Tohoku University recently hosted 20 graduate students from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) for the Global Immersion Programme, marking the second half of a student exchange that began in Mumbai last March.

From December 15 - 19, the visiting IITB students participated in a series of lectures and lab visits highlighting Tohoku University's cutting-edge research in disaster science, transportation and human mobility, robotics and healthcare. Each afternoon included workshops and lively discussions with Tohoku University students.

"This week has been really good," said Tanay Biswas, a mechanical engineering student, who particularly enjoyed the robotics sessions. "My goal was to experience daily life at Tohoku University, learn about ongoing research, explore the facilities and see how things compare to what we have at IITB. I can say everything has exceeded my expectations."

Amuthan Jegadeesan, a metallurgical engineering student, shared similar enthusiasm. "Interacting with people and visiting the labs has been a great experience. It's given me new perspectives on my own work and on what the research community is focusing on in my field."

The students also toured NanoTerasu Synchrotron Light Source, Japan's most powerful next-generation synchrotron radiation facility located at the new extension of Aobayama campus. "I really enjoyed the visit to NanoTerasu because it directly relates to my research," said Ramandeep Kaur, a second-year Ph.D. student. "It's been fascinating to see how advanced Japan is. This week has been truly inspiring."

Throughout the week, IITB students were guided by their counterparts from Tohoku University, Global Campus Supporters and members of TUSTEM.

"The IITB students were so eager and proactive, it was a real pleasure to show them around," said Tomoya Suzuki, a physics student and Global Campus Supporter, who had also participated in the programme hosted by IITB last March. Several IITB students even sought his help to arrange additional lab visits.

"I wasn't sure how to approach professors, so I was really grateful to Tomoya for helping me set up a meeting," said Jegadeesan. "The professor was welcoming, showed me around his lab, and we discussed our research. It was great, and I hope we can collaborate in the future since we're both working in semiconductors."

The week culminated in a field trip to the scenic Matsushima Bay, the historical Zuiganji Temple, and coastal areas affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, including disaster relic Arahama Elementary School.

"I really loved the cultural experience," said Kaur. "This is my first international trip, and my first time in Japan. I had seen pictures on Instagram before coming, so I was excited to experience everything firsthand, including Japanese food."

This Global Immersion Programme is among the first student exchange activities since Tohoku University and IITB established the Joint Institute of Excellence (JIE) in April, a partnership that aims to promote research collaboration and industry-academia co-creation.

"Through initiatives like the double degree programme and research-based exchanges, we aim to cultivate globally-minded leaders who will strengthen industry-academia cooperation and mutual understanding between India and Japan," said Professor Yoshitaka Kasukabe, a key organiser of the Global Immersion Programme.

"I've made so many wonderful memories this week," said Kaur. "I'm excited to share what Japan and Tohoku University are like with friends back home, and I'm looking forward to hosting Tohoku University students in India to give them a taste of our culture."

Suzuki also expressed his hope that more of his fellow students will sign up for future exchanges. "My most vivid memory of Mumbai was the IIT Bombay campus at night - the students' energy and the way they gathered at Chaayos late into the night for discussions and project meetings," he said. "I strongly felt India's dynamism and passion, shaped by diverse regional cultures and spiritual foundations. These experiences are difficult to replicate in Japan's comparatively quiet environment, so it's a great way to broaden your worldview."

For students interested in learning more about opportunities in India, Tohoku University will host a special event on February 6. "MEET India" will feature keynote speeches from successful Japanese companies and discussions on academia-industry collaboration and the future of Indo-Japanese partnerships.