Okayama University Launches Intermediate Curriculum on Biological Transmission Electron Microscopy

Okayama University Enhances Technical Skills with New Curriculum

On January 9, 2026, Okayama University, located in Okayama City, conducted an advanced curriculum titled "Biological Transmission Electron Microscopy (Basics)" as part of its TC College Biomedical Engineering course. This initiative aims to foster highly specialized talent among technical staff within the university's integrated technical department.

Since the fall semester of 2023, this department has been a satellite campus of Tokyo Institute of Technology’s TC College and has been focusing on the integration of technology and medicine. The recently held course was a hybrid format, offering both in-person and online participation. It attracted a diverse group of attendees, including two internal students, one external student, and three auditors.

This course followed the successful completion of a previous curriculum on biological scanning electron microscopy on December 15, 2025. It featured a guest lecture by Akiko Wakuhi, an engineer from Hitachi High-Technologies, who provided insight into the core technology and solution development for ultra-structural analysis in the morning session. Topics included the principles and structure of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), observation conditions, and the latest advancements in TEMs.

In the afternoon, students participated in practical exercises utilizing the HITACHI H-7650 TEM placed in the university's collaborative laboratory. Here, they learned to adjust the axis and select apertures while preparing their samples for observation. They also engaged in various observations of biological tissues and cultured cells, initiating a lively discussion and question-and-answer session.

Miki Iwate, one of the participants from the integrated technical department, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about the visualization of intracellular organelles, saying, "The instructors provided samples promptly at my request, and the guidance was exceptional; it was a highly enriching curriculum. Thank you very much!" Similarly, Masahiro Fujii, who had previously attended the scanning electron microscopy course, remarked, "Despite my lack of experience with TEM, the detailed explanations significantly deepened my understanding. The practical aspect allowed me to observe samples myself, which was invaluable."

Another participant, Yoshihiro Hagiwara from Gunma University, commented, "Learning about specialized techniques crucial for research support was invaluable. Based on today’s lessons, I aspire to enhance my operational skills further, ensuring that I can reflect researchers’ intentions accurately while addressing challenges as a technical professional."

The head of the integrated technical department, Nobuhito Sato, shared his appreciation for Akiko Wakuhi’s continued support and emphasized the importance of cultivating mutual understanding between technical staff and manufacturers. He stated, "Technical advancements evolve rapidly, and it is crucial for our staff to learn how to effectively utilize and maximize equipment. Creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, as seen in this course, is pivotal for fostering a deeper understanding that can drive research and development. We intend to actively leverage industry-academia collaboration moving forward."

Okayama University's integrated technical department is committed to strengthening its ties with all technical staff while enhancing their skills through diverse training programs, thereby contributing to education, research, and clinical activities as a partner of the university, a vibrant and distinctive research institution.

As an officially recognized institution under the project to enhance regional core and distinctive research universities (J-PEAKS), Okayama University not only seeks to innovate in research but also aims to address societal challenges through collaborative efforts, anticipating ongoing transformations and challenges ahead for both the university and its technical staff.

This initiative was publicly announced by Okayama University on January 29, 2026.