OIST welcomes 14th class of PhD students
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) held its 2025 Welcome Ceremony on September 1, celebrating the arrival of the 14th class of PhD students and welcoming new faculty members into the OIST community.
This year, 43 students from the class of 2025 joined the ceremony. Another 24 students are expected to enroll in January 2026, with the full class of 2025 representing 32 countries and regions and potentially becoming the largest cohort in OIST’s history. In addition, 11 students from the previous Class of 2024, who began their studies in January 2025, were also formally introduced and welcomed.
The ceremony opened with a vibrant display of Okinawan culture, featuring the traditional dances of ‘Yotsudake’ and ‘Tanchame.’ The music was performed by ‘Chindamiis,’ the OIST Sanshin group made up of staff and students, while the OIST Dance Group, ‘Moyas,’ presented the dances with energy and elegance.
President Karin Markides addressed the incoming students, noting: "Japan and the global society is waiting for your contributions. Today’s world is certainly in need of the expertise and personal qualities that you will develop." The Dean of the Graduate School, professor Thomas Busch, also offered words of encouragement: "The next 5 years will be the hardest you’ve faced so far, as well as the most rewarding and fun. The pursuit of knowledge is a privilege and a responsibility. In a world that needs science more than ever, we are thrilled to have you." Terezie Sedlinska from the OIST Student Council shared her perspective and advice for the new students about being part of the community: "It’s really important not to become an island, in an island, on an island. Look to your left, look to your right, these are the people who will be with you here for the next 5 years."
In addition to the new PhD students, OIST also welcomed new faculty members who recently joined the university in fields ranging from evolutionary genomics and marine physics to ecology, climate science, and quantum transport, strengthening the university’s interdisciplinary research capacity.
The ceremony concluded on a high note with an energetic ‘Eisaa’ performance by children from the OIST Child Development Center, filling the hall with drums, music, and lively spirit. The celebration closed with the joyful Okinawan folk dance 'Kachaashii' as students, faculty and the audience joined together in dance. As the community danced together, the ceremony embodied the spirit of joy and celebration that welcomed every new generation of OIST students.
From welcoming its first class in 2012 to recently celebrating its 200th graduate, OIST has grown into a diverse and international community of scholars and researchers. With the arrival of the 14th class of PhD students, the university reaffirms its mission to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research that transcends borders.
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