Daiwa Scholars 2001

Dr Jonathan Batchelor

Jonathan Batchelor completed a degree in Medicine at Nottingham University in 1998. He is currently working as a consultant dermatologist at Nottingham University Hospital and as a researcher at the Centre of Evidence-Based Dermatology. He is married with two children and invited his close friends from Kobokan whom he met during his time as a Daiwa scholar to his wedding in 2007.

Jonathan’s homestay was in Akita City in Akita Prefecture. His work placements were at the National Centre for Child Health and Development and at Showa University Hospital’s Department of Dermatology.

He currently works at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

You can read more about Jonathan in the “Scholars Experiences” section of the website.

Richard Buttrey

Richard Buttrey graduated at Oxford University in 1997 after completing his Master’s degree in Physics. While on the Scholarship, Richard spent his homestay in Saga City in Saga Prefecture and spent his work placement at the National Institute for Research Advancement.

He returned to the UK in 2016, after approximately five years based at the British Embassy in Tokyo as Head of Trade, UKTI.

He is currently Director in Research, Education at ARM.

You can read more about Richard in the “Scholars Experiences” section of the website.

Dicky Chalmers

Dicky Chalmers is a writer and director currently living in Taipei. He is now fluent in both Japanese and Chinese. He embarked on the Daiwa Scholarship programme having completed a degree in English at Oxford University.

Dicky’s homestay was in Mihara City and Nandan City in Hyogo Prefecture. His work placements were at the  Japan Academy of Moving Images, There’s Enterprise, and Baka The Bakka. He is the Joint Managing Director of Alien-Eye Production and is based in Taipei.

Stephan Gale

Stephan Gale graduated from Pembroke College, Cambridge with a degree in Natural Sciences in 1999. He then completed a Master’s degree in “Forestry and its Relation to Land Use” at Oxford in 2001. He also holds a PhD on the “Population, Ecology and Conservation of Nervilia nipponica, an Endangered Orchid in Japan” which he completed at Sussex University.

Stephan’s homestay was in Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture. His work placements were at Tokyo University of Agriculture and PREC Institute for Environmental Planning Research and Assessments. He now lives in Hong Kong and is working as Senior Ecologist at the Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden. He is also the co-author of “The Wild Orchids of Hong Kong.”

You can read more about Stephan in the “Scholars Experiences” section of the website.

Benjamin Secher

Benjamin Secher completed a BA in English Language and English Literature at St Catherine’s College, Oxford. He is currently working as a journalist for the Daily Telegraph Arts Section and is living in East London.

Ben’s homestay was in Sado City in Niigata Prefecture. His work placements were at the Asahi Shimbun, Cyzo Magazine, NTV and Tarzan Magazine.

Ruth Shinoda

Ruth Shinoda is the Head of Early Years Funding at the Department for Education. She completed a BA in Economics at the University of Nottingham in 1996.

Ruth’s homestay was in Tosashimizu City in Kochi Prefecture. Her work placements were at the Cabinet Office, and the  Japan Productivity Centre for Socio-Economic Development. She now works as Chief Operating Office and Deputy Secretary Strategy, Engagement and Performance at The Treasury, New Zealand.

David Tickler

David Tickler completed a BA in Engineering at the University of Cambridge in 1998. He then went on to complete a Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering in 1999.

David’s homestay was in Wakayama City in Wakayama prefecture. His work placements were at the Takeda Foundation, and the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry. He is currently living in Perth and is a researcher at the University of Western Australia as well as being a researcher for the Flourishing Oceans Initiative.