From July 4, MISIP has started at the Institute for Planetary Materials (IPM), Okayama University in Misasa, Tottori. At the orientation, Prof. Yoshino, Director of the IPM explained to the internship students an overview of the IPM and the history and purpose of this program. Additionally, he encouraged them to experience the cutting-edge facilities and technology and to deepen cross-border exchanges with researchers and students.

On the same day, a welcome lunch and lab tour were held after the orientation. Juanita Maria Sanchez (4th year undergraduate, EAFIT University) from Colombia expressed her thoughts on the program, "This is a great opportunity to work and learn with a team that is making great contributions to the field of planetary science. I hope to enrich this experience not only by working actively on my research project, but also by experiencing Japanese culture and traditions.” In this year 8 students from 7 countries (Colombia, Romania, France, Thailand, India, China, and Hungary) will participate in 5 research projects respectively proposed by the faculty members and carry out cutting-edge research for about 6 weeks.

MISIP is an internship-type joint research program of the Joint Use/Research Center for Earth and planetary materials science and is open to third- and fourth-year undergraduate students and first- and second-year master's students. This program aims to give students the opportunity to experience the world’s leading research activities through exposure to the world-class experimental and analytical techniques developed at the IPM, to learn the thought process as a researcher, to improve presentation skills and to cultivate a passion for research as well as to deepen cross-cultural understanding through sharing accommodation at the Misasa guest house and build an international network of next-generation young researchers.

Although this program had been held every year since 2005, it has been postponed for three years after the program in 2019, due to the COVID-19 and resumed after four years. More than 150 internship students have participated over the history of the program and many of them are now active as researchers at major research institutions around the world. Through this program, the IPM aims to strengthen its international hub function as an international core research and education center for young researchers by fostering the next generation of young scientists and expanding its global reach.


【Contact information】
Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University
Misasa, Tottori 682-0193, Japan
eee0502●adm.okayama-u.ac.jp
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