A collaboration between the universities of Bielefeld and Osaka in Japan is opening up new avenues for PhD students. The Double Degree Programme (DDP) allows students to benefit from resources and expertise at both institutions. Satoshi Horino is one of them.
“For me, the main reason to join the programme was the collaboration in research”, says Horino. “I had already been part of the research in Professor Doctor Harald Gröger’s lab at Bielefeld when I was still in Japan”, he says. “My supervisor in Japan, Professor Doctor Shuji Akai, encouraged me to apply as the very first candidate of this programme.”
With the Double Degree Program PhD students are able to earn one degree jointly provided by both universities by conducting research at both institutions under shared supervision. And it strengthens an already existing academic partnership: „The program results from a nearly decade long intensive collaboration of our Chair of Industrial Organic Chemistry and Biotechnology here at the Faculty of Chemistry of Bielefeld University with the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Osaka University”, says Prof Gröger. “And I am glad that now such an exciting opportunity for obtaining a joint doctoral degree from both of our universities can be offered to the next generation of our young chemistry researchers.”
Time split between Japan and Germany
Horino is now in the final stage of his three-year-doctorate. The time he split between Osaka and Bielefeld: “During the first semesters I was based in Japan and we had a lot of online meetings.” In his second year, he spent two months at Bielefeld University, and again a longer period this summer. By the time he finishes his thesis, he will have spent a total of six months in Germany. “It’s been a great opportunity for my research.”
© Mike-Dennis Müller
Horino’s work focuses on developing an enantioselective chemical reaction in the field of organic synthesis, specifically using biocatalysts. “This synthetic method is more environmentally friendly and economic than the combination of traditional metal catalysts and chiral ligand for such a transformation”, says Horino. The final aim is to be able to produce pharmaceuticals using this jointly developed synthetic methodology. The research groups of Horino’s two PhD supervisors have been working together for many years and they have developed novel approaches to improve the preparation of challenging and important classes of pharmaceutical compounds. These chiral tertiary alcohols and derivatives are one of essential building blocks for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals such as anti-HIV drugs.
Synergies through collaboration
Working in both Bielefeld and Osaka has clear advantages, especially when it comes to research facilities. “The main difference is the equipment of the labs”, notes the candidate. “In my lab in Japan, we don’t have as many instruments for enzyme preparations, because almost all the students focus on synthetic organic chemistry. In Bielefeld, I have access to advanced biochemical equipment. This is a huge benefit. I also really enjoy the working atmosphere here. There are many knowledgeable students, especially in biosynthesis, and they’re always willing to help.”
Collaboration with professors from both universities is key to the programme’s success. “When I present my results, I get in-depth feedback and suggestions. Both professors give me a lot of space to work independently”, says Horino. “Professor Gröger and I have slightly different research expertise, so there are numerous advantages to being mentored by two supervisors”, says Akai. “This situation certainly broadens the student’s research perspective and makes his PhD research more substantial.”
© Bielefeld University
When faced with a problem, the advice Horino received from his two superiors would have helped him to see the problem from a different perspective and come up with multiple solutions, Akai is convinced. “Even if the two researchers have the same or similar areas of expertise, their approaches, policies and strategies for solving problems will differ from researcher to researcher.” Therefore, students could benefit a lot from being advised by two supervisors at the same time. “I feel that he has grown a lot since he joined this DDP. I think this is the result of the guidance he has received from the two supervisors.”
Cultural Surprises
Despite the many benefits, there are also challenges, particularly in terms of language. “One of the difficulties is understanding daily conversations between students or teachers, as my English isn’t perfect. I’m also interested in learning German because I want to establish good relations with my fellow doctoral students.”
Comparing university life in Japan and Germany, the candidate noticed a stark difference in the work-life balance. “In Japan, students often work from 9 in the morning until 7 or even 9 at night. The day is very long”, says Horino. “In Bielefeld, students come to the lab around 9 or 10, do their work, and then go home to enjoy their free time. I was surprised by the high quality of life here compared to student life in Osaka.” Living ten minutes’ walk from the university in Bielefeld, the Japanese PhD student adapted a little, he says with a smile: “I usually leave around 5 in the afternoon.”
After completing his PhD, the candidate has already lined up a job with a pharmaceutical company in Tokyo. Reflecting on the programme, he encourages other Bielefeld and Osaka students to consider it: “If you’re interested in a different culture and university life, this is a great opportunity. Also, you can get one degree from two universities at the same time, which is rare and very valuable for the job market.”
The framework conditions for a joint doctoral procedure in Bielefeld and Osaka in the Department of Chemistry were created in autumn 2023. This option is part of the strategic partnership between the two universities.
Double degrees in Bielefeld and another partner university – so-called double degree programmes – also exist in other subject areas.