Science Tokyo Summer Program 2026 — its first as the new Institute —focuses on medical-engineering collaboration

From July 2 to July 29, Science Tokyo hosted an international exchange program: Science Tokyo Summer Program (STSP) 2026 that invited students from overseas partner universities for four weeks of multi-faceted learning and cross-cultural exchange. With a focus on medical-engineering collaboration, the program brought together students from around the world with diverse academic backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, and dentistry.

The first day of the program began with a combined orientation and coffee break. The warm and welcoming teatime atmosphere helped students break the ice while chatting with Science Tokyo students.

The program featured special lectures by four faculty members from the Innovative-Life Society Visionary Initiative (VI) that introduced some of the research being conducted at the Institute. The VIs are a new vision-driven research framework established across the entire Institute in April 2025 that aims to help achieve a better, brighter future.

1. Smart Mobility Created in the Cyber-Physical Space
   Prof. Kei Sakaguchi (Program Director; Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
   
2. Multi-drone Coordination Towards Smart Agriculture (followed by a live demonstration)
   Prof. Takeshi Hatanaka (Department of Systems and Control Engineering)
   
3. Using Digital Technology to Solve Healthcare Challenges: Let’s Think Together
   Prof. Sakiko Fukui (Department of Home Health and Palliative Care Nursing)
   Prof. Masayo Matsuzaki (Department of Reproductive Health Nursing)
   

The special lectures not only gave students a window into Science Tokyo’s cutting-edge research, but also encouraged them to interact and consider issues on a deeper level. The special lecture from nursing field explored how digital technology can help address current issues in nursing environments, before teaming up students with four teaching assistants to discuss the challenges and present their ideas to the other groups.

From the second through the fourth week, students were assigned to research laboratories based on their academic majors to actively engage in hands-on research. As the first such initiative held since the Institute’s integration, this year’s program introduced cross-disciplinary lab placements. As a result, 3 out of the 11 students with science or engineering majors were assigned to laboratories in the medical and dental sciences, embodying Science Tokyo’s commitment to medical-engineering collaboration beyond traditional academic boundaries.

Leading up to the final presentation session on the last day, students worked intensively within the limited timeframe to prepare presentation materials and posters to communicate their research findings effectively.

In addition to their research activities, students got to experience Japanese culture and visit industry leaders.

During the tea ceremony experience, students learned about the philosophy of ichi-go ichi-e – treasuring each encounter in life as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – and tea etiquette, immersing themselves in traditional Japanese aesthetics and mindfulness in a serene atmosphere.

Students also visited Fuha Tokyo (the showroom of Daikin Industries, Ltd.), where they gained valuable insights into the company’s state-of-the-art technological capabilities and global business strategies as a global market leader in the air conditioning industry, as well as into Japan’s business culture and industrial structures.

At the presentation session on the final day of the program, the students proudly presented the results of their research and the perspectives they had gained through the cultural experience, demonstrating significant personal and academic growth over the four weeks. Sharing the outcomes from diverse laboratories across the spectrum of science, engineering, medicine, and dentistry gave students a unique opportunity to engage with research outside their own specializations, creating a truly interdisciplinary academic exchange unique to the integrated Institute.
At the farewell party, students recounted memories of their time together, and while they were sad to say goodbye, they also promised to stay connected across borders to meet again in the future.　

This summer program exceeded my expectations and became one of the most meaningful experiences of my university life. Working on a research project in the host laboratory helped me improve my research, presentation, and communication skills. I felt proud of what I accomplished in just a few weeks, and I was also proud of my teammates for completing our project together. I really appreciated the supportive research environment. My supervisor and the lab members were always kind, patient, and willing to share their knowledge. The regular seminars and paper discussions motivated everyone to keep learning, and the well-equipped facilities created an excellent environment for research. I also enjoyed meeting students from different countries and experiencing life in Japan. Although adapting to a new environment was sometimes challenging, it became an unforgettable life experience that helped me grow both academically and personally. Thank you to everyone who made this program possible. I will always remember this wonderful experience.

Participating in the Summer Program 2026 at Science Tokyo has been an inspiring and transformative journey. The program offered a well-rounded experience, starting from insightful special lectures and engaging company visits that broadened my industry perspective and academic horizons. Furthermore, conducting hands-on research in Professor Anraku’s laboratory allowed me to dive deep into precision polymer synthesis and structural characterization for advanced mRNA delivery systems. Working closely with supportive mentors and experiencing the collaborative research culture firsthand significantly strengthened my scientific skills and passion for innovation. I am deeply grateful for this wonderful opportunity.

This program allowed me to deep dive into cardiac surgery shadows every day, working closely and interacting with the medical team, and we built wonderful friendships. In addition, the STSP project courses and exchanges among international students were incredibly rewarding. It has been a highly enjoyable month. Thank you to the entire organizing team for all your hard work! Hope to see you again in the future!

The STSP program has been an incredibly meaningful and rewarding experience. Beyond the opportunity to conduct research in a world-class laboratory, what stood out the most was the genuine care and support shown by everyone involved. The program staff consistently went above and beyond to ensure that we were not only progressing well in our research, but also adapting comfortably to life in Japan. Whether it was organizing cultural activities, checking on our well-being, assisting with administrative matters, or responding promptly to our questions, their kindness and dedication made us feel truly welcomed. The professors, laboratory members, and program coordinators were always approachable and willing to help, creating an environment where learning was both enjoyable and inspiring. Their encouragement gave us the confidence to challenge ourselves, develop new skills, and make the most of every opportunity. Thanks to their unwavering support, I was able to fully immerse myself in both the academic and cultural aspects of the program. STSP has been an unforgettable experience that has broadened my perspective, strengthened my passion for research, and allowed me to build lasting friendships and connections. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who made this program such a memorable and enriching journey.

This program was very fun, as I learned a lot about bio-informatics and cancer along with Japanese culture. There was a lot of support throughout this program to make it a good experience, and I loved getting to work with my research mentors. Moreover, I loved meeting new people from all over the world. I made some really good friends, memories, and gained valuable experiences while enjoying Japanese festivals, food, and culture.