From Hiroshima to the World: SKCM² Members Showcase International Research Journeys
- Four WPI-SKCM² graduate students presented insights from their international research exchanges.
- Presentations reflected on how overseas experiences enriched their research development, language skills, and cultural awareness.
- The event emphasized WPI-SKCM²’s mission to support career development through global collaboration and travel grants.
- Discussions encouraged interactive exchange among members while fostering a strong sense of internationalization within the institute.
On October 24, WPI-SKCM² brought together graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and affiliate members at Mirai Crea, Hiroshima University. During the event, four graduate students who had previously visited SKCM² research institutes abroad each gave five-minute presentations, sharing insights from their international experiences and how these opportunities enriched their research development.
As part of its core mission, WPI-SKCM² is committed to fostering the professional growth of its members through internationalization. All graduate students and postdoctoral researchers are eligible for travel grants that enable participation in research exchanges with SKCM² principal investigators worldwide. Thanks to this support, the four graduate presenters were able to gain valuable overseas experiences, which became the focus of this gathering.
Graduate students Kouta Tanabe and Tomoki Kodama, under the supervision of Prof. Takeharu Haino, and Masahiro Oida and Shunsuke Kurita, under the supervision of Prof. Kenta Shigaki, were selected to present, having recently completed research stays at SKCM² international research institutes. The two students under Prof. Haino’s supervision spent two months at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, from April to June 2025. Meanwhile, the students under Prof. Shigaki’s supervision conducted research at CERN in France and Switzerland from July to September 2025. Each presenter highlighted their research achievements and shared insights gained from working abroad.
“Participating in both day and on-call shifts at ALICE, where I was responsible for monitoring detectors and responding to unexpected issues, challenged me in ways I had never experienced before. I learned to take full responsibility, collaborate closely with experts, and adapt quickly. This experience not only enriched my technical skills but also strengthened my confidence and resilience as a researcher,” said Shunsuke Kurita, 2nd-year Graduate Student of WPI-SKCM², Japan.
Up to 50 SKCM² members attended this special evening. Over a selection of food and drinks, each presenter shared a brief talk reflecting on their international experiences. Their presentations sparked lively interest and inspired active discussions among attendees.
“The presentations and discussions gave me fresh inspiration for my future research, and I’m very glad to be part of such a collaborative community,” said Goa Jia, 1st-year Graduate Student of WPI-SKCM², Mongolia.
These four members set an inspiring example by demonstrating their enthusiasm for growth through international exchange programs. They not only advanced their research but also improved their English communication skills, immersed themselves in cultural diversity, and deepened their awareness of sustainability. At WPI-SKCM², we remain committed to providing such opportunities to develop our human resources and contribute to society.
All photos © WPI-SKCM², Hiroshima University.
