On July 24, 2026, Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT) welcomed H.E. Jurij Rifelj, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Japan, to the final presentation session of the KIT Summer School 2026 for Bio-Innovation through Engineering: Materials, Processes and Industry.

The Summer School was held from July 9 to 24 as part of the Japan–EU educational collaboration program, “JoinTECH Laboratories for Smart Materials Leader Development,” which was selected for MEXT’s Inter-University Exchange Project. Participants were recruited primarily from KIT’s partner universities in Slovenia and Italy. A total of 24 students took part in the 16-day program, including KIT students.
Throughout the program, participants explored how fundamental disciplines such as materials science, chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering are applied in today’s bio-industry. The curriculum included lectures by distinguished guest speakers, company visits, laboratory tours, and Japanese cultural activities, providing students with both academic and cross-cultural learning opportunities.

On the final day, the participants gave group presentations in five teams, each summarizing a topic selected from the lectures and reflecting on their experiences in Japan. Ambassador Rifelj attended the presentations and offered encouraging comments on the students’ work. Addressing the participants, he emphasized the importance of meeting people in person and collaborating across cultures, even in an age when information is readily available online. He also expressed his hope that the friendships and connections established through the Summer School would serve as bridges between Japan and Europe in the years to come.

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  Courtesy Visit to the KIT President
  (from the left: Ambassador Rifelj,
  President Yoshimoto; Vice President Okubayashi)

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  Courtesy Visit to the KIT President

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  Summer School Final Presentation

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  Ambassador Rifelj Interacting with Students
  at the Farewell Party

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  Campus Tour (D-lab)

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  Campus Tour (Anechoic Chamber)

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