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JAPAN Forward has launched "Ignite," a series where students in Japan share their voices in English. What inspires a student to found a nationwide neuroscience study association and reimagine how STEAM studies, especially science, can benefit all of society? Individually and collectively, students like Misaki Ozawa are already working on their dreams to shape our global future.
This 13th essay in the series concludes the presentation of the top four finalists in the GEM Talks 2025 leadership training program for high school girls. Ozawa was the co-winner of the GEM Talks 2025 Special Jury Award for her oral presentation in English. The July 20 event placed her on the stage of the Women's Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
In the final, Ozawa, a high school student and founder of IYNA Japan, shares her vision for STEAM studies (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), and collaboration between scientists, business and society. She has a plan, and she wants all of us to come along.
Let's listen.
Thirteenth in the Series, 'Ignite'
Misaki Ozawa, Co-Winner of the 2025 Gem Talks Special Jury Award
Watch Misaki Ozawai give her presentation in English:
"Imagine a world where the next big scientific breakthrough starts… with a high school student's idea."
Last November, I gathered just a few people to start a neuroscience community. I realized that in Japan, there were very few opportunities for students to engage in neuroscience. Thus, I founded this organization to do science communication ー to bring neuroscience closer to the public.
At first, nobody really knew us. A lot of people underestimated our work. Some people kindly told me it was "great for a high school student" ー but also asked whether I really needed to do science communication, and if a student should even try.
But today, that small idea has grown into a national community of nearly 100 members, hosting events with researchers and professionals and growing every single day.
And through this journey, I realized how my vision for STEAM in 2045 and next steps keep changing, and I will take you all on this journey with me.
Narrowing the Distance Between Science and People
One of the greatest driving motivators for my work is the growing distance between science and people.
In a recent survey conducted in Japan, around 46% of students feel science has nothing to do with their lives or future careers.
It's not just sad ー it's dangerous.
It means we're losing future innovators.
It means science risks becoming disconnected from society.
And it means people are being left out of conversations that shape their own future.
When I first applied for GEM TALKS, I imagined a society in 2045 where science isn't distant ー where it is something that everyone can understand, question, and shape together.
To help bring this vision closer, I started and now lead IYNA Japan: a neuroscience community for middle and high school students.
We hold reading circles, study groups, and national events. [And] we also create online content so anyone ー no matter where they live ー can have opportunities to learn about neuroscience.
When I looked back at why our community grew so quickly, it wasn't just because of our passion.
One of the main driving forces was when we partnered with researchers, universities, and science‑related industries that had resources that we did not.
These partnerships gave us credibility, and a much bigger voice than we could have had alone.
Across Japan, many student‑run science organizations are working hard in various STEAM fields
All started by teenagers who truly want to change society.
But too often, our work is dismissed as "just a student project." We're told to wait until we're older to make a real impact.
Of course, I want a world where science feels familiar and relevant to everyone. But we also need a society full of student-industry collaborations, [where] we are all working together to create a bigger voice and influence.
Unleashing Our Potential
Imagine if students, researchers, industries, and policymakers worked together now, instead of waiting until university or beyond.
My roadmap:
1. Now:
- Keep growing IYNA Japan as a platform for neuroscience.
- Hold joint events with researchers and professionals.
- Create content that makes people feel closer to neuroscience, and more collaborations with advisors and companies.
- Spread our influence outside of Japan as well.
2. Next:
- Build networks with other student organizations in STEAM.
- Search and learn about them.
3. Soon
- Organize a Student Science Summit: bring together student groups, researchers, companies, and policymakers to discuss how to collaborate.
- Make this summit an annual event so dialogue keeps evolving.
4. Long‑term (by 2045):
- See these collaborations become part of not only Japan, but the entire world's normal science ecosystem ー where student organizations are recognized as official partners in science communication and innovation.
Learning Along the Way
Leading a national organization has taught me:
- Project management
- Outreach
- Taking risks
- Building connections with people, including researchers and industry.
Because of these strengths, I have been blessed to get collaborations. I will use these skills and experiences to further expand my organization, build bridges ー not only in neuroscience, but across all STEAM fields and age groups.
In the end, my vision isn't just about making science closer to us. It's about a society where young people's voices are valued, and where we work together to solve social issues.
We can't be expected to stay silent through our teenage years and suddenly "carry the next generation" after university.
Change starts now.
Reimagining STEAM Together
When you leave today, please:
- Search for student STEAM organizations in your field.
- Offer support: funding, mentorship, collaboration ー or even just encouragement.
Your small action could help us achieve big, unique goals in each field — and ultimately bring science closer to everyone.
Obviously, I would do my part as well, to do as much as I can to shed light and visibility to other organizations But I need your help. Together.
Reimagining STEAM in 2045 isn't my vision alone.
It's a shared vision that needs all of us — students and adults — to become reality. So, will you take this journey with me?
Thank you!
About the Author
Misaki Ozawa is a student at Tokyo's Hiroo Gakuen High School. In an interview with JAPAN Forward after the competition, the Inagi, Tokyo resident said, "At first, I wanted to become a doctor." However, added Ozawa "As I studied, I became more drawn to neuroscience."
Where to next for the founder of the nationwide IYNA Japan, part of the International Youth Neuroscience Association? "I want to study electronic engineering at university, but women make up less than 20 percent. There's still a sense of hesitation. I want to help change that."
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Author: Misaki Ozawa
High School student, Hiroo Gakuen High School
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