Celebrating 37 New OIST PhD Graduates

OIST held its 8th Graduation Ceremony

On February 27, the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) held its 8th Graduation Ceremony. Faculty members, staff, and invited guests gathered to celebrate the achievements of the 37 graduating students.

OIST staff dancers and musicians at the Graduation Ceremon 2026 — OIST faculty and staff celebrated the graduates with traditional Okinawan dance and sanshin music.

President Karin Markides at OIST’s 8th Graduation Ceremony — President Karin Markides delivers her address at OIST’s 8th Graduation Ceremony.

In her opening address, President and CEO Karin Markides shared the following message. “Here at OIST you have been steeped in research excellence. You have contributed to a scientific community that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply collaborative. Now you head into the wider world as confident researchers, thoughtful and curious scientists, and emerging leaders. Think of your PhD as so much more than a degree. It has equipped you with a set of skills to guide you throughout your life. Please, stay curious, continue to observe the world around you, ask important questions, and never stop learning.” (A full recording of her address is available at the link below.)

Mr. Senapathy “Kris” Gopalakrishnan — OIST Board member delivers his congratulatory address — “Mr. Senapathy “Kris” Gopalakrishnan — OIST Board member and globally recognized leader in business and technology — delivers his congratulatory address. In his speech, he responded to the question of whether AI diminishes the value of a PhD, touching on OIST and Japan’s bold ambitions, the evolving boundary between humans and machines, and the changing responsibilities of doctoral graduates, while offering a powerful message of encouragement to the new degree recipients.

This year’s ceremony included a new element: the Doctoral Pledge. The pledge represents each graduate’s commitment to continuing their journey as responsible and ethical scientists.

Yuki Tara, delivering the valedictory address at OIST graduation ceremony 2026 — Yuki Tara, delivering the valedictory address on behalf of the graduates.

Yuki Tara delivered the valedictory address on behalf of the graduating class. He reflected on his first visit to OIST as a high school student, saying, “For someone who grew up in Okinawa, it was the moment I realized how deeply this island is connected to the world through science. I felt completely overwhelmed — in the best possible way. And I still remember thinking how happy I would be if I could conduct my research here. That moment inspired me to begin my PhD journey at OIST.” He concluded with a message, “Now, we are ready to take our next steps. Each of us moves into a new chapter, in new places, and in new roles. The road ahead will continue to challenge us. But with pride in earning our degrees at OIST, and with the mindset we developed here — to look ahead, to cross boundaries, to connect with the world, and to keep moving forward ourselves — I believe we will step forward with confidence and shape a better future.”