SHIMA: Inspiring the Next Generation of Changemakers

SHIMA is an outreach workshop designed to inspire high school students to explore the sustainability of island ecosystems and cultures through science.
At SHIMA 2025:

• 17 Okinawan high school students participated in a 3-day intensive program 
• Students engaged in: 
  • Fieldwork on coral reef decline and local fishing communities 
  • Lectures by OIST scientists and local experts 
  • Hands-on sustainability activities

Through these experiences, students developed a practical understanding of environmental science and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In their final presentations, participants demonstrated the ability to connect scientific knowledge with real-world community challenges.

SHIMA empowers students to move beyond theory— to apply STEM skills to real-life problems, particularly in environmental sustainability.

Your donation will enable OIST to introduce the excitement of science to Okinawan youth and help them to explore new learning and growth opportunities as the world we live in is being transformed by science and technology.