Niigata Summer Exchange Medical Training Program 2025

North South University (NSU) proudly participated in the Summer Exchange Medical Training Program 2025 at Niigata University, Japan, a prestigious initiative that brings together students and faculty from leading institutions across the world. This year, NSU was the only university from Bangladesh selected to take part, highlighting our growing international presence in academic and research collaborations.

Student Participation and Training

After a rigorous three-round selection process, Karima Rahman Promi and Talha Zubair were chosen to represent NSU. Over two weeks, they underwent intensive laboratory training in two world-class research environments:

• Lipid Biochemistry & Cell Biology Lab – where Talha focused on oxysterol-binding proteins (ORPs), lipid transport, and advanced imaging methods. His training explored how lipids regulate cellular homeostasis and the role of ORPs in membrane trafficking.
• Virology Department – where Karima engaged in viral diagnostics, neutralization assays, and pathogen detection. She also worked on projects related to virus–host interactions and learned advanced laboratory techniques for studying neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Both students had access to cutting-edge facilities, including high-resolution confocal microscopes, automated cell culture systems, and mass spectrometry platforms, providing hands-on experience with equipment rarely available in Bangladesh.

Academic and Cultural Enrichment

Beyond laboratory work, the program included:

• Special Lectures & Regional Study – Participants compared medical education systems across countries and studied rural healthcare delivery in Niigata Prefecture, where telemedicine and mobile health units support aging populations.
• Cultural Exchange – Students immersed themselves in Japanese traditions, from tea ceremonies and calligraphy to origami, while also sharing elements of Bangladeshi culture.
• Exploration of Niigata – Visits to historic sites, gardens, aquariums, and local cuisine experiences enriched the program, balancing rigorous science with cultural immersion.

Reflections and Institutional Impact

The exchange highlighted the discipline, organization, and resource management that define Japanese research culture. Lessons such as strategic planning in experiments, meticulous documentation, and structured mentorship offer valuable models that NSU can adapt to strengthen its own research environment.

For the students, the program was transformative — enhancing technical expertise, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, and building confidence in presenting research findings to an international audience. For NSU, it reinforced our commitment to global partnerships and positioned us as a hub for future academic exchanges and joint research initiatives.

The Niigata Summer Exchange Medical Training Program 2025 was more than an academic opportunity — it was a bridge between cultures, a platform for collaboration, and a milestone for NSU’s international engagement. We extend our gratitude to Niigata University, G-medEx, and the Office of External Affairs at NSU for making this enriching experience possible.