The Amgen Scholars Program (ASP) is an eight-week summer research internship sponsored by the Amgen Foundation, designed to cultivate the next generation of scientists and innovators. Aimed primarily at undergraduate students majoring in science and biotechnology, the program provides research opportunities at more than 20 premier universities and institutions worldwide. In Japan, UTokyo and Kyoto University have hosted the program since 2015. UTokyo students are eligible to apply not only for the program at UTokyo, but also for those hosted by other Asian institutions, including Kyoto University, the National University of Singapore, Tsinghua University, and the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad. Each host institution brings together highly motivated students who engage proactively in rigorous research activities.
Participants in the ASP at UTokyo stay in shared accommodation throughout the program period, engaging in cutting-edge research within graduate-level science laboratories or research institutes. The curriculum also includes cultural experiences and excursions that feature research presentations. Upon completion of the program, the participants attend a joint symposium with scholars from the six host institutions in the Asia-Oceania region, providing a platform to present their findings and build networks with peers from other universities.