Bhaskar Chatterjee’s MEXT Scholarship Journey: Integrated Master’s and PhD in mRNA Therapeutics at Institute of Science Tokyo

My name is Bhaskar Chatterjee, and I am currently enrolled in the five-year integrated Master’s and PhD program under the Data Life Science Global Leader Program at the Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Laboratory, Institute of Science Tokyo (formerly Tokyo Medical and Dental University). I am a MEXT-funded scholar, and my research focuses on mRNA therapeutics and the development of nanocarrier-based delivery systems, with the aim of improving their stability, targeted delivery, and therapeutic efficacy. I come from India, specifically from a small suburban town, and my journey into advanced research has been fueled by a strong curiosity and determination to contribute to the field of biomedical science. With a deep-rooted passion for nucleic acid therapy and drug delivery technologies, I strive to bridge the gap between molecular biology and real-world therapeutic solutions through interdisciplinary research.

MEXT Scholarship Details

I have been awarded the MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Government of Japan, to pursue a 5-year integrated Master’s and PhD program under the Data Life Science Global Leader Program at the Institute of Science Tokyo.

This scholarship fully covers:

• Tuition and university fees
• A monthly stipend of approximately 147,000 JPY (subject to change depending on academic level and location)
• Round-trip airfare between my home country and Japan

I have committed to this scholarship and have not accepted any other funding offers at this time.

Educational Background:

I completed both my Bachelor of Science (Honors) and Master of Science degrees in Biotechnology from the Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Kolkata. During my time there, I was actively involved in various extracurricular and academic activities, and I had the privilege of serving as the Student Captain of the Literary Club, where I led initiatives that fostered creative expression, communication, and critical thinking among students. For my Master’s dissertation, I worked under the supervision of Dr. Swatilekha Ghosh, Assistant Professor, on a project titled:  "Deciphering the role of GRP78 in growth and migration of lung carcinoma cells: Involvement of a natural anthraquinone, Emodin."

The objective of my research was to investigate the potential of emodin in inducing cell death and restricting migration in A549 lung carcinoma cells, and to understand how it regulates the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) pathway to control tumor growth and metastasis. This work deepened my interest in cancer biology and therapeutic development.

After completing my dissertation, I joined the Nanomedicine Laboratory I, under the mentorship of Dr. Amit Ranjan Maity, Associate Professor and Ramalingaswami Fellow. My research in this lab focused on tumor-targeted drug delivery using ligand-associated nano-drug formulations, and the broader application of nano-drug systems for various biomedical remedies. This experience significantly strengthened my passion for nucleic acid therapy and the development of advanced drug delivery systems, which now forms the core of my current research in mRNA therapeutics.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

During my academic journey, especially toward the end of my postgraduate studies, I was deeply motivated to continue my research in a meaningful and cutting-edge environment. I dedicated a significant amount of time to searching for research laboratories whose work resonated with my interests in cancer biology, nanomedicine, and nucleic acid-based therapies.

Rather than sending generic messages, I took a meticulous and targeted approach—I would thoroughly study the recent publications, ongoing projects, and thematic focus of each lab to understand not just what they were working on, but how their research philosophy aligned with my own aspirations. I often read their key papers multiple times to grasp the depth of their work and identify where I could meaningfully contribute. This allowed me to craft personalized cold emails to potential supervisors, highlighting specific aspects of their work that inspired me and clearly expressing how my background and goals could complement their research direction. This effort not only helped me stand out but also led to more engaging and constructive responses from professors, some of whom later became valuable mentors and collaborators.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the MEXT Scholarship?

Preparing for the MEXT scholarship application was a rigorous yet rewarding process that required a deep level of self-reflection, planning, and commitment. I began by thoroughly researching the structure and expectations of the scholarship, including eligibility criteria, required documents, and evaluation metrics. I carefully studied previous applicants’ experiences and sought guidance from academic mentors to better understand what makes a strong proposal.

A major part of my preparation involved crafting a compelling research plan—one that not only aligned with Japan’s scientific priorities but also reflected my passion for mRNA therapeutics and nanomedicine. I spent weeks refining my research proposal, ensuring it was grounded in current scientific challenges while also demonstrating feasibility and innovation.

Simultaneously, I worked on tailoring my Statement of Purpose, highlighting my academic background, past research experiences, and long-term goals. I also proactively reached out to potential host professors by analyzing their work and customizing my communication to reflect how my interests aligned with their research. This level of personalized effort helped me build strong connections and secure the necessary letters of acceptance. Through this intensive preparation, I was able to present a clear, motivated, and competitive application that ultimately earned me the opportunity to pursue advanced research in Japan.

How Was Your Experience at the Institute of Science Tokyo?

My experience in the lab has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. Working in the field of mRNA therapeutics and advanced drug delivery systems demands a high level of precision, critical thinking, and adaptability. From mastering complex protocols like mRNA synthesis, purification, nanoparticle formulation, and in vitro/in vivo evaluations, to troubleshooting unexpected experimental results, every step has tested my resilience and technical acumen. The pace and expectations in the Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering are intense, but they have pushed me to grow rapidly as a researcher—not only in terms of laboratory skills but also in scientific communication, data interpretation, and time management. Being surrounded by dedicated researchers and mentors has helped me maintain a strong sense of purpose, even through periods of trial and error. In addition to my academic work, I actively serve as a member of the International Student Council at the Institute of Science Tokyo. This role has allowed me to engage with a broader community of international students, providing support, and organizing cross-cultural events.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Japanese?

The degree I opted for is in English, however, I will suggest checking the medium of instruction before applying for any course.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Japanese?

I will highly recommend to the prospective students to learn the basic Japanese mannerisms anda  few phrases for daily survival before coming to the country.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

What I believe made my MEXT application stand out was a combination of a well-crafted research proposal, prior hands-on research experience, and a clear demonstration of commitment to my academic goals. I invested significant time in developing a focused and innovative proposal centered on mRNA therapeutics and nanomedicine-based delivery systems, which aligned with Japan’s current scientific and healthcare priorities. The proposal was not just theoretical—it was backed by relevant research experience I had gained during my Master’s dissertation and my work in a nanomedicine laboratory, where I explored tumor-targeted drug delivery and mechanisms of cancer progression. These experiences gave me a solid understanding of experimental design, molecular techniques, and translational objectives, which I could clearly articulate in my application.

Additionally, having publications further reinforced the depth of my scientific engagement and my ability to contribute meaningfully to research. I also took great care to personalize my outreach to potential supervisors, which helped secure a strong letter of acceptance.

Altogether, my application reflected both scientific readiness and long-term vision, which I believe were key in receiving the MEXT scholarship.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Looking back, while I’m proud of the effort I put into my MEXT application, there are a few areas where I believe I could have done better. For instance, I could have started the application process even earlier, which would have given me more time to refine my research plan and seek more detailed feedback from mentors.

I also feel that I could have diversified my academic outreach, contacting a broader range of potential host professors and exploring more interdisciplinary angles for my proposal.

Although my research experience was solid, I might have strengthened my profile further by pursuing more short-term internships or workshops related to RNA biology or drug delivery systems. Additionally, I think I could have prepared more strategically for the interview phase, focusing not just on my proposal but also on communicating my broader vision, adaptability, and interest in cultural exchange with greater clarity. That said, each step taught me something valuable, and these lessons continue to guide me in my current academic and professional journey.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My advice to future MEXT scholarship applicants is to approach the process with clarity, authenticity, and strategy. Start early, and spend time understanding the scholarship’s goals—it’s not just about grades, but about how your research can align with Japan’s academic priorities and contribute globally.

Take your time to develop a well-structured, realistic, and innovative research proposal. Show that you’ve thought it through—not only in terms of scientific value, but also feasibility and long-term impact. Tailor your proposal and communication to each professor you contact; avoid generic emails, and instead, show that you’ve read and understood their work. If you already have research experience, conference presentations, or publications, be sure to highlight them with context, but don’t worry if you don’t—what matters more is your passion and potential.

Be honest in your Statement of Purpose, and clearly express why Japan, why this research, and why now. Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek advice, whether from past scholars, mentors, or online communities—it’s a competitive process, but with the right preparation and sincerity, it’s entirely achievable.