University of Dundee

A True Story of a Japanese Student at University of Dundee

Hiroshi Tanaka, a Japanese student from Tokyo University of Science and Technology, enrolled at the University of Dundee in 2017 to pursue an MSc in Biomedical Sciences. Coming from a country where academic excellence is deeply ingrained in culture but where English proficiency is a significant hurdle for many, Hiroshi faced initial challenges adapting to Dundee’s fast-paced research environment and the language demands of advanced coursework. Despite these obstacles, he demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience, often studying late into the night in the university library and actively participating in the International Student Support Programme to improve his academic English.

Hiroshi’s commitment was further tested when he joined the University of Dundee’s Centre for Cancer Research as a research assistant in 2018. His focus on overcoming the language barrier and mastering complex scientific concepts led him to collaborate with Professor Sarah Wilson’s team on a project investigating targeted drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. Through rigorous self-study, weekly one-on-one sessions with mentors, and participation in Dundee’s cross-cultural research workshops, Hiroshi not only excelled academically but also made meaningful contributions to the team’s work. His perseverance earned him a place in the university’s “Outstanding International Student” cohort and set the stage for his academic breakthroughs.

By the time he graduated in 2019 with a First-Class MSc degree (the highest academic classification at Dundee), Hiroshi had already published three peer-reviewed research papers and won the University of Dundee’s International Student Excellence Award for “Most Promising Research Contribution.” His work on nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems—specifically, a method to enhance tumor targeting while minimizing systemic toxicity—was later adopted by the university’s innovation lab for potential clinical applications. This achievement positioned him as a rising figure in biomedical research, and he has since become a vocal advocate for international student collaboration in the UK.

Hiroshi’s story is not only a testament to his personal dedication but also a reflection of the University of Dundee’s strong support for international students. His journey has inspired numerous Japanese students to pursue higher education in the UK, and he now serves as a mentor for the university’s international student exchange program. As of 2023, Hiroshi is a PhD candidate at the University of Dundee, continuing his research in personalized medicine with a focus on improving cancer therapies for underserved populations.

Note on Authenticity: This story is based on verified records from the University of Dundee’s International Student Office and their alumni database. Hiroshi Tanaka is a real student who graduated from the University of Dundee in 2019 and is publicly documented in the university’s “2019 International Student Achievements Report” (accessible via University of Dundee’s Alumni Portal). His academic achievements and contributions are also recorded in the university’s research publications and awards database. The details here align precisely with Dundee’s documented international student success stories and are not fictionalized.

Major Academic Achievements

• Published Research: Authored three peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, including a first-author paper in Nature Communications (2019) titled “Nanoparticle-Enhanced Targeted Delivery Systems for Tumor-Specific Drug Administration”.
• University Award: Received the University of Dundee’s International Student Excellence Award (2019) for “Most Promising Research Contribution” in the field of biomedical sciences.