Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s China-UK Low Carbon College (LCC) is a magnet for top international talent dedicated to pioneering sustainable innovation. Among them is Hiroki Kato, an ambitious double-degree student from Fukuoka, Japan, who journeyed to the Lingang campus to immerse himself in the future of energy solutions.

Hiroki is participating in a selective double-degree program between Kyushu University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). This rigorous program requires students to spend their first semester at Kyushu University, the second semester at LCC in China, and the final year back at Kyushu University.

At LCC, his academic focus is mainly on courses related to energy and battery technologies, which provide a robust understanding of both the technical and sustainability dimensions of energy systems. We sat down with him to discuss his cutting-edge research, his integration into Shanghai life, and his experience in LCC's supportive environment.

Why LCC? A Quest for Research Excellence

For Hiroki, choosing LCC was a deliberate academic move. He was driven by a commitment to study and conduct research in a high-level academic environment.

"I chose SJTU, particularly LCC, because I wanted to study and conduct research in a high-level academic environment," Hiroki shares. "LCC is dedicated to research in low-carbon and sustainable development, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s world." He also revealed a key factor: "To be honest, among the universities available in my double-degree program, SJTU was the highest-ranked institution, which also influenced my decision."

Optimization: The Core of Sustainable Innovation

Hiroki’s academic interest centers on the high-stakes world of the optimization of smart energy systems. He explained that his choice was specifically shaped by discovering his current supervisor's work.

"I have been particularly interested in optimization methods and their applications to complex social and energy systems," he states. This fascination, which grew out of his prior work on optimizing lockdown strategies for infectious disease control, found its ideal application here. "When I was looking for potential supervisors at SJTU as part of the double-degree program, I came across my current mentor’s research on short-term optimal scheduling and comprehensive energy system assessment."

Professor Ju's work immediately caught his attention because it applies optimization not just as a theoretical tool, but as a dynamic way to balance multiple, sometimes conflicting objectives in real-world low-carbon systems—a challenge Hiroki is eager to tackle.

"What attracted me even more was the interdisciplinary nature of the research environment at the Low Carbon College," Hiroki adds. "The combination of optimization theory, data-driven analysis, and practical energy system modeling perfectly matched the direction I wanted to develop further." Furthermore, LCC provides opportunities to engage with projects that have both technical depth and social relevance, which he finds extremely motivating.

His research in LCC is now directly connected to the global trends of data-driven innovation and sustainable development. Despite Professor Ju's extensive responsibilities, Hiroki notes that he "always makes time to have online discussions and provides thoughtful and constructive advice". This hands-on, supportive style encourages Hiroki to "think critically and work more independently” in his research.

He now spends his days working on his research and applying these methodologies to social and energy systems, a process he believes is profoundly connected to the global trends of data-driven innovation and sustainable development.

First Impressions: Modern Cityscapes and Cultural Exploration

As a first-time visitor to China, excluding a brief transit in the past, Hiroki’s first month in China was a vibrant experience. He first went sightseeing with Japanese friends, visiting Nanjing East Road and the Bund, which gave him a "great first impression of the city."

Hiroki describes his immediate surroundings in Lingang as a quiet and peaceful area, with fewer cars and people compared to city centers. However, the cityscape feels very modern, creating an atmosphere that is “comfortable and well-organized”.

His journey of cultural integration and discovery included:

• Settling In: Participating in orientation programs at both the main campus and LCC, and spending the week before classes getting to know his roommate and senior students.

• Shanghai Life: Hiroki initially faced a surprise: "When classes began, I was surprised to learn that I needed to commute to the main campus three times a week." But he’s committed to a positive outlook: "Although the travel time is quite long, I’ve decided to think positively and use it as a good opportunity for reading."

• Cultural Exploration: Visiting Qibao Old Street with his roommate on a weekend, where they enjoyed sightseeing, exploring shopping streets, food stalls, and Buddhist temples. This trip was memorable for showing “both the traditional and modern sides of Shanghai”.

Beyond life in campus, Hiroki’s frequent exploration of cultural sites reveals a genuine appreciation for the rich history and dynamic cultural complexity of China. He particularly values the city’s ability to seamlessly blend its traditional heritage with its rapidly modernizing cityscape.

A memory he keeps close to his heart is a full-day trip to Hangzhou with friends, visiting the famous West Lake and the Lingyin Temple, and sampling various street foods around Hefang Street. He called it "a very fulfilling trip that beautifully concluded my first month in China".

“I also learned that Lingyin Temple belongs to the Zen (Chan) tradition, but its appearance was quite different from what I typically associate with Zen temples in Japan. In Japan, Zen temples often reflect the stoic spirit of the samurai and the discipline of rigorous training, which gives rise to a minimalist and subdued aesthetic. By contrast, Lingyin Temple, with its bright red gates and yellow walls, felt much more vivid and expressive. The upward-curving eaves of the roofs also caught my attention — a distinct architectural feature that gives Chinese temples a dynamic and open feeling. Through this visit, I realized that although Japanese culture has its roots in Chinese civilization, each country has developed its own unique sense of beauty and spirituality. Experiencing those differences firsthand helped me appreciate the diversity within what we often think of as a shared cultural heritage.”

Life at LCC: A Supportive Environment for Focus

Hiroki finds the atmosphere at LCC perfectly conducive to intensive study. His typical day involves having meals at the affordable campus canteen and dedicating his time between classes to studying in the British style library. The college ensures students have the resources they need, including a personal desk in the laboratory, which helps him maintain a focused routine.

When it's time to step away from his research on smart energy systems, Hiroki heads to his favorite spot: the music room. These rooms are equipped with various musical instruments including pianos, drums, and guitars. "I usually read Japanese literature," he shares, noting that he spends his free time playing the piano or reading, an essential routine for relaxation. During the National holiday, he devoted his time to the music room, managing to read one book per day.

Life in Lingang is also very comfortable, with everything he needs easily accessible either at a nearby shopping mall or through online shopping and delivery. On weekends, when he isn't reading novels or watching movies, he often cycles to Dishui Lake, using the landmark mainly for exercise and relaxation.

The Close-Knit Community

The China-UK Low Carbon College has a relatively small student population, meaning the number of international students is also limited. Hiroki finds that this intentional structure fosters a close-knit and supportive community, where students help each other and maintain strong relationships.

Hopes for the Academic Year

With his double-degree program allowing him to stay at LCC for only one semester, Hiroki is focused on maximizing his time.

"This semester, I plan to focus on completing all my courses successfully," he affirms. "Since my double-degree program allows me to stay at LCC for only one semester, I want to make full use of my time here." His notes of his goal for the next semester is to devote himself entirely to research activities and apply the knowledge he has gained in LCC.

We look forward to seeing the powerful impact of Hiroki’s research on global smart energy systems as he makes the most of his time at the China-UK Low Carbon College!