I feel like being in Japan is opening many new doors

Anouk Rossen (Netherlands) Doctoral course

I first came to The University of Tokyo in 2017 when I spent 6 months working in the Fujita lab as an internship student for my master’s degree. It was a truly unforgettable and unique experience that left a deep impression on me: even so much so that I ended up coming back here as a PhD student in the same lab, where I am now working on research on protein encapsulation in self-assembled cages. Living and doing research in Japan is very different from what I am used to in the Netherlands in many aspects, so at times it can be hard, but I feel like I am learning something new every day! Be it about the research itself, how to communicate in an academic setting here in Japan, or just general things about Japanese culture: I feel like being in Japan is opening many new doors for me as there are so many opportunities here that cannot be found anywhere else. I like how research labs here are ambitious, and all members work together as a team. Everyone is willing to support and help each other out to take research to the next level! I am really looking forward to experiencing the many aspects of life as a research student in Japan in the years to come, and who knows I might be staying here for a little bit longer after my PhD graduation!