Events

Gathering of Invited Young Indian Researchers in the LOTUS Programme Event Report

On Monday, July 28, the "Gathering of Invited Young Indian Researchers in the LOTUS Programme"” was held at the Embassy of India in Japan (Chiyoda-ward, Tokyo).

This event was planned to bring together young Indian researchers working in universities and research institutions across Japan who have been selected for the 2024 India Young Researchers Invitation Programme, a pilot version of the "LOTUS Programme" that started in 2025, and to deepen mutual exchange.

At the beginning of the event, HASHIMOTO Kazuhito, President of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), in his address, delivered words of welcome and encouragement to the Indian graduate students and postdoc fellows who had gathered from all over Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, despite the extreme heat exceeding 35℃. Moreover, a warm video message was also delivered by H.E. Mr. Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan.

■Remarks by JST President HASHIMOTO Kazuhito

“Today’s event marks an important milestone that brings together the very first group of participants of the LOTUS Programme. I am delighted that 42 out of the 55 participants selected last year have gathered here in person and I sincerely welcome each of you.
Japan and India have tremendous potential to build a deeper and more dynamic partnership in the field of science, technology, and innovation. Through the LOTUS Programme, we hope to open new pathways for collaboration and to nurture long-lasting professional relationships and friendships.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Japan-India Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement. To celebrate this important milestone, both governments have designated 2025 as the 'Japan India Science Technology and Innovation Exchange Year'. This year, JST has started accepting applications to invite approximately 300 Indian graduate students and other researchers through the LOTUS Programme. I hope that the young Indian researchers participating in this program will have a productive, inspiring and memorable experience as the first step in building their future research careers. Let us take this step together towards a stronger partnership between India and Japan.”

■Video Message from H.E. Mr. Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan

I truly believe the LOTUS Programme will be the key support system for creating opportunities for Indian young researchers to experience cutting-edge research in Japan and receive guidance from leading researchers from both Japan and India, and these experiences will help us build a positive future relationship between Japan and India.
I visited all the 47 prefectures of Japan and engaged with more than 60 universities and research institutes during my last two and a half years in Japan. Besides technological excellence, I witnessed one common thing; that is enthusiasm in the domain of science and technology to collaborate with India. By collaborating and leveraging each other's science and technology, Japan and India can contribute to solving major global problems. And I am very happy to see the emphasis that Japan is now again giving to the semiconductor industry, which opens up opportunities for our two countries to work together and grow. I wish all the success for the overall programme.

■Lectures by Indian Nationality University Faculty Members in Japan

The event was attended by leading Indian researchers based in Japan, Dr. Ganesh Pandian Namasivayam (Head/Principal Investigator, Kyoto University) and Dr. Ram Avtar (Associate Professor, Hokkaido University). Through their presentations, they passionately shared their experiences on "How they built their careers in Japan" and "Why they chose Japan," along with introductions to their own research.

■Keynote Address by President of the Indian JSPS Alumni Association (IJAA)

After a networking lunch, Dr. Sakthi Kumar (Professor, Toyo University), President of the Indian JSPS Alumni Association (IJAA), delivered a lecture entitled "How to make your career successful!" Drawing on the story of "The Tortoise and the Hare," he emphasized the importance of facing challenges together rather than competing against rivals, and spoke about the importance of Japan-India collaboration for the future. He also introduced the activities of IJAA and various support systems for successful activities in Japan.

■Poster Session

The climax of the event was the poster session by young researchers. Each researcher presented their current research using posters they had prepared in advance. Both presenters and listeners actively engaged while respecting each other's research, filling the venue with a refreshing enthusiasm.

■Closing Session

Representing the participants, Mr. Kalluvelil Kiran Sebastian, a graduate student from IIT Roorkee, delivered a speech. He is currently conducting research in the field of biotechnology at Kyoto University under the supervision of Dr. Ganesh, who also spoke at the event. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to conduct research in Japan through the LOTUS Programme and his determination to give back by contributing to academia in the future.

The event concluded with remarks from MIKI Chihiro, Senior Advisor to Director-General, Sakura Science Program Headquarters, JST, who encouraged participants to "open up your new path for your future"

The event proceeded in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere throughout. During lunch, young researchers enjoyed authentic Indian curry and took the opportunity to exchange information about research life in Japan, deepening friendships with fellows from all over the country.

●Here are some comments from participants who responded to short interviews:

• "I am conducting research at Ehime University. I came to Japan through the Sakura Science Program in 2023 and fell in love with Japanese culture and the city of Matsuyama, which made me want to study here. I am also working hard to study Japanese. I had the opportunity to participate in an internship at a Japanese company. After the programme, I hope to become a postdoctoral researcher at a Japanese university."
• "I am doing research in the field of mathematical biology at Kyushu University. After the programme, I plan to apply to JSPS to continue my research at Kyushu University."
• "I am researching computer science at Kumamoto University. I have no problems living in Japan. I feel that everything is a chance for new experiences. In the future, I want to work for a Japanese company."
• "I am researching on iron and steel manufacturing at Tohoku University. I like Japanese culture, and I even participated in the Aoba Festival in Sendai. After the programme, I would like to continue my research as a postdoc in Japan if possible, and if there are any job offers, I would like to work for a company involved in iron and steel."
• "I am working on the development of sustainable advanced metallic materials at Kanazawa University. Both the environment at Kanazawa and the Japanese culture are wonderful. In the future, if I get any opportunities, I would like to join Japanese companies like Toyota or Sony. I am especially interested in advanced manufacturing companies like Toyota."
• "I am conducting research at Nagoya University. I had the opportunity to participate in an internship at Mitsubishi. As a Muslim, I have some difficulties with food, so I cook for myself every day. In the future, I would like to work at a Japanese company or research institution, especially on water pollution."
• "I am conducting research at Nagaoka University of Technology. I am impressed by Japanese technology and their organized working style. I am also looking forward to participating in the Nagaoka fireworks festival. After finishing my postdoc in India, I hope to do a postdoc in Japan."
• "I am working on hardware assembly at KEK. Japan has detectors that is not available in India, and using it is a great experience. I think that I want to gain further experience and include it in my resume, in order to be able to apply for other positions in the future."