The 2025 Kyoto University Amgen Scholars Program took place from 6 June to 7 August with 15 scholars from across Asia participating.
Supported by the Amgen Foundation, the program is dedicated to fostering next-generation innovators in biotechnology and promoting science education by enabling science undergraduates from Asia, including KyotoU students, to receive research training and guidance at university laboratories.
The 2025 program offered training in 15 laboratories across eight affiliations: the Graduate Schools of Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, Biostudies, and Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability (GSGAIS), as well as the Institute of Chemical Research (ICR), the Institute for Life and Medical Sciences (LiMe), and the Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS).
In addition to their research, the scholars took part in a wide range of other activities, including a Kyoto City tour and cultural experiences, visits to research facilities on the Yoshida and Uji Campuses, and a graduate school admissions seminar. These opportunities enabled them to experience the rich research resources and other strengths of the University while also deepening their connections with the graduate students in their host laboratories.
The program culminated on 1 August in the Kyoto Symposium, where the scholars presented their research findings through oral and poster presentations.
Another highlight was the 2025 Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium, held 5 and 6 August at Kyoto University with the participation of 58 Amgen Scholars from host institutions. All participants presented their research in poster sessions, while two scholars from each university gave oral presentations. The symposium's final day featured a banquet, where the best poster awards were announced with a KyotoU scholar earning the first prize.
Throughout the program, the scholars conducted research enabled by advanced facilities and cutting-edge technology. Many discovered new topics and directions to explore, making this experience an important milestone in their journey as future scientists.
