Science is for everyone. Research done at Tohoku University is not just pipetting strange liquids into test tubes, crunching impossibly large numbers on a glowing computer screen, or dusting off old tomes in a restricted access library archive. The research done at Tohoku University leads to new cures that give hope to patients, predicting natural disasters with greater accuracy, and revealing the rich history of the city of Sendai - a place many of us call home.

We may not always think about it, but science is a huge part of our everyday lives. Even a quick glance at your phone to check the weather forecast for the day means relying on the hard work of scientists.

As the first University for Research Excellence (UREX1), Tohoku University brings together researchers around the world dedicated to impactful scientific discoveries that can help the local community and beyond. Let's look at several highlighted events from this past spring to see ways that Tohoku University researchers are contributing close to home.

The Science Behind Life-Saving Medical Treatments

The Tohoku University Hospital Expo was an event that turned the typical stark, white hospital image into a fun, vibrant exhibition for families to learn about medical science together. The event was full of hands-on experiences for kids to engage with, in the warm and welcoming Sendai Ryokusaikan Visitor Center. Held on May 31, 2026, for the 110th anniversary of the Tohoku University Hospital's establishment, it is hard to think of a more fitting way to celebrate.

"We want children to learn through enjoyable, hands-on experiences rather than through formal study.," remarks Takashi Kamei, Hospital Director of Tohoku University Hospital, "Most people don't get to see what doctors or nurses are doing behind the scenes, so we wanted to pull back the curtain a bit."

From using a (real) needle to draw blood samples from a (fake) dummy to dispensing medicine (in this case: candy) like a pharmacist, kids got a rare chance to see what it's like to be a medical professional.

"We hope this experience can make kids less scared of going to the hospital or getting their blood taken," says Chika Hino, a nurse at the Tohoku University Hospital. "At this booth, kids get to use the exact same devices that nurses train on. We teach the kids how to draw blood like they are nurses too: as quickly, safely, painlessly, and comfortingly as possible."

A grade school girl attending the event said, "I learned a lot of things that I wouldn't normally experience in everyday life. My favourite part was using the needle to draw blood. It was tricky, but I was happy when I was able to do it!"

Over 600 people (350 of them being participants in the hands-on experiences) flocked to different booths to see and touch state-of-the-art medical technology, supervised by researchers, nurses, lab technicians, doctors, and medical students. Booths displayed real devices that doctors use when training or practicing various medical techniques. Complex concepts like endoscopic surgery and ultrasound scans were thoughtfully simplified so children could properly interact with them. For example, what better way to teach kids about something than a video game?

"We created a game-like simulation to teach kids about eye health using everyday examples, like how constantly staring at a cellphone negatively affects your eyesight," says Keiko Kurokawa, COI-NEXT staff. "Once vision loss happens, it's really difficult - if not impossible - to get it back, so we want kids to learn healthy habits when they're still young."

In this game, you create an avatar of a charming little eyeball creature, lovingly nicknamed Omeme-kun. Going in the onsen increases blood flow and helps with eye health, while having your avatar camp out next to an air conditioner inflicts them with painful dry eye syndrome. The bilingual game was featured as part of the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, and has already been played by children all around the world.

"We hope this event inspires children to become interested in medicine and healthcare, and perhaps even consider careers in these fields in the future," says Kamei. "We're thrilled to report that this event was fully booked, so we want to hold it again in the future - after we review feedback to make it even better. As a university hospital, we not only provide advanced medical care but also have a responsibility to help the public better understand medicine and healthcare. This event was one way of fulfilling that mission."

The Science Behind How Buildings are Constructed

Sendai locals passing by the city hall construction site may have noticed an eye-catching pink door that looks like it might transport you to a hidden dimension. Step through, and you'll enter the Kids on Site Project space - which opened on March 27, 2026, and will remain open for a full year. The space allows families with children passing by to enter and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the very town they live in is built. Usually, construction sites are closed off to the public, so this is a rare chance for children to safely learn about the actual process behind construction and architecture up close.

"The buildings that make up our city are undeniably important, and yet, I don't think many people could actually tell you how they're made," says Associate Professor Tomoya Nishiwaki, one of the lead organizers of this project. "So, we made an interactive exhibit where young children can get involved learning about how their city is made as more of an active participant than a bystander."

More than just a passive viewing space, the Kids on Site Project encourages a more hands-on approach. For example, children can participate in a "I, Spy" type of game where they search for objects in the construction site such as cranes. There are many other fun experiences for children to make things with Lego or compete to build the highest block tower. It feels like a secret hideout decked out with everything and anything related to the science of construction, architecture, and behind-the-scenes information about the new city hall. Kids were begging their parents not to take them back outside that cotton candy-pink door. They were totally engrossed.

"I think the best way to get children interested in science is get them involved and just let them try things out first," remarks Nishiwaki. "They should see, touch, and discover things for themselves rather than having an adult tell them all the answers - which will serve as a valuable life skill later down the road."

The Kids on Site Project was organized by the Tohoku University Graduate School of Engineering, led by Associate Professor Tomoya Nishiwaki from Department of Architecture and Building Science, in collaboration with the joint venture led by Obayashi Corporation) and with the cooperation of the Sendai City Government. Curious kids are welcome to visit the space, and parents and guardians may accompany them. Visitors can learn new things and speak with the Tohoku University researchers and students overseeing the Kids on Site Project.

For more information about where and when you can visit Kids on Site Project with your child, please check out either the official website or Instagram (@kodomo_gemba).

The Science of Protecting Our Oceans

The Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI-AIMEC) excels in cutting-edge marine science research and aims to understand changes in the marine environment and its ecosystems. If it involves the ocean, they're diving in. When they're not presenting their work to other scientists at conferences and meetings, WPI-AIMEC researchers share their findings with a completely different audience: curious high schoolers.

In July 2025, WPI-AIMEC started the School Visit Program, whereby any high school in Japan can apply to be matched up with a WPI-AIMEC researcher, who will give a free lecture or workshop on a marine science topic.

"We want to spark positive associations with marine science and research careers in general," says Nadine Dion, the main organizer of this science outreach effort. "To achieve this, we have AIMEC researchers serve as role models for students, so they might start to think 'hey, I could do that too!'"

The School Visit Program gives students a chance to hear a more personal side of how researchers found their calling. This human touch allows for a casual, open dialogue channel about science-based careers.

"We want to convey the idea that anyone can get into marine science if they want to," explains Nadine. "We have researchers that started off in other fields like chemistry or the fine arts. By showcasing how diverse AIMEC is and how many cool, international opportunities it brings, I think it shows students an exciting side of being a scientist that they never considered before."

For example, Postdoctoral Researcher Batdulam Battulga developed a workshop based on a growing issue in our society: microplastics. In this interactive workshop, students were given samples of sand taken from beaches around Japan and tasked with removing and analyzing microplastics. The workshop showed students firsthand the actual (alarming!) amount of plastic debris found in local beaches around Japan. These workshops encourage students to make their own hypothesis about problems relevant to their daily lives, and test it out like a fledgling scientist.

"The School Visit Program is important because young students are the future generation who will face environmental and social challenges such as climate change, pollution, and the destruction of ecosystems," remarks Battulga. "Even basic scientific understanding can help students become more aware of these issues, and encourage critical thinking in everyday life."

The visits also give researchers the opportunity to practice science communication skills, so they are better equipped to effectively connect with the public going forward.

"We have an upcoming workshop about plankton I am really excited about," says Nadine. "AIMEC researcher Professor Akinori Yabuki will bring water samples from Tokyo Bay for students to look at under a microscope, draw the plankton they see, and then try to work out what it is. Who knows, there's a small possibility they might even find a new species!"

Are you a teacher interested in having this event held at your own school? If so, please submit a request on the WPI-AIMEC School Visit website (open to schools within Japan).

---

These events showcase the dedication Tohoku University has to supporting the local community, building trust with the public, and inspiring younger generations. The research done at Tohoku University has the power to change the world - and it all starts here in Sendai. We hope to share more exciting findings in the future.

Afterall, science is for everyone!

Article written by Taylor Brin