公開日 2025年02月26日
The Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience at Shimane University School of Medicine hosted an experiential exchange from February 3 to February 9, with a total of eight students and doctors from Bangladesh Agricultural University (Bangladesh) and Thong Nhat Hospital (Vietnam). This program was supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) "Sakura Science Program" and was led by Professor Masashi Fujitani. The theme of the program was "Experience Exchange Program for Young Students, Researchers, and Doctors from Vietnam and Bangladesh to Learn about the Latest Neuroscience Research".
Emerging countries in Southeast and South Asia, such as Vietnam and Bangladesh, are experiencing rapid economic growth. However, the number of researchers specializing in neuroscience within basic research remains extremely low. To address this, Shimane University provided an opportunity for participants to experience cutting-edge neuroscience research, aiming to contribute to the future development of neuroscience studies in Vietnam and Bangladesh.The coordinators from the respective institutions, Dr. Ngo Xuan Huy (dentist) and Associate Professor Raihana Nasrin Ferdousy from Bangladesh Agricultural University, facilitated the participation of these attendees.
On the first day of the program, Professor Masashi Fujitani delivered a lecture on neuroanatomy. In the afternoon, Assistant Professor Tarif Abu Md Mamun provided training on animal experiments, followed by a tour of the animal facility.
Scenes from the first day of the program (February 4, 2025):
• Seminar (top and bottom left)
• Animal experiment facility tour (bottom right)
On the second day of the program, Professor Masashi Fujitani gave a lecture on microscopy and histology. We also introduced the concept of active learning, where participants were expected to present their findings on the final day. The participants then observed demonstrations on sectioning using a cryostat and immunostaining techniques, followed by hands-on practice in capturing brain tissue images using a microscope. That evening, despite the snowy weather, a welcome party was held, which also served as a birthday celebration.
Scenes from the second day of the program (February 5, 2025):
• Observing cryostat sectioning (top left)
• Observing immunostaining techniques (top right)
• Participants capturing images using a confocal laser microscope (bottom left)
• Welcome and birthday party at Dr. Tarif’s home (bottom right)
On the third day, participants spent the morning capturing images using microscopes and preparing their presentation materials. In the afternoon, four Chinese graduate students from Shimane University joined the group for an exchange session. They engaged in an icebreaker activity where they introduced their assigned partners, fostering mutual understanding. Graduate students from the Department of Anatomy (Neuroscience) then presented their research and held a Q&A session about studying in Japan and research opportunities at our university.
Scenes from the third day of the program (February 6, 2025):
• Participants gathering information about their partners for the icebreaker introduction (left)
• Graduate students presenting their research and engaging in a Q&A session (right)
Scenes from the fourth day of the program (February 7, 2025):
• Presentations by the Vietnam group (top left), Neuron BD group (top right), Izumo group (middle left), and Nucleus group (middle right)
• Award presentation for the best team and closing ceremony (bottom left)
• Group photo after the closing ceremony (bottom right)
Due to a cold wave and heavy snowfall, the program schedule was modified on February 8. However, all planned activities within the university were successfully completed.
