On July 14th, 28 graduate school students and 2 faculty members of the「Study Association Life Science and Technology (SA Life)」- a joint study association of Leiden University and Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, visited the Soka University Glycan and Life System Integration Center (GaLSIC).

　Leiden University, founded in 1575, is the oldest national university in the Netherlands and one of the leading international research universities in Europe with seven faculties. The Delft University of Technology (founded in 1842), in partnership with Leiden University for life science studies, is also the oldest national university in the Netherlands that excels in the field of science and engineering not only in Europe but also in the world, consisting of eight faculties.

　SA LIFE is a study association formed by 800 students from the two universities, notably Cell Biology at Leiden University and Applied Biotechnology at TU Delft, and it serves as a platform to support members' career, academic and social exchange (according to the SA LIFE website).

　After a tour of the Central Building, research presentations and discussions were held at SPACe in the Global Square Building. From our research center, Director Prof. Nishihara and Deputy Director Prof. Kinoshita made presentations on the early development of glycans and glycan databases. From SA LIFE, Dr. Stouten and Mr. van der Zwet presented their research results.

　A lively discussion were held with active questions from both SA LIFE and Soka University’s students. The participants were able to deepen their understanding of each other's university and culture through this event.