Successful conclusion of the UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2026

The UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2026, which commenced on June 4, concluded on August 6.

On July 30, the program's final on-campus event, the Final Research Presentation and Farewell Reception, was held at Sanjo Conference Hall on the Hongo Campus. Two scholars, selected from among the 15 participants in the program, delivered oral presentations, followed by poster presentations by all scholars. More than 70 faculty members, laboratory mentors, and other guests attended the event. At the farewell reception following the presentations, certificates of completion were awarded to the scholars.

From August 4 to 6, the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium 2026, the culminating event of the program, was held at the Takeda Frontier Science Hall, Takeda Building. This year, the University of Tokyo served as the host institution, welcoming a total of 75 scholars from partner programs across Asia and Australia, including Kyoto University, the National University of Singapore (NUS), Tsinghua University, the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIITH), and the University of Melbourne.

The symposium opened with welcoming remarks by Professor Yujin Yaguchi, Director of the Center for Global Education, followed by oral presentations from representatives of each institution, poster presentations by all scholars, and presentations by faculty members from the participating universities. On the first day, an alumni panel session entitled “The Amgen Scholars Journey through the Eyes of ASP Alumni” featured five program alumni, who shared their experiences and engaged in a lively discussion. The special panel on the second day, “Career Paths in Science for Society,” featured Dr. Ryan Potts, Vice President of Amgen Inc.; Dr. Masahiro Shimonaga, Head of Development, Amgen K.K.; Ms. Fumie Miwa, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Amgen K.K.; Professor Ayuko Hoshino of the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology; and Associate Professor Takashi Izutsu of the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Drawing on their diverse professional experiences, the panelists engaged in a stimulating discussion on careers in science and their impact on society.

On the third day, participants took part in a half-day cultural excursion featuring a visit to Asakusa and a traditional Japanese confectionery-making workshop.

Although the symposium lasted only a few days, it provided a valuable opportunity for scholars to build connections with participants from other institutions and countries. The program concluded after offering each scholar a meaningful and enriching experience.