News

2025.8.20

WPI-AIMEC Launches “WPI-AIMEC School Visit Program”

In July 2025, WPI-AIMEC researchers visited three senior high schools in Sendai to kick off the institute’s new “WPI-AIMEC School Visit Program”. The visits included talks and a workshop designed to introduce students to the world of research and spark curiosity in marine environments and ecosystems.

WPI-AIMEC School Visit Program began at Miyagi Prefecture Sendai Daisan High School, where students explored the unseen world of ocean microbes with WPI-AIMEC Researcher Dr. Yosuke Yamada (JAMSTEC). He explained how these tiny organisms drive vital material cycles beneath the ocean surface. At Miyagi Prefecture Sendai Daiichi High School, WPI-AIMEC Researcher, Assoc. Prof. Takashi Sakamaki (Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University) introduced research on coastal ecosystems, including how material flow studies can support carbon capture, energy production, and sustainable aquaculture. He encouraged students to consider the impact of human coastal activities on marine environments and how science can guide more sustainable futures. Also, WPI-AIMEC Researcher, Assoc. Prof. Tomoko Hamabata (Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University) led a workshop at Miyagi Prefecture Miyagi First Senior High School, sharing sea turtle research and highlighting how genetic tools are uncovering new insights into these endangered animals. This led to a lively bilingual discussion on key factors to consider for conservation efforts. At each visit WPI-AIMEC researchers were delighted to receive many thoughtful questions and ideas from students.

WPI-AIMEC visits offer students the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge marine science, bridging classroom learning with real-world research. Students gain a deeper understanding of how science can be used to solve problems and care for the planet. WPI-AIMEC is now open to visit requests from junior and senior high schools across Japan. The aim is to promote curiosity about the ocean and inspire the next generation of researchers.