Discover the research life at NIMS, from admission to graduation, together with the student interviews.

I applied to the NIMS graduate program PhD course after I got a Master’s degree at a university and worked at a company for three years. I heard about this program when I consulted with my current supervisor about a PhD course. At that time, I also heard that NIMS is a highly influential institution in the field of materials science with the No. 1 highly cited papers in Japan, and I wanted to do research among people with outstanding research capabilities. In addition, I was attracted to his research and decided to apply for this program.

Now, I have frequent opportunities to have discussions with my professor and researchers with a wealth of research experience because we are a small number of students, I feel that my knowledge has expanded and my understanding has deepened through discussions. Furthermore, I could learn how researchers conduct their research that produce novel materials. Considering the excellent facilities, many international students, and high research motivation of students, I recommend NIMS graduate program as one of your options!

I joined the NIMS Graduate Research Assistantship program because I found a supervisor with similar research interests. Additionally, NIMS is a well-known research institute and offers a degree through affiliation with the University of Tsukuba. Through participation in this program, I gained invaluable insights and skills crucial to my growth as a researcher. Initially, I was unfamiliar with experiments and simulations. However, with the guidance of my supervisor and fruitful discussions, I honed my skills in both areas. At NIMS, there's no need to worry about expressing your ideas; just express yourself and discuss whether your idea is worth pursuing. Moreover, the program provides access to top-notch facilities and resources. Therefore, I recommend this program for those who wish to challenge themselves and elevate their research capabilities. Additionally, students receive a monthly stipend, providing a reasonable amount to live comfortably in Japan. This stipend ensures that students can fully focus on their research, allowing for a conducive and enriching research experience.

Two years ago, I started my PhD at the NIMS- Hokkaido University Joint Graduate School Program on materials fabrication for plasmonic applications. The possibility of doing both fundamental studies on material science and develop new applications for those materials is one of the strongest advantages of performing research in an institute like NIMS. Here, I am able to conduct a wide variety of experiments thanks to the advanced technology systems in the research group as well as because of the shared equipment and discussions with highly experienced researchers in the centre to conduct my research project. Besides, life is very comfortable in the city of Tsukuba. There is a big community of foreign people working in the institute that makes the stay much more enjoyable and I am happy to share my time inside and outside the lab with friends from many different countries, having a great experience and learning about distinct cultures.

I'm pleased to share my experiences and insights from studying and working at NIMS, where I've had the chance to dive into the fascinating field of materials science, particularly the development of polymer-based membranes. NIMS cultivates an energetic and collaborative atmosphere that promotes innovation and excellence in materials science. From day one, I've been immersed in a community of passionate researchers and scholars dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in this field. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside experts from diverse backgrounds, enriching my perspective and broadening my skills.

Moreover, the supportive environment here is unparalleled. Mentors and advisors provide invaluable guidance and mentorship despite their very busy schedules, nurturing our academic and professional growth every step of the way. Additionally, access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources empowers us to conduct cutting-edge research and confidently reach complex challenges.

Finally, for prospective students seeking to get on board on a similar journey, I encourage you to seize this opportunity to immerse yourself in a dynamic and supportive environment where your curiosity and creativity can thrive here at NIMS. I look forward to welcoming you to our research family and witnessing the remarkable contributions you'll make to the world of materials science.