The Gifu University Fund: Valor and V Drug Overseas Training Scholarship Report Session
Since fiscal year 2014, Gifu University has implemented the Gifu University Fund: Valor and V Drug Overseas Training Scholarship with generous donations from Valor Holdings and CHUBU YAKUHIN CO, LTD. This program provides support for graduate students at Gifu University to engage in education and research at overseas universities and research institutions.
On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, a report session was held at Donyōsha, the Human Resource Development Center of Valor Holdings. At the meeting, students who received the scholarship reported on the outcomes of their overseas training. Ms. KUROKAWA Makiko, a second-year student in the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, gave an in-person presentation on the achievements of her overseas research. Ms. HARA Moena, also a second-year student in the same graduate school, was unable to present in person; however, she shared details of her training through submitted materials and a video message.
Ms. Kurokawa studied abroad for approximately four months at Heidelberg University in Germany, where she conducted research on developmental processes using medaka (Japanese rice fish). At her host institution, she studied how environmental factors influence development by using genetically modified medaka whose fluorescence color changes depending on the surrounding pH conditions.
Ms. Hara studied abroad for about one month in Australia and New Zealand, where she participated in hands-on activities related to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. In Australia, she was involved in efforts to protect endemic animal species at facilities such as wildlife hospitals. In New Zealand, she deepened her understanding of ecosystem conservation through observation of penguins in the wild.
At the meeting, both students spoke about their experiences of cross-cultural exchange during their study abroad programs and expressed that the scholarship was a major source of support, enabling them to focus on their studies with peace of mind. Words of gratitude were also conveyed to Mr. TASHIRO Masami, Chairman and CEO at Valor Holdings whose company has provided continued support for the program.
Through the Gifu University Fund, the university will continue to encourage each student's individual challenges and provide support aimed at developing human resources who can be active on the global stage.
