TAIST-Science Tokyo Student Exchange Program in Japan 2025

Science Tokyo welcomed twelve students participating in Thailand Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (TAIST)-Science Tokyo, a graduate education program jointly organized in collaboration with Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and leading Thai universities, to its campuses and labs from September 8 to December 8, 2025.

TAIST-Science Tokyo was established in 2007 at the request of the Thai government with the aim of creating a hub for research and development and fostering advanced technical innovative talent in the fields of science and technology in Thailand. Science Tokyo faculty play a pivotal role in the collaboration, not only as lecturers but also as academic co-supervisors, working closely with their Thai counterparts and NSTDA researchers to mentor TAIST students.

Launched in 2015, the TAIST-Science Tokyo Student Exchange Program is designed to foster stronger collaboration and interaction between students from participating institutions. This dynamic exchange includes an outbound program, where Science Tokyo students conduct research internships and take courses in Thailand, as well as an inbound program that provides opportunities for TAIST students to take advantage of Science Tokyo’s world-class facilities by conducting master's thesis research in its laboratories.

The 2025 inbound program enabled TAIST students to immerse themselves in the vibrant academic and research environment at Science Tokyo for three months. Students conducted research within host laboratories, joined seminars and events, and explored the campus, including the labs of various Science Tokyo faculty members. The program also offered enriching extracurricular experiences, including visits to prominent Japanese companies and participation in an on-campus event called Diversi-Tea, where members of Science Tokyo come together to think about and discuss diversity. Some students enrolled in courses at Science Tokyo to further their academic development.

During lab visits, participants engaged actively with Science Tokyo faculty members, asking insightful questions and gaining firsthand knowledge about each lab's research activities. These visits deepened their appreciation of the innovative work being conducted within the program’s partner laboratories. Furthermore, the program included a visit with a TAIST alumnus currently pursuing doctoral studies at Science Tokyo. Through discussions with this student, participants gained a range of meaningful perspectives and guidance on academic advancement.

Off campus, TAIST students visited SOMAR Corporation and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, touring each company’s factories and research facilities. Participants were able to witness cutting-edge manufacturing and research developments up close while actively engaging in discussions with those on the ground. Through this direct exposure, they deepened their specialized knowledge and gained a clear sense of the close relationship between academic research and larger society.

The 92-day program culminated in final research presentations, where students showcased their research findings to an audience of academic co-supervisors, fellow lab members, and faculty, as well as guests from companies supporting TAIST and a visitor from a Thai partner university. After their presentations, the students responded to questions about their work.

Executive Vice President for Education Hidetoshi Sekiguchi, the chair of the TAIST SERE program, awarded a certificate of program completion to each student. At the reception that followed, Managing Director Masaki Kobayashi from SOMAR Corporation, one of the companies supporting TAIST, and Executive Vice President Sekiguchi gave speeches to further encourage the program participants.

Having made the most of their brief but impactful stay in Japan, the students have returned to Thailand to complete their master's theses. After graduation, some will advance to doctoral programs at universities in Thailand or abroad, including Science Tokyo, while others will pursue careers with Thai and foreign companies. Equipped with the knowledge and experience gained at Science Tokyo, these talented students are expected to make significant contributions to the global scientific community and beyond.

• I had the opportunity to participate in orientation, campus tours, laboratory visits, seminars, and deliver a final presentation. Through these activities, I gained a deeper understanding of student life in Japan while broadening my professional and cultural perspectives.
• Support was provided for administrative procedures, orientation, and daily matters, which greatly helped international students smoothly adapt to academic life in Japan. The program guidelines were well-organized. Additionally, I felt the schedule allowed ample time to focus on research leading up to the final presentation.
• This program provided an opportunity for both academic and personal growth. It fostered confidence and independence, and heightened my desire to pursue further research in Japan in the future.