Overview of the UTRIP 2025 program

UTRIP 2025 was implemented from 25 June to 5 August, 2025. The program consisted of six-week sessions. We received 1149 applications from 656 universities in 78 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., and Friends of UTokyo, Inc. (FUTI).

At the reception hosted by the school, a representative of Daiwa Securities Group Inc. Mr. Shinji Kiso (Head of the Corporate Planning Dep of Daiwa Security Co. Ltd.) 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 2025 participants:

• UTRIP allowed me to experience the best of both worlds in terms of research and cultural experience in the heart of Tokyo. Thank you everyone.
• UTRIP was an enriching experience, helping students learn about professional research culture, new customs, and Japanese culture in general. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the University of Tokyo and would definitely recommend to everyone that is interested in both Japanese culture and researching in the sciences to try this program..
• UTRIP 2025 was a great opportunity for me. The program gave me the chance to step into professional research at the University of Tokyo, which has made me feel much more prepared for my future in academia. At the same time, coming to Japan and being able to explore its culture, traditions, and daily life added so much to the experience. The mix of research, travel, and cultural exchange made this program a memorable experience.
• I had amazing time in UTokyo. This experience deepened my interest in the research and was a great opportunity to start thinking about further studies.
• For me, UTRIP is not only about research, but also about growth, exchange, and building lifelong connections. I will always cherish my memories during my six weeks in Japan with my friends and lab members.

Thank you for supporting UTRIP.