JCR International School 2014

Dates: July 31 (Thu.) ‐ August 2 (Sat.), 2014
Place: Karuizawa Prince Hotel West, Nagano, Japan

 Contents

•  Participants’ Voice
•  Photographs
•  Organizing Committee
• Timetable
• Program

 Participants Voice

Tomoyuki Mukai Japan

First of all, I would like to thank the organizing committee of JCR international school for giving me the opportunity to participate in the great meeting. The meeting was fantastic. I really enjoyed all presentation and the energetic discussion. At my presentation, I had much more questions than I had expected. All questions were very insightful and suggestive for my future study. I appreciate all the comments. Not just the daytime sessions, I enjoyed socializing events at night, a welcome party and a buffet dinner party. I talked a lot with other scientists, including foreign researchers, and developed a great friendship. I believe that these wonderful experience and friendship at JCR international school will facilitate me to develop my new career in research.
For future attendees, why are you waiting for? Please don’t miss the amazing opportunity at JCR international school!!

Yasunori Omata Japan

It was a great pleasure for me to attend the JCR summer international meeting 2014. This meeting was held in Karuizawa and it was very comfortable to stay during summer. We communicated in English in the conference. Prof. Jego’s lecture for improving presentation was very meaningful for me because I was able to learn how to make presentation systematically and could refine my thought for presentation. I will take some key points that he taught us in the lecture into my future presentations. It was also good opportunity to talk my work at the international meeting and to discuss with researchers, and I’m happy to meet a lot of young researchers. I felt again it was very important to communicate with international researchers and make friends. After our presentations, we enjoyed special dinner and spent a fun time. I appreciate all the participants and JCR staffs. The opportunity communicating with international researchers and improving English presentation is precious to young researchers. I hope this meeting will continue in the future to build an international relationship among young researchers!

Eun Ha Kang Korea

It was a wonderful opportunity to attend 2014 JCR international School. Having scientific communications with researchers from all over the world was a nice experience, which deeply reminded me that there are so many young investigators in the world dedicated to create scientific truth day and night. The small scale of the meeting made a very friendly but intensive environment for discussion. I believe that this meeting worked as a powerful spur to all the participants. I thank JCR and all who supported this great meeting. Particularly, I’d like to thank my tutor, Dr. Kawaguchi. I hope that this fantastic meeting continues to grow.

Yukinori Okada Japan

It was my great pleasure to have an opportunity to participate in the JCR International School 2014 held in Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan. There were many young rheumatologists who participated in the school, and each participant had up to 30 minutes of time to present their works. It was really exciting for me to join the detailed scientific discussions on the latest updates of the both basic and clinical topics of rheumatology. I presented my recent works on genetics of rheumatoid arthritis and potential drug discovery. I had very kind and highly suggestive feedbacks on my presentation, which helped me to further proceed my research activities. Additionally, I enjoyed my stay in the school. There was enough time to have talks with participants not only in the scientific discussions but also in other social times. We shared the room with other participants, which effectively helped to us to know each other and become friends. I feel very thanks to the organizing committee members for providing such a special experience.

Xinjuan Liu China

It has been my pleasure to be invited by JCR again. This was my second time came to Japan. I attended the JCR international school which was held in Karuizawa, a beautiful summer resort. This intensive course is designed for improving our ability to participate in the international academic communication. The lecture “Improving our oral presentation” by Mr. E.H.Jego was very vivid full of passion, also practical for us. I had prepared my presentation, but I was very nervous about discussion after presentation. I think it was a challenge for my English listening and speaking. My tutor Dr. Kunihiro Yamaoka gave me a lot of encouragement and good suggestions. In fact, it was a good training for us who were not English native speakers. There was an opportunity to be shared nice works by many excellent rheumatologist around the world. Even my presentation majorly focus on cell immunity, it is worthy of reference for my clinical work that many clinical research shared by foreign speakers. In addition, I also had opportunity to communicate with doctors about our clinical work from different countries, such as our outpatients, inpatients and doctor’s life. I really thanks for the JCR international school giving me opportunity to exchange my ability of English oral presentation and communication with rheumatologists around the world. I also hope this seminar will continue in the future.

Jun Kikuchi Japan

It was great pleasure to participate in the seminar and I really appreciate my tutor, organizers, staffs and participants. This was my first time to join an international seminar in which the common language was English. This seminar encouraged me to decide to keep learning English for more confortable communication. In this seminar, participants shared a room, which was a good point, because I talked with a roommate about the research and so on deeply. It was a great opportunity to communicate with colleagues and senior tutors worldwide. Especially at a dinner party, I enjoyed talking with rheumatologists from abroad and Japan about not only basic and clinical research but also their working environment. I could have a precious experience in this seminar.
I’m looking forward to see the participants again at the next JCR congress.

Yasuo Nagafuchi Japan

As the proverb says, “Two heads are better than one.” The 15 minutes intense discussion time for each presentation let us exchange many ideas and it actually gave me many suggestions. The lecture for good oral presentation in English and international communication with global colleagues were also fruitful. I strongly recommend that those reading these voices participate in the next international school. And finally, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the organizers for their great support.

Hiromitsu Asashima Japan

To attend this seminar was as good an experience as it seemed. For me, there were three impressive points. First of all, there was enough time to discuss his/her presentation each other. A lot of participants advised me to my research, which stimulated my motivation for researching the Rheumatology furthermore. Second, I could get used to life in speaking English. I shared a room with Dr. Leo from Philippines, so I had a great chance to speak English not only at the sessions but also at the rooms. I had a good time to talk to him about each family, country, and so on. Finally, I had a meaningful relationship with the participants. I could form friendships with people from other cities and also other countries.
I am grateful to the JCR international committee for giving me this opportunity. I hope this seminar will continue. Thank you very much.

Tetsuya Saito Japan

It was a great pleasure to participate in JCR international school 2014 in Karuizawa. I’d like to thank the organizing committee and my tutor Dr. Kameda for giving me the opportunity to discuss our research in English. All programs, lecture of oral presentation skills in English by Dr. Jego, keynote lecture by Dr. Navarra, eight sessions, and party, were nice. This wonderful experience further encouraged me to study abroad near future. I hope this meaningful school will continue in the future.

Varun Dhir India

I was delighted to get an invitation to present my work at the 2nd JCR international school. The school started off with a lecture on ‘how to make good presentations’. Although, I had attended similar lectures, this was par excellence – interactive, simple and having a lot of carry home messages that will help me in the future! What followed next was an academic treat. Not only were the presentations by fellow participants (from Japan and elsewhere) of high quality; but the best part was the lively discussion that followed. This was made possible by the ample time structured in the program for discussion. It was amazing to find that science and research unified us all, and how easily we could overcome the somewhat restricted use of English (most of us being non-native speakers of English). The next 2.5 days passed off well, stimulating all of us to do better science and critically analyze research. In the welcome party, everybody introduced himself or herself, and most of the times left the audience laughing and asking for more! I wish to congratulate the organizers on a well-structured academic schedule and the mentors who gave us great feedback both prior to and during the school. Finally, I must thank the JCR for a unique and enriching school and encouraging young researchers!

Yongjing Cheng China

It is a great honor for me to attending JCR 2014 international school. I am a clinical doctor from department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China. Though I have present my series works in English times, it is a great challenge for me to listen and answer question totally in English for 15 minutes. It is beyond example. I don’t know how to endure this fifteen minutes long time. Even more, the presentation is in front of many foreign famous rheumatologists！
hough nervous at first, I was gradually becoming more relaxed as the presentation went on. The young investigators presented their work intelligently.
The communication is active and then I am engaged in the discussion. Then it is a pleasure for me to take part in the welcome dinner, at the dinner, I know famous Rheumatologists and foreign friends.
Through JCR 2014 international school, I learned a lot……., not only for the new ideas, novel methods and revolutionary studies, but also the rigious research attitude of my tutors and young investigators. Even more, I overcame the fear of psychological barriers in English communication this time. I believe, the annual JCR international school would promote the development of young scholars growth, and would be potential promoter for Rheumatology.
Thank you very much for giving me such a great opportunity, nice to see each rheumatologists and foreign friends.

Ippei Miyagawa Japan

It was my pleasure to have this opportunity to participate JCR international school 2014.
This is the first chance to discuss about our work in English, so, I was nervous at the beginning.
However, when I actually done, I was able to enjoy than I thought also of the question and answer session in English. It was an opportunity to realize the need to practice English more, and I had a good experience to be motivated.
In addition, I made a lot of friends in this meeting and much time to talk with them about medical science in the same scientific fields. I was very interested in their thinking and knowledge. It was also an amazing experience.
I hope this JCR international school will be held next year, and I will strongly suggest my colleague to submit this school next year.
Finally, Karuizawa was so cool and I feel comfortable.

Kazuhiro Yokota Japan

My name is Kazuhiro Yokota belong to the Department of Rheumatology and Applied Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University. I will never forget the JCR International School 2014 in my career, because I have made many good friends in the participants of the School and have gotten a lot of chances to discuss with the School renowned committee members.
I performed a research presentation about “Bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis: the function of osteoclast-like cells induced by a combination of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL-6”. I am very grateful for their deep consideration to give me valuable advice, comments, and suggestions. They helped me make much progress in my research. I will improve my data and hopefully to publish in the world prestigious rheumatology journal.
On the other hand, I really enjoyed discussing “osteoclasts” with Dr. Tanaka from Tokyo and Dr. Yamaoka from Kitakyushu overnight. I was overpowered fountain of their knowledge about it. I especially appreciated Dr. Tanaka and Dr. Yamaoka’s hospitable kind arrangement for me.
I do not know how to express my gratitude to the people who prepared wonderful presentation for me.

Kyong-Hee Jung Korea

I am Kyong-Hee Jung from the INHA university hospital in Incheon, South Korea.
It was great opportunity for me to participate in 2014 JCR international school. JCR international school gave me a lot of stimuli and energy. I was so impressed by the passion of tutors and other participants for rheumatology. I really gave thanks to the organizing committee of JCR international school for giving me this wonderful opportunity.
I really miss the fresh air and beautiful scenery in the Karuizawa and want to enjoy again unforgettable yummy apple jam from there. And I hope we’ll meet again near future.

Ryota Sakai Japan

First of all, I would like to thank the committee for organizing this JCR International School 2014. It was a great and excellent opportunity for me to attend this meeting, because it was the first time to present my research in English and to discuss with rheumatologists from overseas. In addition, I have never heard Mr. Jego’s lecture on presentation skills in English. It was very wonderful for me and I would like to use that in my next presentation in international academic meetings. I also had useful and helpful discussions with rheumatologists and a good conversation even on the train back. I would like to continue to brush up my English in the future and have more of a debate with international attendees. Finally, I recommend every young and motivated rheumatologist all over the world to participate in this meeting and I would like to take part in the next conference again if possible.

Takashi Kurita Japan

It was a great pleasure to present my research data in JCR international school.
I was very surprised because other participants have very high levels of English skill and discuss in very fluent English. I can understand only half the contents of English lecture, so I was very confused at first. But gradually, I can enjoy the program by challenging to question in my unskillful English. And I made a lot of friend in this meeting and talk about research or clinical practice each other.
I think this international school is very valuable opportunity because we can make English oral presentation in front of rheumatology researchers. And, it is very exciting experience to discuss about my data with foreign or prominent rheumatologists. I believe this experience improves my English skill than ever before.
I will suggest my colleague to participate this school next year, especially a person who is weak in English. Finally, I thank all of the participants and tutors in this international school.

Motomu Hashimoto Japan

It was a great opportunity for me to join the JCR international school in this summer. Young rheumatologists gathered from all over the world, and each presentation was well prepared and the discussion was also impressive. Chairmen and tutors gave us many valuable comments and suggestions. We learned a lot about current rheumatology topics from basic science to clinical rheumatology. I think it is a good opportunity for young rheumatologists to get in touch with the latest scientific knowledge in the field of rheumatology. I would like to thank for organizer and all the collaborators for this summer school.

Atsushi Nomura Japan

I was really pleased when I realized that I was accepted as a participant of international school. At the same time, I was anxious about the English presentation because this was my first experience to make an English presentation and I was not sure if the topic and content of my presentation were good enough. So I thought at least I can improve the way of speaking, and I repeatedly practiced and finally I could enjoy my presentation and discussion. This school was a good opportunity to speak in front of international researchers and I could gain self-confidence through this experience. My career as a doctor has been totally clinician so some participants’ topics on basic science were not easy for me to understand, but getting acquainted with those people who have had different career and knowledge was really exciting. It made me feel like practice research on basic science if I have chance!
I really thank the committee for this precious experience. I think I’m far from excellent researcher but I hope next international school also offer chances to people like me to get special experience.

Ayako Hirata Japan

It was my great pleasure to have the opportunity to participate in JCR International School 2014 in Karuizawa. I really enjoyed listening to inspiring lectures and presentations, and had a meaningful time to meet many young excellent researchers not only in Japan but also from other countries.
In my presentation time, I was very nervous because this was my first time to give a presentation in English. I made efforts in the preparation for presentation, but not enough for answering to the questions. Answering to the questions immediately in English was really tough for me and this opportunity made me notice the area lacking in my English skill.
Many precious experiences in this school make me awake to do valuable researches and become a good presenter at international meetings in the near future. I sincerely appreciate all the efforts by organizing staffs and participants.

Andreas P. Diamantopoulos Norway

I was delighted to participate at the International Summer School of the Japanese College of Rheumatology in Karuizawa form July 31 to August 2, 2014. The scientific level of the meeting was extraordinary, with an excellent faculty and stimulating talks on many aspects of modern Rheumatology. I particularly enjoyed the discussions with tutors and other young colleagues participating in this meeting.
I am grateful to the organizing committee for the outstanding planning and the warm hospitality. I encourage the organizers to continue this first-rate interaction, which is bringing together young investigators from Japan and other parts of the world, being a nursery of academic collaboration. Overall, I warmly recommend this meeting to all young rheumatologists. Thank you!

Photographs

JCR International School Committee