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Manai Award is a new initiative for promoting scientific research and education among young minds.

At Manai Award, high-school researchers from all over the world will get together to show their research results with Manai Mentors’ help and advice.

Manai Award includes Manai Science Program, in which the participants work on a research project created by Manai Mentors utilizing the facilities at OIST (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology), and join other workshops and science talks by prominent academics, widening and deepening their perspectives and knowledge in science.

Manai Award will gather future scientists globally and create a diverse community full of friendships and mentorships that enhance everyone’s endeavor in the world of science!

Awards

1st Place
300,000JPY
+
Invitation to Manai
Runner-Up
100,000JPY
+
Invitation to Manai
Sponsor Award (To be announced)
  • This is a research grant, which can only be spent for the student’s research or studies, such as buying equipment, books, and/or transportation to academic conferences. The details will be discussed upon granting the prize.

Features & Opportunities

Conference/Award

Show your research projects to a truly international audience!
Joining Manai Award will be a great opportunity for you as a first step to be a future scientist and know other like-minded researchers from all over the world.

Polishing your research
with active researchers

Manai Research Mentors will mentor your research and deliver our Science Program. The Research Mentors are science educators and researchers at top institutes from all over the world. They will show the path of joy and wonders of science.

Guided-research
workshops

In Manai, we believe that we most effectively learn and thrive by working on research projects. Through our workshops, the participants will be able to acquire essential and applicable research skills and scientific methods in addition to a deep understanding of the chosen subject.

Networking with
researchers and peers

Attending Manai Award will provide an opportunity to network and share thoughts on recent advances with other top academics, experts and peers in both the similar and different fields.
The new network will bring new horizons into your science journey.

Diversity

Manai is a diverse and international community of people from various backgrounds and specialities. We believe it is the peers and Mentors that bring about true learning experiences.
…And more!

Venue

OIST(Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University) is an interdisciplinary graduate school offering a 5-year PhD program in Science. On the Nature Index Annual Tables, OIST has been placed as first in Japan and in the global top nine institute in 2019. [Details]

Accommodation

“OIST Seaside House is only 3 km from the Main Campus, it overlooks the East China Sea in Onna Village with a spectacular view of coral reefs and islands.” (the OIST website)

Amenities: Wifi / Shower room, Restroom in each room / Air Conditioner / Vending machines / Washer/Dryer-equipped laundries(Free)/ Hair dryer/Automatic lock system

Mentors

Alexander Tang
Alexander Tang
Lecturer at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia
Ph.D in Neuroscience from University of Western Australia
Stephen Lee
Stephen Lee
Ph.D Candidate in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University. M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Columbia University
…And more!

Requirements

  • Have a science research project and result to present
  • Motivated and able to participate in all the Programs
  • Have communication and teamwork skills
    • *If your project or research has been awarded in the past at a science competition, we will take that into consideration during the selection process.

Schedule

Day0
26th May		Day1
27th May		Day2
28th May		Day3
29th May		Day4
30th May
AM ＊Students Arrival *Program includes:
・Workshops
・Science Talk
・Mentoring		 Conference / Award ＊Students Departure
PM
Evening Orientation Farewell Party
Day0
26th May		 AM ＊Students Arrival
PM
Evening Orientation
Day1
27th May		 AM *Program includes:
・Workshops
・Science Talk
・Mentoring
PM
Evening
Day2
28th May		 AM
PM
Evening
Day3
29th May		 AM Conference / Award
PM
Evening Farewell Party
Day4
30th May		 AM ＊Students Departure
PM
Schedule is subject to change.
Contents of the details are to be announced at a later date.

Outlines

Program
Manai Award 2020
Duration
May 27th – 29th, 2020
Target Ages
Junior high- High schoolers(12-18 years old) as of May 29th, 2020
Venue
OIST (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University)
Accommodation
OIST Seaside House
Capacity
15 people
Participation Fee
Free
  • Transportation fee to/from the venue is on participants’ own expense.
Language
Main language used will be English.
Requirements
  • Have a science research project and result to present.v
  • Motivated and able to participate in all the Programs
  • Have communication and teamwork skills
    • *If your project or research has been awarded in the past at a science competition, we will take that into consideration during the selection process.
Organizer
Manai Enterprise Inc.
Sponsors & Partners
MistletoeOIST…And more!

Application Procedures

Feb.
15

SUBMIT APPLICATION WITH YOUR PRESENTATION VIDEO AND RESEARCH PAPER

Please register through this form (please answer everything in English).
For the details about making and uploading your presentation video, kindly read through HERE carefully and follow instructions.

Application has been closed.

Feb.
22

NOTIFICATION RESULT

The screening result of your application form will be notified by February 22nd, 2020.

Mar.
1~7

ONLINE INTERVIEW

If you pass the screening of your application form, there will be an online interview.
Scheduling of the interview will be coordinated with the student.

Mar.
14

NOTIFICATION RESULT

The interview screening result will be notified by March 14th, 2020.
We will also inform you of the Letter of Consent.

Mar.
19

PARTICIPATION CONFIRMATION

Confirm your participation with the Letter of Consent by March 19th, 2020 (or within 5 days after informing the screening result). We will need a participation agreement with a parent/guardian’s signature on the Letter of Consent.

By the end of Mar.

FLIGHT CONFIRMATION & VISA PROCEDURE

Based on the Arrival & Departure Details, you will book and confirm your flight to/from Okinawa. For the students who are required a VISA to come to Japan, we will provide documents to apply once the fights are booked.

FAQ

What if I have classes to attend at my school during the Manai Award?

Please talk to your school teacher first and we can provide your participation report to your school.

What if I don’t have any research experiences?

You are required to have a science research project and result to present.

How can I get to the venue?

We will provide pick-up/drop-off support at the Okinawa Airport.

Can I travel alone in Japan before or after the program?

For the security reasons, we DO NOT allow all the participants to travel alone in Japan before/after the program.

Can I get VISA support?

Yes. We will provide you with official documents required to apply for the VISA.