My experience of the JSPS and research in Japan

I was very pleased to be asked to discuss my experience of the JSPS overseas fellowship program at the JSPS Programme Introductionin Cambridge on the 9th of May 2006.

I told the audience about my 22 months in Japan as a post-doc in the group of Prof. Shu Kobayashi at Tokyo University, Graduate School of Pharmacy.

I briefly mentioned the science I was lucky enough to be involved with and highlighted the relevance of the work to modern drug discovery. Then I discussed how the marriage of modern high-tech culture and tradition, that Japan is famous for, manifests itself in everyday and research life. I was pleased to tell the audience that a successful post-doc in Japan is highly valued by employers here in the UK and pointed out that I believe I would not have the job I do today without the backing and support of the group in Japan.

JSPS research fellows do not need to worry about the perceived high cost of living in Japan, I stressed the generous bursary awarded to fellows is tax free and with a little help from your colleagues there are adequate funds to enjoy you free time too.

I wound up presentation by telling the audience that if I was in their position I would, without a doubt, apply. I left Japan only because the next step in my career beckoned (earlier than I expected). As the audience would have been aware I am very enthusiastic about the scheme and Japanese research in general, in fact friends of mine have since become involved in the same scheme.

My final point was a some what lighter one. I thanked the JSPS for the marvellous opportunity they gave me not only in research but in my person life too. I revealed to the audience that I met my wife in Japan and we recently welcomed the birth of our first child.

At the JSPS Programme IntroductionEvent at the University of Cambridge on the 9th May 2006

• Presentation (Fossey) (128kb)