We are delighted to announce that the Shinkishi Hatai International Marine Biology Course 2026 will be held at the Research Center for Marine Biology (RCMB), Tohoku University, Asamushi, Aomori, Japan from 3rd–9th July 2026.

Who is Shinkishi Hatai?

Details: here

Overview

A marine biology station is the ideal environment to observe live marine organisms and to begin studying marine biology. The marine biology course held at our marine biology station, RCMB, situated on the coast of Mutsu Bay, provides hands-on experience in handling marine organisms and explores the diversity and ecology of coastal invertebrates. The course will be comprised of basic and advanced projects. The basic project will introduce the participants to two fields, developmental biology of ascidians and coastal ecology. In the latter advanced project, participants will conduct a supervised project led by instructors, and their findings will be presented on the last day.

Instructors & Projects

Developmental biology of ascidians

Instructor:Dr. Sébastien Darras
(Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, France)
Supporting RCMB staff: Shumpei Morita and Takuya Minokawa

 

Coastal ecology

Instructor: Dr. Daphne Munroe
(Rutgers University, USA)
Supporting RCMB staff: Aiko Iwasaki

Keynote Lecture

Coming soon...

Lecturer: To Be Announced

Venue

Research Center for Marine Biology, Tohoku University Click here for detail

Schedule

1st day (3rd July): Registration
Keynote lecture (lecturer: TBA)
Welcome reception

2nd and 3rd days (4th–5th July):
“Basic project for developmental biology of ascidians” by Dr. Sébastien Darras
“Basic project for coastal ecology” by Dr. Daphne Munroe
Lecture & lab work

4th–5th days (6th–7th July):
“Advanced project for developmental biology of ascidians” by Dr. Sébastien Darras
“Advanced project for coastal ecology” by Dr. Daphne Munroe

6th day (8th July): Presentations of advanced project
Farewell party

7th day (9th July): Leave Asamushi

Qualification

The course is open to undergraduate and graduate students (approx. 15 in total) from any institute, who major in or have an interest in marine biology or related fields. If the number of applicants exceeds our hosting capacity, we may have to decline certain applications. Experience in handling marine animals is not necessary, but priority for acceptance will be given to students with much interest in marine developmental biology and coastal ecology. Accommodation and meals are available at a reasonable rate at the center’s dormitory (for details see the center’s website: For Users). We are unable to support your travel expenses.

Registration

If you are interested in the SHIMBC, please send an e-mail to the following address by March 31st, 2026. When we receive your e-mail, we will send you an application form with additional information about the course, accommodation, and other relevant details. An early notification of your intention to participate will assist us in optimizing preparations for SHIMBC.
E-mail address: shimbc2026(at)grp.tohoku.ac.jp [Please change (at) to @]

Organizing committee

Dr. Takuya Minokawa (Chair person)
Dr. Gaku Kumano (Director of RCMB)
Dr. Shumpei Morita
Dr. Aiko Iwasaki
Dr. Hiroaki Fukumori

This program is supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan.