On July 25–26, 2024 (Thu-Fri), four 8th-grade (2nd-year junior high) students from Tsukuba City Gakuennomori Compulsory Education School visited JIRCAS as part of their “workplace learning experience.” This marks the third visit by students from this school.

On July 25th, after giving an overview of JIRCAS, Dr. ARAI Takamitsu (Senior Researcher, Biological Resources and Post-harvest Division) explained how microorganisms can be harnessed to produce various substances, such as fuel and plastics, from biomass like discarded oil palm wood. To enhance the students' understanding, he showed actual cross-sections of oil palm trunks and explained the efficient sap extraction system from wood residues using model exhibits.

On July 26th, the students visited the library and the researchers’ workspaces and interviewed them about their jobs. Thereafter, Dr. YAGETA Yoshie (Researcher, Social Sciences Division) introduced her research in Ghana and conducted a workshop on creating research plans. She emphasized that developing a research plan to test hypotheses and determine their validity is crucial in doing research.

Some of the visiting students expressed interest in global affairs and shared their aspirations to become researchers in the future. We hope that this workplace learning experience will serve as a stepping stone towards realizing their dreams.