their own specialties. Students specializing in physics developed greater interest in biology, while those studying chemistry discovered new appreciation for physics.
One participant who had originally planned to study in Australia commented that learning about the quality of Japanese education and the study environment had changed their perspective and encouraged them to consider Japan as a future destination for higher education.
The students were repeatedly encouraged to ask themselves, “Why?” and “How can I learn more?” Throughout the day they engaged with researchers and students, observed cells, and explored scientific phenomena firsthand. Their visit to Kyoto University provided not only new knowledge but also a valuable opportunity to reflect on their future studies and career paths.
