It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dr Eric Albone MBE, who passed away in August 2026.

Eric was the founding Director of the Clifton Scientific Trust, which he established to give young people the opportunity to experience science as a creative, questioning and collaborative activity. Over many years, he inspired generations of students through innovative programmes that brought schools together with practising scientists, engineers and medics.

A particular passion was Eric’s work to build links between young scientists in the United Kingdom and Japan. Through the Clifton Scientific Trust’s UK–Japan Young Scientists Workshop Programme, which he established in 2001, more than a thousand students have had the opportunity to work together with scientists and engineers at leading universities in both countries. His vision and dedication helped create lasting friendships, international understanding and, for many participants, a lifelong enthusiasm for science.

Eric’s contribution to education was recognised with an MBE in the 2013 Birthday Honours for services to education. In 2017, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays by the Government of Japan in recognition of his outstanding contribution to UK–Japan relations and science education. He was also made an Honorary Fellow of the British Science Association.

Before establishing the Trust, Eric enjoyed a career in scientific research before moving into teaching at Clifton College, where he pioneered a Scientist in Residence programme, giving school pupils the opportunity to engage directly with real scientific research.

Eric leaves an extraordinary legacy. Through the Clifton Scientific Trust, his belief that young people should be given the opportunity to question, explore and discover for themselves will continue to influence and inspire future generations.

We remember Eric with enormous gratitude and affection, and will continue to build on the work to which he devoted so much of his life.

 Welcome to the homepage of the UK-Japan Science Workshop for 2027, organised by the Clifton Scientific Trust.

In partnership with Rikkyo School in England since 2004:

Recent UK-Japan Young Scientist Workshops detailed on this website:

2023 workshop - Hosted at Tohoku University, Sendai. 50 participants.

2024 workshop - Hosted at Murray Edwards, Cambridge, with projects across the City. 53 participants.

2025 workshop - Hosted at Jesus College, Cambridge, with projects across the City. 50 participants.

2026 workshop - Hosted at Rikkyo University, Toyko, with projects there and at St Luke's. 50 participants.

The Clifton Scientific Trust and the organising committee are planning the next workshop for 2027, we hope you will join us then!

Details of their projects available and the programme will be added to this site as they are confirmed, so keep checking back.