SDGs Co-Creation Student Exchange Program by Osaka University, Japan

[:id]My name is Gregorius Gilang Satrio Nugroho (in short: Gilang). I am currently a 4^th-year-undergraduate student majoring in microbiology.

General explanation regarding the exchange program

On the 7^th semester, I had the opportunity to participate on an exchange program named SDGs Co-Creation Student Exchange Program held by Osaka University, Japan. This is a 1-month exchange program as an international cooperation between Osaka University and its partner universities from ASEAN countries such as ITB in Indonesia. There are 12 participants in total and 3 students are chosen from Indonesia (ITB). The purpose of this program is to give international students especially students from ASEAN countries the chance to be able to contribute more through research in high-tech laboratories in Japan to the fulfilment of UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) according to their own interests and specialties.

Selection Process

The selection process, in short, consists of 2 parts. The registration is open at the end of July or the first week of August (contact Mrs. Marsella, Head of Biotechnology department, SITH ITB for further information). The first selection is document selection. We were required to submit our latest official academic transcript, CV, English proficiency certificates (TOEFL) as well as motivation letter to Mrs. Marsella, Mr. Sumimura (Head of Global Initiatives Center, Osaka University), and one of the Professors (based on our own choosing) whose laboratory is available for research during the program. The documents were sent via email. After all the documents were assessed thoroughly, we had to do the 2^nd part of the selection which is interview. The interview was held at ITB and the focus of the interview was about our motivation letter and research plan. After interview session, 3 candidates were selected and we had to fill out some application forms for the program and the scholarship which was given by Japan Student Service Organization (JASSO). The amount of scholarship was 160000 JPY and we could use it for air fares, living cost, etc.

Activities during the program

My activities during the program were basically consisting of 3 things: laboratory activities (experiments), lectures & courses, and excursions. The main activity during the program was laboratory activities. I spend most of my time during the program doing laboratory works. I was assigned on Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, International Center for Biotechnology (ICBiotech), Osaka University under the guidance of Professor Fujiyama. My research topic was about oil-producing yeast (Rhodotoruloides mucilaginosa). My objective was to be able to improve the oil-producing ability of 2 strains of the yeast by using UV mutagenesis and antibiotic-resistant selection. I was able to isolate 2 mutants of the yeast which had better resistant to antibiotic by using UV mutagenesis. The obtained mutants could possibly have higher oil-producing ability which were able to be used as potential feedstock for biofuel production in the future. The result of my research was presented at the end of the program with special highlights on how my research could contribute to the fulfilment of UN SDGs (specifically goal number 7 regarding sustainable energy) and my future plan to develop the research further in order to achieve the goal.

Other activities beside lab experiments were lectures and courses. I got the opportunity to attend some lectures held by professors from the Global Initiatives Center, Osaka University regarding SDGs as well as lectures provided by my laboratory peers & professors during lab meeting activity (regarding various latest research topics in applied microbiology).

The excursions were held outside of Osaka University. I got to visit and learn directly from some high-tech industries in Japan such as Beer and Sake breweries in Kyoto as well as an Earthquake museum (owned by UN) in Kobe. Other than that, I also visited some historical places such as Osaka castle and some temples in Kyoto.

Testimony

This exchange program has taught me a lot, not only some hardcore scientific skills, but also the attitude as a future scientist to become a real problem-solver and become more aware of various global issues such as UN SDGs as well as trends in research especially those regarding our area of interest. The experiences I got from this exchange program has led me to the realization that it doesn’t have to be a direct solution to be able to solve a problem, but it needs a strategic step-by-step approach through research and that is what a scientist could absolutely contribute to. The chance to be able to make global connections as well as international networking with international friends and successful scientists could become an essential asset for our career in the future.

Motivation

Do not hesitate for a second when you plan on applying for an exchange program. Do not be afraid of trying and do not be afraid of failing, because eventually it is always worth the effort. Being able to experience international culture especially the working culture and work ethics in other countries will broaden your view as well as enrich your qualities to be able to succeed in the future.

[:en]My name is Gregorius Gilang Satrio Nugroho (in short: Gilang). I am currently a 4^th-year-undergraduate student majoring in microbiology.

General explanation regarding the exchange program

On the 7^th semester, I had the opportunity to participate on an exchange program named SDGs Co-Creation Student Exchange Program held by Osaka University, Japan. This is a 1-month exchange program as an international cooperation between Osaka University and its partner universities from ASEAN countries such as ITB in Indonesia. There are 12 participants in total and 3 students are chosen from Indonesia (ITB). The purpose of this program is to give international students especially students from ASEAN countries the chance to be able to contribute more through research in high-tech laboratories in Japan to the fulfilment of UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) according to their own interests and specialties.

Selection Process

The selection process, in short, consists of 2 parts. The registration is open at the end of July or the first week of August (contact Mrs. Marsella, Head of Biotechnology department, SITH ITB for further information). The first selection is document selection. We were required to submit our latest official academic transcript, CV, English proficiency certificates (TOEFL) as well as motivation letter to Mrs. Marsella, Mr. Sumimura (Head of Global Initiatives Center, Osaka University), and one of the Professors (based on our own choosing) whose laboratory is available for research during the program. The documents were sent via email. After all the documents were assessed thoroughly, we had to do the 2^nd part of the selection which is interview. The interview was held at ITB and the focus of the interview was about our motivation letter and research plan. After interview session, 3 candidates were selected and we had to fill out some application forms for the program and the scholarship which was given by Japan Student Service Organization (JASSO). The amount of scholarship was 160000 JPY and we could use it for air fares, living cost, etc.

Activities during the program

My activities during the program were basically consisting of 3 things: laboratory activities (experiments), lectures & courses, and excursions. The main activity during the program was laboratory activities. I spend most of my time during the program doing laboratory works. I was assigned on Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, International Center for Biotechnology (ICBiotech), Osaka University under the guidance of Professor Fujiyama. My research topic was about oil-producing yeast (Rhodotoruloides mucilaginosa). My objective was to be able to improve the oil-producing ability of 2 strains of the yeast by using UV mutagenesis and antibiotic-resistant selection. I was able to isolate 2 mutants of the yeast which had better resistant to antibiotic by using UV mutagenesis. The obtained mutants could possibly have higher oil-producing ability which were able to be used as potential feedstock for biofuel production in the future. The result of my research was presented at the end of the program with special highlights on how my research could contribute to the fulfilment of UN SDGs (specifically goal number 7 regarding sustainable energy) and my future plan to develop the research further in order to achieve the goal.

Other activities beside lab experiments were lectures and courses. I got the opportunity to attend some lectures held by professors from the Global Initiatives Center, Osaka University regarding SDGs as well as lectures provided by my laboratory peers & professors during lab meeting activity (regarding various latest research topics in applied microbiology).

The excursions were held outside of Osaka University. I got to visit and learn directly from some high-tech industries in Japan such as Beer and Sake breweries in Kyoto as well as an Earthquake museum (owned by UN) in Kobe. Other than that, I also visited some historical places such as Osaka castle and some temples in Kyoto.

Testimony

This exchange program has taught me a lot, not only some hardcore scientific skills, but also the attitude as a future scientist to become a real problem-solver and become more aware of various global issues such as UN SDGs as well as trends in research especially those regarding our area of interest. The experiences I got from this exchange program has led me to the realization that it doesn’t have to be a direct solution to be able to solve a problem, but it needs a strategic step-by-step approach through research and that is what a scientist could absolutely contribute to. The chance to be able to make global connections as well as international networking with international friends and successful scientists could become an essential asset for our career in the future.

Motivation

Do not hesitate for a second when you plan on applying for an exchange program. Do not be afraid of trying and do not be afraid of failing, because eventually it is always worth the effort. Being able to experience international culture especially the working culture and work ethics in other countries will broaden your view as well as enrich your qualities to be able to succeed in the future.

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