BRI provides hands-on laboratory experiences for pupils as part of Niigata Junior Doctor Training School program

Niigata University is offering pupils from the 5th grade of elementary school to junior high school "the Junior Doctor Training School", a STEM education program selected by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). NU Faculty of Science takes the lead in coordinating the program which aims at nurturing the budding scientists who have strong interests. The program is designed to help develop global approach to issues such as biological diversity, and to appreciate a nature-human relationship to live in good harmony with nature. Niigata University, as a pillar of the program, works with its allied universities (Fukushima University, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, and Niigata Institute of Technology), a museum, a botanical garden and a private company in Niigata to provide a region-specific education program.

Mentor: Professor Tainaka
(Dept of System Pathology
for Neurological Disorders)

Two 6th-graders from the doctoral program currently visit BRI and take part in trainings and experiments. Through their lab visits, they each work on scientific research projects under the guidance of Prof Kazuki Tainaka (Dept of System Pathology for Neurological Disorders). Tainaka lab's research focuses on developing a highly efficient clearing protocol for human brain tissue and combining with a rapid 3D imaging technology. The pupils seemed hesitant at first, but soon showed their enthusiasms toward the opportunities to work with professional scientists and to access to the laboratory facilities and the equipment that would advance their projects. Prof Tainaka enjoys interacting with the pupils who are full of ideas and creativity.

In this doctoral program, participants will carry out their research projects until October. Presentation opportunities are scheduled at JST science conference and at Niigata University later this year.

To visit Niigata Junior Doctor Training School website, click here.

BRI Department:System Pathology for Neurological Disorders, Tainaka Lab