Meet Mitsuyuki Hidaka from Japan

My name is Mitsuyuki Hidaka. From April to July 2022, I carried out a research internship at the GePEB laboratory (Chemical Engineering, Applied Thermodynamics and Biosystems) at Polytech Clermont, under the supervision of Professor Cédric Delattre.
  
This internship was part of my PhD studies at Osaka University in Japan. Since then, I have obtained my PhD in Engineering and I am now working as an engineer for a Japanese company.

  
A passion for France and European culture

Ever since I was a child, I have been passionate about science, history and great discoveries. Through scientific books and biographies of researchers, I discovered many innovations that have shaped the history of France and Europe: research into microorganisms, Pascal’s principle, and major inventions such as cinema and photography… and even the TGV.
 
These discoveries inspired me to pursue a career in science and, one day, to study abroad.
 
France has always held a special place in my imagination. Fascinated by the history of European civilizations, I dreamed of discovering a country whose history dates back to the time of Julius Caesar and where many ancient remains can still be found. Having the opportunity to undertake an internship at Polytech Clermont was therefore an exceptional experience for me.

 
An experience that transformed my career path

During my stay, I had the opportunity to take part in many scientific discussions in English. It was my very first experience of studying abroad and my first immersion in an international research environment.
  
At the time, my field of research was biochemical engineering, a discipline that applies biomaterials and biological phenomena to various areas of engineering.
  
Today, however, I work in a completely different field: optical engineering. My company develops highly precise equipment used in industrial manufacturing. Due to confidentiality requirements, I cannot provide further details, but our company works with many international clients, particularly in Europe.
  
The fact that I had the confidence to change fields after completing my PhD is largely thanks to my experience in France.

 
An open-minded approach that still guides me today

My time at Polytech Clermont profoundly changed the way I approach challenges.
 
Even though I did not speak French, I always found students, teachers and researchers who were willing to help me. Their kindness made a lasting impression on me and gave me confidence.
  
I learned that we should not be afraid of change or hesitate to step outside our comfort zone. This open-minded approach allowed me to build a professional career that was different from the path my PhD might naturally have led me towards.

Since returning to Japan, I have tried to adopt the same attitude: to remain open to others, to support people who are taking on new challenges, and to grow alongside them, regardless of their nationality or age.

 
A defining experience for my career

After returning to Japan, I wrote a scientific paper presenting the results obtained during my internship at Polytech Clermont.
  
This experience taught me how to work in an international collaborative environment and helped me develop the skills required for scientific writing.
  
Between 2024 and 2025, I published four scientific papers as first author.
  
I am convinced that, without my experience at Polytech Clermont, I would not have achieved these results or joined the company where I work today.

 
A commitment to a more sustainable future

Although my current work is not directly related to environmental issues, my company is committed to reducing its CO₂ emissions, notably through the development of solar panels and the use of more sustainable energy sources.
  
I am happy to contribute, in my own way, to this effort.

 
Looking to the future

My ambition is to develop products that can surprise people and create real value for users.
  
During my PhD, my research was primarily academic. Today, I want to turn scientific knowledge into concrete innovations that can benefit industry and society. One day, I would like to contribute to the creation of technologies capable of making a real difference.

 
A message to future international students

To all students considering joining Polytech Clermont, I would like to say one thing: you will never be alone.
 
The students, teachers and staff are particularly welcoming. The school brings together students from all over the world — from South America, Asia, Africa, Arab countries and many other regions — who understand very well the challenges of living and studying abroad.
  
Do not be afraid to take the leap. Break through the barriers, make the most of your time at Polytech Clermont and turn this experience into a defining chapter of your life.
  
“Man must explore.”

Watch the video interview here