Message from the Founders

Many international students come to Japan with a strong aspiration: to contribute to cutting-edge innovation and build their future here. Through our work in graduate career support, we have met numerous PhD students who lead complex research, collaborate across disciplines, and communicate their work on global stages.

Yet, despite their capabilities, many face barriers — language, workplace practices, and limited precedents — when transitioning into industry in Japan. As a result, their potential remains underutilized.

At the same time, Japan faces structural challenges, including a declining population and intensifying global competition. We believe that global PhD talent, with diverse cultural and intellectual backgrounds, is key to shaping Japan’s future.

Together, NAIST and OIST have launched the TRI-PhD Salon to build a platform that connects academia, industry, and government. Our goal is to rethink how international PhD talent is recruited, developed, and retained in Japan.
We invite partners who share this vision to join us in unlocking the full potential of global PhD talent — beyond nationality and language.