Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) June-August 2025
I recently completed a 2.5-month Overseas Institutional Visit (OIV) in Japan. My OIV was a summer fellowship hosted by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). The fellowship was funded by JSPS and NINE DTP. I was hosted by Professor Atsushi Senju and colleagues at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine.
My research in the UK explores neurodivergent pupils’ experiences of school distress and attendance difficulties. My first aim from my OIV was to explore these issues in Japan, considering the similarities and differences to the challenges faced by young people in the UK who are struggling to attend school. Together with academics in Hamamatsu, we are now working towards developing analyses, with a view to publishing the findings. This has therefore contributed to a long-term collaboration between the UK and Japan in this area.
Furthermore, a crucial part of my OIV was to connect with other researchers in similar fields. I had the opportunity to present two studies from my PhD research in the UK at three different universities in Hamamatsu, Tokyo, and Nagoya. This fostered critical discussions about the approach to our field in Japan and the UK, and I returned to the UK encouraged to consider these different perspectives in my PhD research.
Completing this overseas research fellowship was an incredibly valuable experience, both academically and personally. Throughout my fellowship, I was also able to engage in cultural activities and travel around Japan. A particular highlight was staying with a Japanese family for the homestay programme, where I was able to learn about Japanese culture and visit some amazing places.
I would definitely encourage future students to do an OIV. My advice would be to plan your programme of work and travel arrangements well in advance, and make sure you make the most of your time there because it goes by so quickly!
Name: Chloe Fielding
Pathway: Psychology
Home Institution: Durham University