University’s Chemistry program expands ties with Japanese institutions

In today’s increasingly globalized society, it has never been more important for universities to strengthen their competitiveness through cross-cultural international partnerships.

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s (UOIT) global associations drive new research opportunities and provide students with avenues to study, work and travel around the world.

The Faculty of Science recently welcomed 11 Chemistry faculty members and students from the Kyushu Institute of Technology (KIT) in Kitakyushu Japan as it hosted the UOIT-KIT Symposium in Chemistry for the second time. The University of Ontario Institute of Technology delegation included 15 Chemistry faculty members and students.

Over three days, participants presented new findings and discussed topics related to chemical biology, organic chemistry, materials chemistry, and inorganic chemistry. 

Symposium prizes for outstanding oral presentations were awarded to:

• Matthew Hammill, PhD candidate (Applied Bioscience), University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• Nadia Laschuk, PhD candidate (Materials Science), University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• Kohei Minobe, MSc candidate, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kitakyushu, Japan
• Kota Tsubaki, PhD candidate, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kitakyushu, Japan

Quotes

“This was a great opportunity for both schools to share their research with one another.”
-Matthew Hammill, PhD candidate (Applied Bioscience), University of Ontario Institute of Technology

“I would like to thank the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s Chemistry students and faculty for the wonderful interactions and discussions.”
-Kota Tsubaki, PhD candidate, Kyushu Institute of Technology

“Each university did an outstanding job presenting their results and interacting with each other at the symposium. As our Chemistry program increases its international exposure, we look forward to developing student exchanges and collaborations between our institutions, hopefully as early as next year.” 
-Professor Jean-Paul Desaulniers, Symposium Chair, Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

“We appreciate the kind hospitality from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and the stimulating presentations and scientific discussions. We hope to host a similar symposium for both institutions in Japan in the near future.”
-Professor Mitsuru Kitamura, Kyushu Institute of Technology