On 7-8 August, Kyoto University hosted the 2016 Amgen Scholars Japan Symposium at its International Science Innovation Building.
Funded by the Amgen Foundation, the Amgen Scholars Program seeks to inspire the scientists of tomorrow by inviting undergraduates to take part in cutting-edge research at 17 leading institutions across the United States, Europe, and Japan during the summer holiday period.
The Japan Symposium was held as part of the 2016 Amgen Scholars Japan Program, which was hosted by Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo. Participants in both the KU and UTokyo programs took part, after an icebreaker the day before at the Grand Inari Shrine at Fushimi.
Day one of the symposium began with greetings from Professor Fuyuki Ishikawa, dean of the Graduate School of Biostudies and Program Director, and from Dr Scott Heimlich, Vice President of Amgen Foundation. Professor Masao Kitano, Kyoto University's executive vice-president for education, information infrastructure, and evaluation, then spoke, giving an overview of the University. Participants then introduced themselves and presented a gift to the Amgen officials in attendance. The morning session concluded with a keynote lecture by Dr David Reese, Senior Vice President, Translational Sciences at Amgen Inc.
The afternoon program featured poster presentations by the students and talks by four researchers, including Dr Kurt Rimkus, Head of Research & Development at Amgen Astellas BioPharma, on their respective projects and career paths.
On day two, the Amgen Scholars visited Shimadzu Corporation and the Kyoto University Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA). Afterwards, Dr Heimlich announced the winners of the poster awards, and Professor Shinsuke Kawazoe, executive vice-president for student affairs and library services, delivered remarks to close the two-day event, which had enabled the participants to learn about pioneering research and science careers, and share their projects with peers.
From left: Program Director Ishikawa, Amgen Foundation VP Heimlich, KU EVPs Kitano and Kawazoe
Symposium participants
Related link
- Amgen Scholars Japan Program
http://amgenscholars.com/japan-program
