On Thursday, March 19, 2026, twenty first-year students from Yamagata Prefectural Touougakkan Junior & Senior High School visited JIRCAS to take part in the 27th session of the "Future Science Talent Academy." The school is designated as a Super Science High School (SSH) by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and conducts experiential learning through the “Tsukuba Science Tour,” where students experience cutting-edge scientific research. Their visit to JIRCAS was part of this program, giving them an opportunity to learn about global agricultural research and the work of international scientists.
In the first part of the session, students were introduced to JIRCAS’s research activities and international collaborations addressing global challenges in areas such as food security and environmental sustainability. Afterwards, each student group presented their school or community initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By connecting their own projects to global issues, students deepened their interest in future careers across research organizations, universities, and private-sector institutions.
In the second half, Dr. EGI Toru (Researcher, Crop, Livestock and Environment Division) gave a presentation on his research involving llamas in Bolivia, South America. He shared his experiences conducting on-site fieldwork and international collaborations, describing both the challenges and the rewards of being a researcher. Students then had hands-on experiences examining ponchos and woven fabrics made from llama wool, exploring the importance of observation and inquiry through seeing, touching, comparing, and verifying. During the Q&A session, they asked thoughtful questions such as “What are the difficulties of conducting research overseas?” and “What inspired you to become a researcher?”, showing great enthusiasm and curiosity.
Through this visit, the students gained a deeper appreciation for identifying problems with curiosity and thinking scientifically. JIRCAS will continue to provide learning opportunities for junior and senior high school students—who will be the future leaders of science and technology—to experience research firsthand and engage with cutting-edge research and scientific thinking, thereby fostering an interest in science and a global perspective.
JIRCAS provides opportunities for junior and senior high school students to engage with cutting-edge research and develop scientific thinking skills. For an overview of the “Future Science Talent Academy” and related inquiries, please refer to the introduction page of the Academy.
