From this fiscal year, JSPS has instituted the "Science Dialogue Program," which provides a framework for JSPS fellows to participate in the educational programs of high schools within the vicinity of their host institutions. Through this program, JSPS seeks to kindle a thirst for learning among the high school students, while giving the participating fellows an opportunity to deepen their ties with Japan through their contact with the students.

HOKKAIDO

Hokkaido Erimo High School

Date: 14 September
Dr. Dong-Su Choi (Korea)
Host institute: Hokkaido University
"Soil Acidification and CO2 Enrichment Affecting Growth of Pine Trees and Symbiotic Microorganisms in Korea"

GUNMA

Takasaki High School

Date: 8-9 October
Dr. Mei Tian (China)
Host institute: Gunma University
"PET Scans in Cancer Diagnosis – Their Clinical Utility"
Dr. Romain Lenglet (France)
Host institute: Tokyo Institute of Technology
"Software Engineering"
Dr. Madalin I. Enache (Romania)
Host institute: RIKEN
"Importance and Diversity of the Halophilic Archaea"
Dr. Maura A. Raburn (USA)
Host institute: The University of Tokyo
"Fun with Lasers"

In a capacity under JSPS Science Dialogue Program, four Fellows took part in an International Science Camp. This intensive English science program was held on 8-9 October at Takasaki High School, and attended by 45 students. Each of the participating Fellows gave a presentation on his or her research, followed by a group discussion in English on the subject field revolving around the Fellow.

On the second day, the students gave presentations in English on the lectures and discussions of the preceding day. They were critiqued by the Fellows. The students displayed great interest in the research topics of the Fellows. As budding researchers themselves, the students were made more keenly aware through this experience of the need to acquire better English and presentation skills.

TOKYO

Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School

Date: 28 September
Dr. Bolormaa Oyuntsetseg (Mongolia)
Host institute: Tokyo Institute of Technology
"The Influence of Heavy Metals to the Environment"
Dr. Sean E. Richey (USA)
Host institute: The University of Tokyo
"Voter Turnout in Japan and the United States"

YAMANASHI

Yamanashi Prefectural Tsuru High School

Date: 25 October
Dr. David Lemin (Belgium)
Host institute: Chiba University
"Introduction to Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry"

SHIZUOKA

Iwata Minami High School

Date: 28 September
Dr. Pavel Baroch (Czech)
Host institute: University of Nagoya
"Plasma Science in Our Lives"
Dr. Raphael Plasson (France)
Host institute: Keio University
"Origins of Life on Earth"

AICHI

Ichinomiya High School

Date: 29 October
Dr. Svetlana A. Fedorova (Russia)
Host institute: University of Nagoya
"Normal Kidney Development in Medaka Fish"

KAGOSHIMA

Ikeda High School

Date: 29 August
Dr. Raffi R. Kamalian (USA)
Host institute: Kyushu University
"Intro to MEMS and MEMS Sensors"
Date: 22 October
Dr. Guang Yang (China)
Host institute: Kyushu University
"Design of Innovative Materials by Learning from Nature"

OKINAWA

Kaiho Senior High School

Date: 14 September
Dr. Julien Le Breton (France)
Host institute: University of the Ryukyus
"Studies of Invasive Ant Species in the Pacific Islands"