Overview of the UTRIP 2024 program

UTRIP 2024 was implemented from 26 June to 6 August, 2024. The program consisted of six-week sessions. We received 748 applications from 473 universities in 73 countries. The competition was as severe as in previous years. After the application materials had been examined, 14 candidates were selected. Lab placements were made based on matching prior research experiences and areas of interests. The selected students were all highly motivated and were seriously considering the pursuit of higher education in scientific areas.

Generally, many undergraduate students spend hours in the classrooms with little practical experience such as designing a research plan and conducting research in a standalone way, whereas the recent job market requires people with the ability to work with flexibility and diverse points of view. It is also so in scientific research areas. We expected the students to broaden their views and open their eyes to new experiences and become more culturally aware during the program. The underlying policy of the program is shared by associations which provide the school with financial support — Daiwa Securities Group Inc., Friends of UTokyo, Inc. (FUTI) and International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU).

At the reception hosted by the school, a representative of Daiwa Securities Group Inc. Mr. Tomohide Fujino (Director of Planning Section, Corporate Planning Dept. and Corporate Planning Dept. of Daiwa Security Co. Ltd.) and a representative of Friends of UTokyo, Inc. Dr. Shig Matsushita (Director and Chairman of Scholarship Committee) gave a wonderful speech to celebrate the UTRIP students for their successful participation and encouraged them for their future challenges and careers based on their valuable experience they have gained from UTRIP.
To ensure the long-term success of the program, Daiwa Securities Group Inc. sponsored all of our UTRIP participants.

The UTRIP program includes laboratory work mentored by lead researchers and postdoctoral fellows, along with literature reviews, participation in lab meetings, and attendance at research workshops and seminars. At the closing of the program, the participants presented findings from their own scientific research over six weeks. They also wrote up research reports.

Voices of UTRIP 2024 participants:

• The inclusive nature of the programme such that the organisers very readily answered all our questions, really looked after us, helped us to explore Japanese culture.
• The entire program was very well planned. Interacting with faculty members was very enriching. Exposure to Japanese culture alongside the internship was a unique and enjoyable experience.
• I am very much satisfied with UTRIP programme. Thank you so much.
• A life-changing and eye-opening opportunity both academically and culturally. An extremely welcoming programme with excellent opportunities for lab experiences and cultural insights.
• UTRIP has been an academically and culturally enriching experience. Exploring my internship project has given me newer insights in my field of interest.

Thank you for supporting UTRIP.