Hi everyone! It’s Leon. While my friends were exploring London, I stayed a bit longer in Cambridge to take part in a unique program called “Musha Shugyō: the Samurai’s Pilgrimage”, an immersive academic training experience.
My three-week visit to the University of Cambridge may have been short, but it completely reshaped how I think about research, communication, and my place within the scientific community. And here’s why!
Learning to Pitch Research Like a Story
One of the first things I did at Cambridge was a 5-minute, 3-slide research pitch. The format was inspired by business-style presentations, which was very different from the long, technical talks I’m used to. At first, it felt almost impossible—how do you explain a PhD project in five minutes without losing the important parts? Introduction, background, novelty, objectives, methodology, data… ALL in 5 minutes and 3 slides!?
But that challenge was exactly what made it useful. I had to clearly articulate what problem I’m working on and why anyone outside my narrow field should care. Presenting alongside other outstanding students was also eye-opening. Everyone had a different way of telling their research story, and comparing styles made me rethink how I communicate my own work. Because this pitch happened early in my visit, the feedback I got helped me refine my research questions and overall framing for the rest of my stay.
Experiencing the Cambridge Lecture Style
Alongside my research discussions, I attended lectures taught by Dr. Edoardo Borgomeo. These sessions introduced me to the Cambridge lecture style: concise, focused, and packed into a strict one-hour format. I really appreciated this approach—it kept the lectures efficient while still allowing me to maintain my focus and absorb the material effectively.
Here are some pictures from the academic activities I participated in during my stay. I also couldn’t help but admire the breathtaking architectural details of each building—they added an inspiring atmosphere to every lecture and discussion.
Walking Through Scientific History
Beyond the academic milestones, visiting Cambridge was a deeply personal experience. Walking through its courtyards, colleges, and pathways felt like stepping into the living history of science. Isn’t it amazing to walk the paths once traveled by some of the greatest scientists in the world?
I saw Stephen Hawking’s Corpus Clock at King’s College, a reminder that time is precious; visited The Eagle Pub, where Watson and Crick famously announced the discovery of DNA’s structure—the “secret of life”; stood near Newton’s apple tree at Trinity College, where the concept of gravity was famously explored; and passed the Cavendish Laboratory, where J.J. Thomson and Ernest Rutherford transformed our understanding of the atom.
These experience were not just visitting landmarks– they were reminders to me of what sustained curiosity and perseverance can achieve. Being physically present in these historic spaces gave me a powerful sense of connection to generations of scientists before me, and renewed my motivation to pursue my own research with dedication and purpose.
The iconic King's College Chapel :o
Bringing Cambridge Back Home
The skills and perspectives I gained at Cambridge will directly influence my work at my home institution. I plan to adopt Cambridge-style communication approaches—concise pitching, clear problem framing, and methodological transparency—in future seminars, conference presentations, and publications.
Cambridge was more than just a place to study—it was a reminder of why I pursue science in the first place. Walking through history, learning from brilliant minds, and challenging myself to communicate and think clearly gave me experiences I will carry for the rest of my academic journey. These three weeks may have been short, but the lessons, inspiration, and connections I gained will last a lifetime. I return home not just with knowledge, but with a renewed passion to explore, create, and contribute to the ongoing story of scientific discovery.
That's all for my story this time. See you in the next chapter! Merry Christmas and Have a good year a head! -Leon
Oh, quick visit to London as well! xD
