How did Sakura Science Plan play a role in your study / research in Japan?

Sakura Fellowship Program is one of important platforms allowing myself to expose to well-equipped research laboratories and excellent research atmosphere in Japan. Under the Sakura Fellowship program in 2015, I had opportunity to join an on-going project in Prof. Keiko Sasaki’s group, Kyushu University. The project involved preparation and determination of the removal efficiency of Li+ ions in aqueous solutions by biogenic manganese oxide in alginate beads. Results obtained during the Fellowship program highlight the potential application of the beads as effective Li+ ion sorbents. Further study as a visiting fellow in the Sasaki group confirmed the high performance of this material, as outlined in Powder Technology 301 (2016) 1201–1207. In the beginning of this year (2017), I visited the Sasaki group again conducting one month research. The preliminary results from the 2nd visit led to new collaborative project related to catalysis of hydroxyl double salt materials. To further foster this collaboration, I am in the process of submitting an application for 2017 JSPS Invitational Fellowship for Research in Japan. Thus, attending Sakura Fellowship Program have been an important opportunity that later have assisted my research career development through gaining wider research network and experiences.

Please describe your comments freely related to your life in Japan.

I consider myself very lucky having my first visit in Japan under the Sakura Fellowship Program hosted by Kyushu University. The program activities organized by the host university involved many areas of research ranged from Chemistry, Nanotechnology and Engineering. Knowledge and skills transfer among Sakura Fellowship Program participants enhances my research skills, with intention to produce high-quality scientific work, and to ensure high-impact research output. Importantly, the program assists my career advancement by capitalizing on my existing expertise and elevating my competence in research through working on a high impact research topic, and Japanese-based experts.

Please describe your message to people who are going to participate in this program.

Receiving Sakura Fellowship is a great opportunity to broaden knowledge/research experiences through the activities arranged by host University, and from Japanese host researchers. It is a friendly atmosphere for introduce yourself to other researcher from various countries using short research presentation. It is an inspiring event to learn from world class laboratories and learn how to boost up the impact of your research.