The Kyoto University Short-Term Academic Research (KU-STAR) Program, which began on 9 January 2025 for four participating students from the University of Melbourne, concluded on 28 February. This second KU-STAR Program was the first to be held for Australian students, following the inaugural, India-focused iteration that took place from May to July 2024.

The program featured a final presentation session on 20 February. The event was held in International Conference Hall III of the University’s Clock Tower Centennial Hall building, providing an opportunity for the four students to discuss their research and other achievements from the program. Approximately 25 people attended, including faculty and students from the program’s host laboratories.

The first half of the meeting featured poster research presentations. Although most of students from the University of Melbourne had no prior experience with the format, all of them confidently discussed their projects and actively responded to questions from the attendees.

In the second half, the students shared their learning experiences and career plans. They reflected on their goals and achievements in the program, the support they had received from their laboratory’s faculty and peers, their experiences of Kyoto and Japan outside of research, and their efforts to enhance their Japanese proficiency, including trying to use the language in all communications while in Japan.

When discussing their career plans, they expressed aspirations to go on to graduate school and pursue a research career, with some indicating a willingness to consider returning to Kyoto University for advanced studies.

Dr Fuyuki Ishikawa, the University’s vice-president for academic research support, then offered commentary and encouragement to the students before presenting each with a certificate of completion.

Kyoto University hopes that the KU-STAR Program, despite its relatively short duration, has helped participants achieve significant growth through engaging laboratory experiences and that they will eventually return as graduate students or researchers.