Dr. Brenner Establishes a Scholarship Fund for OIST Graduate Training

Dr. Sydney Brenner, the Former President of OIST, has made a donation of 5,000,000 yen to establish a scholarship fund for OIST graduate student training.

He made this donation “In recognition of the pioneering vision, remarkable energy, and determined effort of Mr. Koji Omi in bringing into reality a new university that will transform graduate education in Japan and throughout the world.”

Dr. Brenner believes that growth of the marine science effort is particularly important for OIST, and to encourage this requests that some of the funds be used to support travel and research expenses for OIST students to work at the Marine Biological Laboratories in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. He would like the remainder of the donation to be used to provide tuition scholarship funds for OIST graduate students. In explaining his donation, Dr. Brenner says, “I hope that my donation might serve as a seed for attracting further contributions to enhance the support of students in this important area.”

Dr. Brenner has led a distinguished research career in the field of genetics. In 2002 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for his founding work in genetic regulation. He played a key role in establishing several leading international research institutions.  Dr. Brenner served as President of the OIST Promotion Corporation from 2005– 2011 and his determination and drive were essential factors in the creation of the OIST Graduate University. He visits OIST regularly as a Distinguished Professor.