The Division of Graduate Studies at Kyoto University has been implementing the “KU-STAR (Kyoto University Short-Term Academic Research) Program,” a short-term research internship initiative, since last year. This year, we welcomed 10 selected students from major Australian institutions: the University of Melbourne, Monash University, the University of Adelaide, and RMIT University. From January 8, these students spent approximately 1.5 months attached to various laboratories at Kyoto University, engaging in cutting-edge research activities.

On February 19, 2026, the Final Presentation and Closing Ceremony were held at the International Conference Hall I in the Kyoto University Clock Tower Memorial Hall, marking the culmination of the program.

Showcasing Concentrated Achievements: 3-Minute Pitches and Poster Sessions

The event featured two formats: “3-minute Pitches (oral presentations)” by each student, followed by “Poster Sessions” to deepen individual discussions.

During the pitch presentations, students showcased their research findings and program achievements with speed and passion within a limited timeframe. Following each presentation, audience members provided real-time evaluations via an online form, leaving numerous comments for the presenters.

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In the subsequent poster session, participants stopped at each poster, leading to lively Q&A sessions throughout the venue. The students carefully explained their research to host professors, lab members, office tutors, and other Kyoto University students interested in international exchange. The venue became a hub of endless academic dialogue, with participants listening intently to the background of the research and its future prospects.

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Congratulatory Message from the Australian Embassy and Presentation of Certificates

Following the presentations, a special video message from Ms. Susan Jones, Counsellor (Education and Research) at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo, was screened during the Closing Ceremony. In her message, Counsellor Jones praised the students’ efforts as academic bridges between Japan and Australia and expressed her high expectations for their future endeavors.

After remarks from Professor Takao Hirajima, Director of the Division of Graduate Studies, and other faculty members, Vice-President Fuyuki Ishikawa presented each student with a certificate of completion. Upon receiving their certificates, the students spoke movingly about their gratitude for the kind and patient guidance provided by their supervisors and lab members, as well as the lasting friendships they formed across their respective universities.

Looking Ahead: A Lasting Bond with Kyoto University

The sincere dedication of the participating students to their research was a great inspiration for the host laboratories. Kyoto University hopes that the students will build on this valuable experience and return to our campus as graduate students in the future, or continue to collaborate with us as next-generation researchers.

Though the program lasted only 1.5 months, we hope that the knowledge and connections gained by these talented young Australians in Kyoto will contribute to the further development of joint research between Japan and Australia.

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