The HIRAKU-Global Program held the Starter Course for the 5th Cohort of HIRAKU-Global Researchers (HGRs) as an online event (via Zoom). This marked the first occasion in which the six HGRs from the 5th Cohort were able to (virtually) meet and interact with each other, and gain more specific knowledge regarding the Program itself.

The day began with the HIRAKU-Global Program Overview, where Prof. AIDA Misako, Professor (Special Designation) at Hiroshima University and Chair of the HIRAKU-Global Program Management Committee, presented upon “The Aspirations of the HIRAKU-Global Program”, where she explained the key goals and expectations of the Program and the HGRs, outlined one of the fundamental items of the development program, the IDP (Individual Development Plan), and introduced the respective representatives from each of the four Member Organizations, who detailed the various support systems that are available for each HGR at their respective institution.

After a short break, the “Presentations from the 5th Cohort of HGRs” were undertaken, where each HGR shared a concise presentation providing details of who they are, their research, vision, and overall ambitions for the Program. After the presentations, a lively Question & Answer session was held, which helped to establish the baseline for future interactions between the HGRs. Following the 5th Cohort's presentations, the “Introduction of the HIRAKU-Global Mentors” was conducted. This session provided an opportunity for the five Mentors to introduce themselves and their vast experiences, and allowed them to provide advice to the HGRs on what is required to become world-class researchers based on their very own experiences.

After another short break, the HIRAKU-Global Office provided a brief summary of various items to the HGRs (such as the Program's PR initiatives, IT System (HIRAKU-PF), etc.). Straight after, a “Meet and Greet” which allowed the HGRs to meet and interact with each Mentor and the HIRAKU-Global Office in a one-on-one setting was undertaken. This session provided an opportunity for the HGRs to have intimate and upfront conversations with the Mentors and the HIRAKU-Global Office, which will bode well for their future interactions.

Finally, the Starter Course for the 5th Cohort was summarized and formally concluded by Dr. NISHIMURA Yoshifumi, Professor Emeritus / Project Professor, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University and HIRAKU-Global Mentor, with his thought-provoking Closing Remarks, which in turn, concluded an eventful day full of insight, information, interaction and smiles all-round.