As part of these activities, the "Science Castle Research Grant Asahi Quality Award" began in 2019. The theme for the 2025 academic year's call for applications is "Research and development that creates future excitement and smiles, related to either 'Health,' 'Environment,' or 'Regional Co-creation,' which are Asahi Quality's promises to society." The program aims to provide a platform for junior and senior high school students to take their first steps as researchers and to foster their ability to proactively solve problems. If selected for the research grant, students will receive research support from Asahi Quality researchers. This support includes not only research methods and data summarization but also opportunities to learn about the current research and development conducted by advisors, as well as methods for sensory evaluation and packaging development. "Beyond research support, our research advisors also think independently about how to present our company's technology to junior and senior high school students in a way that will capture their interest. It's appealing how each advisor's unique characteristics shine through," says Yoshimura.

Research institute open house event

In December, in addition to the results presentation, we hold a laboratory tour for all selected participants at the Moriya research institute. There, they can hear from the advisors who have guided them for six months about the kind of work they do at the institute. Last year, participants experienced a sensory evaluation of beverages by actually tasting them, and learned about the ingenuity in container design that allows them to withstand impact and temperature by handling PET bottles and labels. They also had the valuable experience of touring the test plant, which simulates mass production before a product is commercialized. By observing the entire process from raw materials to finished products, it becomes clear how their own research can be applied in real-world situations. This research support and laboratory tour, where research advisors become collaborators and build bonds with junior high and high school students, is a major draw of this research grant, as it fosters a shared effort to seriously consider research and how to give back research themes to society. The fact that many students continue their research even after the grant period ends is likely a testament to the research advisors who accompany them, keeping the end goal in sight. Asahi Beverages aims to solve social issues and realize a brighter future by conducting research with junior high and high school students who have aspirations such as "wanting to explore what they find mysterious" or "wanting to solve societal problems."