HIRAKU-Global
Retreat FY2023
 

【Date held】 September 28 - 29, 2023

【Venue】　　Hiroshima University
　　　Phoenix International Center MIRAI CREA
　　　 　　(Higashi-Hiroshima campus)

On Day 1 of the event, Dr. TANAKA Junko (Executive Vice President, Hiroshima University) presented her lecture titled "Run Through!". Within her lecture, she talked about her career to date, provided vital advice such as "to make sure you have someone you can rely on when you face difficulties", and also gave several messages of encouragement to the young researchers in attendance. At the conclusion of the lecture, several questions were asked by the on-site and online participants, which led to a lively discussion being taken place.

Following on from the lecture, all the participants were divided into six randomly organized groups and were asked to have discussions in relation to two specific questions, "What do the fellows at each site feel are the advantages and disadvantages of the career development programs?" and "What kind of career development programs are most needed at this time?". The subsequent discussions were lively and were enthusiastically continued even during breaks. For the final discussions, participants were divided into groups according to their affiliated program (HGRs were grouped according to their Cohort), and the discussions were summarized accordingly.

Thereafter, the event moved to the Higashi-Hiroshima Observatory, where Dr. INAMI Hanae (Assistant Professor, Hiroshima University) gave an in-depth explanation of the Higashi-Hiroshima Observatory and the Universe. Within the 4D Universe Theatre, participants were able to enjoy three-dimensional space images by wearing special glasses. Furthermore, thanks to the good weather conditions, Saturn and the Moon were able to be observed through the Observatory's huge astronomical telescope.

Day 2 of the event began with Dr. HASUIKE Rina's (Assistant Professor, Yamaguchi University) lecture on "Safety of bridges". After the lecture, all the participants walked to a nearby bridge within campus grounds, and used measuring equipment to measure the strength of the concrete, reinforcing bars, and other such materials used within the bridge.
Thereafter, Dr. SATO Yu (Assistant Professor, Yamaguchi University) gave a lecture on "Microorganisms and sake". After the lecture, the event moved to Saijo's Sake Brewery Street, where the chief brewer of Kamoizumi Sake Brewery explained the fermentation method of alcohol, the types of rice used to make sake, and other such topics. The huge tanks that are used for brewing the sake were also able to be seen first-hand.

Finally, the HIRAKU-Global Program Manager, Prof. TENDEIRO expressed his gratitude to the HGRs who were involved in the planning and running of the Retreat, and stated that both the preparation and the content of the event were excellent, and that he believed that it was a meaningful event for all the participants. He concluded his remarks by expressing his hope that next year's Retreat will also be similarly beneficial to all those involved.