OIST 2024 Welcome Ceremony

On September 2, 2024, the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) held its Welcome Ceremony on campus, warmly greeting 51 new students from 23 countries and regions. Among them were 12 students from Japan, joining a diverse cohort for the class of 2024. Over the next five years, these students will immerse themselves in cutting-edge research within an international and dynamic academic environment.

The ceremony began with a warm Okinawan welcome, featuring a traditional Ryukyu dance called "Yotsudake," performed by OIST staff and local residents. This was followed by a rendition of the well-known Okinawan folk song "Tanchame," which portrays life in Onna Village, the home of OIST.

The traditional Okinawan dance 'Yotsudake' was performed by OIST staff.

In her opening address, OIST President and CEO Karin Markides welcomed the new students with encouraging words: "You are now part of this new journey — a shared vision where diversity, based on trust, inclusion, and interdisciplinarity, will support exploratory research. This is what brought each one of us to OIST in the first place. We are excited to now welcome you and look forward to the contributions you will make to our collective mission."

OIST President and CEO Karin Markides gave a welcome address.

The ceremony included the introduction of three new faculty members joining the OIST community.

Anjali Gupta, representing the OIST Student Council, offered words of encouragement to the new students: "OIST is a very young institution that is continuously evolving a process in which your participation is crucial. Each of you brings a diverse academic background and wealth of ideas from your previous experiences. We eagerly welcome these fresh perspectives as they drive our institution forward."

Anjali Gupta, the OIST Student Council representative, offered words of encouragement to the new students.

Sarah Ikeda , one of the new students born in Okinawa and raised in the United States, shared her excitement about her new journey at OIST: "I am eager to study cellular biology here at OIST. The research at OIST is incredibly exciting. Even more so, I am fascinated by OIST's collaborative approach to research. Although I grew up in the US, Okinawan culture has significantly influenced my upbringing. Being back in Okinawa, where it all started for my family, feels like a warm welcome home."

Students from around the world were warmly welcomed as each name was called.