From October 23 to 29, 2022, the Faculty of Agriculture at Kagawa University hosted the Sakura Science Program Science and Technology Experience Course. This program welcomed 11 young researchers, including undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and a faculty member, from 8 universities in 5 countries and regions: Thailand, Vietnam, Spain, Indonesia, and Taiwan.
Under the theme “Toward the Achievement of SDGs: Advanced Agricultural Research Experience Program for Achieving SDGs,” participants explored cutting-edge agricultural research and its applications. The program offered hands-on opportunities, including:
- Visiting facilities dedicated to agricultural research, education, and industry related to the SDGs.
- Participating in laboratory experiments and engaging in discussions with laboratory members at Kagawa University.
Program Schedule
| Date | Activities |
|---|---|
| October 23 | Arrival at airports (Kansai, Narita, Haneda), transfer to Kagawa University, program guidance. |
| October 24 | Opening ceremony, lab tour at the Faculty of Agriculture, courtesy visit to Kagawa University International Office, and tour of Kagawa University Museum. |
| October 25 | Tours of a soy sauce production factory, a sturgeon land aquaculture facility, and the Kagawa University Rare Sugar Production Station. |
| October 26 | Hands-on laboratory experience and discussions with laboratory members at Kagawa University. |
| October 27 | Experimental practice in the lab and further discussions with laboratory members. |
| October 28 | Preparation for presentations, presentation of research findings, and closing ceremony. |
| October 29 | Departure from airports. |
Highlights of Facility Visits
Kagawa University Museum
Participants visited the Kagawa University Museum to explore the exhibition “The Blessings of Fermentation.” The museum’s Deputy Director, Dr. Fumiki Ito, explained the university’s contributions to fermentation research and highlighted the history and cultural significance of fermented foods worldwide.
Rare Sugar Production Station
Rare sugars are naturally occurring monosaccharides found only in trace amounts. Certain rare sugars, such as D-psicose, are known for their health benefits, including blood sugar regulation and fat accumulation prevention. Kagawa University is renowned for being the first in the world to establish mass-production methods for rare sugars. Participants learned about these innovations from Associate Professor Susumu Mochizuki of the International Institute for Rare Sugar Research and Education.
Through these activities, participants gained invaluable insights into advanced agricultural research, fostering collaboration and innovation toward achieving the SDGs.
Hands-on Laboratory Experiences
As part of the Sakura Science Program, the 11 participants were divided into eight research laboratories at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, based on their academic interests and research fields. Over two days, participants engaged in collaborative experiments, exchanged research ideas with faculty and students, and shared their own research backgrounds. This immersive experience fostered both academic exchange and personal connections.
Laboratory Highlights
- Seto Inland Sea Research (Yamaguchi Kazuwa Laboratory): Participants joined a research vessel to collect benthos (bottom-dwelling organisms) from the Seto Inland Sea, gaining insights into coastal marine ecosystems.
- Food Development (Ishii Toya Laboratory and Ogawa Masahiro Laboratory): Participants collaborated with students to develop and test new food products. They also conducted physical property analyses of the foods, enhancing their understanding of food science and technology.
Final Presentations and Closing Ceremony
On October 28, each participant presented their learnings and experiences to an audience of approximately 40 faculty members and students from Kagawa University. This culminating event showcased their new knowledge, cultural exchanges, and collaborative achievements.
At the closing ceremony, participants were awarded certificates of completion by Dr. Kazuya Akimitsu, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture.
Participant Feedback and Future Aspirations
Although the program spanned only seven days, all 11 participants rated the experience as highly valuable and enjoyable in their post-program surveys. Impressively, five participants expressed interest in returning to Kagawa University as full-time international students, postdoctoral researchers, or visiting scholars.
Gratitude
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) for their support, as well as to the companies Kamebishi Co., Ltd., and CAVIC Co., Ltd., for hosting factory visits. We also deeply appreciate the contributions of Kagawa University’s faculty and staff who made this program a success.
This short but impactful program exemplified the spirit of collaboration and innovation, fostering new connections and inspiring future global leaders in agricultural research.