We organized the IMBC2026 Post-exchange Meeting on August 23, 2026. Ten students who participated in the in-person course of IMBC2026 joined the meeting online.
As in the previous year, the students conducted microplastic sampling and observations after returning to their countries. During the meeting, they reported the results of sampling and introduced the issue of microplastic pollution in their countries. Through these presentations, we were reminded that microplastic pollution is a global environmental issue.
All activities of IMBC2026 have now been completed. We hope that the friendships developed through this course will continue in the future. SMBS will continue to organize and develop this international course.
Left: Presentation on microplastic sampling by HNUE students. Right: Group photo.
SMBS organized the International Marine Biology Course (IMBC) 2026 from July 22 to 29, 2026. This program was conducted in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online courses. A total of 24 students and three researchers from Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Japan participated in the in-person course. In addition, 30 students from Bangladesh and Viet Nam and one researcher from Zambia participated in the online course.
Through lectures and field activities on Sado Island, participants learned various techniques for monitoring marine environments and ecosystems. A report on the course is available below.
This program was supported by the Sakura Science Exchange Program from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). We gratefully acknowledge the support provided by JST and all those who contributed to this program.
Group photos of in-person and online courses at IMBC2026
Left: Animal sampling on a rocky shore. Right: Visit to the Sado Japanese Crested Ibis Conservation Center.
We organized the Post Exchange Meeting of IMBC2025 on October 4th, 2025. Twelve students who were on-site participants of IMBC2025 have met again online.
This year, students have done sampling and observation of the microplastics after they went back to their own country. They talk about the results of sampling and introduce the problem of microplastic pollution in their country. Through the presentation, we understand that microplastic is easily found in every country and realize it again that microplastic pollution is a global issue.
All programs regarding IMBC2025 have been finished, but we hope that the friendships and exchanges between students will continue in the future!
Fig 1. Microplastic sampling on the canal near the HNUE, Vietnam.
Fig 2. Results of sampling from Kerara, India.
Fig 3. Group photo.
SMBS organised the International Marine Biology Course (IMBC) 2025 on July 22-29, 2025, which was a hybrid of in-person and online practical courses. Eighteen students and four researchers from Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Hong Kong, New Caledonia and Japan have joined the in-person course. Fifty-seven overseas students have also taken part in the online course. Participants learned about marine biodiversity and animal evolution at Sado Island. The report of this course can be found below.
This program was supported by the Sakura Science Exchange Program from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). We appreciate all the support we received.
Group photos of in-person and online courses at IMBC2025
Left: Animal sampling at rocky shore. Right: Microplastic sampling at Tassha beach.
SMBS organized the International Marine Biology Course (IMBC) 2024 on September 20-29, 2024, which was a hybrid of online and in-person practical courses. Twenty-eight students and four researchers from Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Hong Kong and Japan have joined the in-person course. Participants learned about marine biodiversity and animal evolution at Sado Island. The report of this course can be found below.
Group photos of in-person and online courses at IMBC2024
SMBS has organized International Marine Biology Course (IMBC) 2023 on July 24-30th, 2023, which was held as a hybrid of both online and in-person practical courses. The report of this course can be found below.
Group photos of in-person and online courses at IMBC2023
Parvez Chowdhury (Marine Biological Station) has won Online Poster Award at the 70th Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of Japan.
Though plankton has important role in aquatic ecosystem, there has been few study especially in Sea of Japan. This presentation showed seasonal plankton dynamics and its relation to environment by intensive field survey and analyses.
After nine months of construction, SMBS Building (Research Building + Dormitory) was totally renovated. We are looking forward to accept researchers and students in the new building.
Interior of the renovated Research Building
SMBS has organized International Marine Biology Course (IMBC 2019) from 21st August to 27th in Sado Island of the Japan Sea. We had 31 students/post-doctor and 6 researchers, in total 37 participants from 17 different universities in the Asia Oceania region. The participants obtained a lot of knowledge about marine lives through a variety of field activities and lectures. Please check the event report linked below.
Marine Biological Station