Neuro Global International Joint Graduate Program,
Tohoku University

Graduate School of Medicine
Liu Yu

Hi, my name is Yu Liu, and I recently completed my Ph.D. in Medicine at Tohoku University, in the Department of Human Brain Science, under the supervision of Professor Motoaki Sugiura. Being part of the Neuro Global Program (NGP) has been one of the most important experiences of my doctoral journey. It helped me grow as a researcher, learn new skills, and connect with people from around the world.

I first joined Tohoku University to pursue my Ph.D. after completing my previous studies in neuroscience. With my supervisor’s support, I became a pre-program student in NGP. This early stage prepared me for the challenges and opportunities of the program, including rigorous coursework and international collaborations.

Once officially enrolled in NGP, I participated in courses that strengthened both my research and communication skills. The courses included seminars that helped me improve academic writing, public speaking, and critical thinking. Discussing ideas with peers from different countries also gave me new perspectives and inspired me to think more broadly about my research.

One of the highlights of my NGP experience was my overseas research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in the summer of 2024. Under the guidance of Professor Wei Wang, I explored how personality traits influence moral decision-making. Although the visit was shorter than planned due to visa delays, I gained valuable experience in data analysis, learned new methods, and built connections with international researchers. This experience showed me how science can cross cultures and helped me understand different ways of approaching research questions.

During my Ph.D., I also had multiple opportunities to attend international conferences. I presented my research findings at several conferences in US, Canada and Portugal. I discussed ideas with researchers from other countries, and received feedback that greatly improved my work. These experiences allowed me to see how similar research questions are approached around the world and inspired me to refine my experimental designs and analyses. The interactions with international scholars were highly motivating and expanded both my scientific perspective and professional network.

Looking back, I feel very grateful for the support and guidance I received through NGP. The combination of structured coursework, international experiences, and a collaborative environment helped me develop as a researcher and as a global citizen. I also want to thank my colleagues and professors in the lab, my mentors abroad, and all my peers who shared their expertise, advice, and encouragement. NGP has been a most unique platform that shaped both my research and my personal growth.