Expand your horizons though bioplastics research in Japan — apply September 1–December 15

Do you have a passion for sustainability and a sense of adventure? Apply for a new National Science Foundation International Research Experiences for Students program in Japan.

For 10 weeks in Summer 2022, a cohort of selected students will travel to and reside in Kyoto, Japan, where you will perform hands-on research in the Department of Biobased Materials at Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT). Available projects will span the continuum of relevant research challenges facing the production of biobased plastics and materials, including upstream conversion, polymer synthesis and materials development, characterization of the resulting products and their ultimate biodegradation.

All participants will receive a stipend ($6,000 for undergraduate students, $7,500 for graduate students) in addition to travel costs.

Apply from Wednesday, September 1, 2021–Wednesday, December 15, 2021 — application will become available September 1

No prior research experience is required. To be eligible, you must be:

  • A U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • At least 18 years old prior to travel in mid-May 2022 (exact date TBD).
  • A full-time undergraduate or graduate student in good standing.
  • Pursuing a degree in a STEM discipline.

Learn more about the project or contact Associate Professor David Nielsen at [email protected].

This project is supported via a grant from the National Science Foundation.