Delegation from Sakura Science High School Program Visits Science Tokyo

Twenty-nine high school students and supervisors from Peru, the Marshall Islands, Palau, and Micronesia, part of the fifth group of the Sakura Science High School Program, visited Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo) on November 14.

Sakura Science High School Program, coordinated by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), invites outstanding high school students from overseas and provides them with opportunities to experience Japan's cutting-edge science and technology, as well as meet top scientists.

Professor Noriyuki Wakabayashi (Executive Vice President for Education) gave a welcome speech, followed by an introduction to Science Tokyo by Professor Tomohiro Nozaki (Deputy Director of International Affairs, Admissions Center, School of Engineering). Following this, Associate Professor Yoichi Yatsu (School of Science) then gave a lecture titled “Development of a Micro-Satellite for Ultraviolet Astronomy and Earth Observation,” which gave an overview of research in time-domain astronomy, which explores the nature of giant explosions in the universe, and the development of the ultraviolet astronomical observation satellite PETREL, as well as a plan to monitor the global environment through industry-academia collaboration using the satellite's excess space.

After the lecture, the high school students were divided into four groups, one for each country, with each group being led by students from the School of Environment and Society (two undergraduate students from Japan, one master's student from Japan, and one master's student from Peru). The groups had lunch together at Tsubame Terrace before heading to the next venue, Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI). Along the way, the groups had a quick look at some of the Institute’s facilities, such as the library, and were able to take a walk through the gingko tree-lined campus.

In the afternoon, there was a brief introduction of ELSI by Professor John Hernlund (Associate Director, Principal Investigator), a tour of the building, and a lecture by Specially Appointed Associate Professor Harrison Smith on “Will we really be able to tell if there is life on an exoplanet?”

The program ended with a roundtable discussion led by three undergraduate students from India, Indonesia, and Thailand, all enrolled in the Global Scientists and Engineers Program (GSEP), as well as one doctoral student from the U.S., enrolled in the School of Life Science and Technology.

The high school students listened attentively to the lectures and explanations given by the faculty and students, and asked many questions throughout the day. Through programs like this, the Institute hopes to continue raising interest in Japanese science, technology, and study abroad opportunities, while actively attracting outstanding international students from abroad.