Kyoto University invites top performing edX students to Japan
July 14, 2014
Kyoto University rewarded the top six performing students enrolled in its online 
edX course, titled "The Chemistry of Life," with all-expense-paid visits to Japan.
The edX course is the first massive open online course (MOOC) offered by Kyoto University, and provides students with a toolbox for generating ideas to solve scientific problems from an integrated chemistry and biology approach.
Out of over 17,000 students enrolled in the class, 6 were chosen based on the quality of peer reviewed homework assignments, and a brief 2-minute YouTube video in which they succinctly explained the logic behind their research project proposals.
Kyoto University Professor Motonari Uesugi, who teaches the course, said, "It was difficult narrowing down the candidates for this reward because we received many excellent ideas from edX students, but the enthusiasm and originality of the 6 we ultimately selected really stood out."
During their 6-day visit, the students were given a tour of Kyoto University, including the Institute of Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), where Uesugi is a Professor and Deputy Director. They also had an opportunity to meet with Kyoto University President Hiroshi Matsumoto after a half an hour press conference with Japanese media, which was featured in several national and local newspapers.
The students traveled from around the globe to visit Kyoto University and had different motivations for taking the course.
Ms. Hue Vu, 22, a fourth-year undergraduate student from Vietnam National University majoring in chemistry commented, "I took this course because I am thinking of where to go for my graduate degree and Kyoto University is one of the places I am interested in."
Mr. Rihards Aleksis, 22, is enrolled in the University of Latvia to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He said, "I didn't even know about the course until my professor asked all of us who wanted to go to Japan. I was highly motivated for the chance to visit Kyoto University."
Mr. Uros Todorovic, 18, graduated from Cacak High School in Serbia and will study Chemistry at the University of Belgrade starting this October. His reason for taking the course was purely to learn more.
Mr. Graham Wimbrow, 26, graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art in the United States and is currently employed by the Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association as an Arts Program Coordinator. He took the class because his wife is a teacher and they wanted to learn more about science together.
Ms. Karla Pineda Arista (22, Peru) graduated from the Catholic University of Santa Maria in Peru with a Bachelor degree in Biotechnology Engineering. "Japan is known for its high level of science and I wanted to learn from a reputable institution," she said.
Mr. Ace Spencer Apolonio (17, Philippines) briefly studied Psychology at the Far Eastern University in the Philippines for one semester before financial constraints prevented him from continuing his education. "This online course gave me the perfect opportunity to learn while I save money to attend school again," said Apolonio.
While the "Chemistry of Life" is ongoing and there is still homework to be done, the travel awardees got a first hand look at Kyoto University's core concept, which is to provide a "free-thinking academic environment with a global perspective."
The trip to Japan made a strong impression on edX students, as best stated by Graham Wimbrow, "Kyoto University iCeMS has changed my life!"
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About edX
edX is a non-profit online educational consortium, founded by Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2012, and offers over 200 courses taught by more than 400 faculty and teaching staff.
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About Kyoto University
Founded in 1897, Kyoto University is one of Japan's first established national universities, dedicated to providing an intellectually stimulating environment and pursuing a balanced coexistence between mankind and nature.
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About Kyoto University's iCeMS
The Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS) at Kyoto University in Japan aims to advance the integration of cell and material sciences -- both traditionally strong fields for the university -- in a uniquely innovative global research environment. The iCeMS combines the biosciences, chemistry, materials science, and physics to create materials for mesoscopic cell control and cell-inspired materials. Such developments hold the promise of significant advances in medicine, pharmaceutical studies, the environment, and industry.