School of Science The University of Tokyo

2020

The Frontier of Natural Science

What is Science? Science is a study that unravels the mysteries of the universe. It strives to create new knowledge by understanding nature. This begins by approaching nature with a simple question in mind: “Why?” This pamphlet will present some of the activities carried out by the School of Science at the University of Tokyo, which aim to cultivate skilled and knowledgeable members of society through exploring nature.

Faculty of Science Graduate 10 undergraduate departments School of Science dedicated to studying science 5 graduate departments dedicated to gaining a deeper understanding of science Mathematics／Information Science Physics／Astronomy Physics／Astronomy Earth and Planetary Physics Earth and Planetary Science Earth and Planetary Environmental Science Chemistry／Biological Sciences Chemistry／Biophysics and Biochemistry Biological Sciences Bioinformatics and Systems Biology

Contents

The Joy of Unraveling the Mysteries of Nature 01 Explorers of the Field of Science 02 International Programs at the School of Science 04 School of Science as a Global Hub 05 Departments in the Faculty of Science 08 Graduate Departments to Nurture Science 10 History of the School of Science 12 Column A Mountaintop Perch with Views of the Starry Sky 13

Editing: Masatsugu Kayahara Interviews and writing: Masatsugu Kayahara, Jiro Urushihara and Toshihiro Nakamura Photography: Junichi Kaizuka Design: Mitsunobu Hosoyamada and Azusa Suzuki（ Hosoyamada Design Office） Writing and editorial supervision: Office of Communication, School of Science, The University of Tokyo

Science seeks to solve the unknown mysteries of nature. It involves finding your own answers to challenging questions that defy solution. You could also say that it is an epic adventure with endless challenges and joys. As such, the School of Science at the University of Tokyo will continuously satisfy your spirit of inquiry and intellectual curiosity.

Science is also the cornerstone of the development and prosperity of society. For example, the GPS we use for navigation is based on The Joy of Einstein's theory of relativity, and the semiconductor devices found in computers operate on the principles of quantum mechanics. In this way, scientific discoveries and ideas have dramatically enriched human Unraveling the lives.

Mysteries of Nature Through the process of unraveling the mysteries of nature, in the School of Science you can learn to think logically and acquire the skills to solve the problems facing our society. A science-based approach is indispensable for tackling these difficult challenges, including the serious problem of global warming that we face today. I strongly believe that your studies in the School of Science will be a great source of strength for humanity.

Dean of the School of Science The University of Tokyo Masahiro Hoshino Masahiro Hoshino graduated from the Department of Geophysics in the School of Science at the University of Tokyo in 1981, and was awarded a Doctor of Science with a major in space physics in 1986. After serving as a researcher at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and as an associate professor at the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), he has been a professor of the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of Tokyo since 1999. In April 2020, he was appointed to his current position as Dean of the School of Science.

01 01 Explorers of the Field of Science

Attracted by the freedom of mathematics Potential to expand into the world of logic

The world of mathematics is strictly governed by logic—if it can be proved, any approach is acceptable. Attracted by that freedom, singularities are my daily challenge.

Algebraic geometry is a discipline that of an algebraic variety without a Department of Mathematical Engineering bridges algebra, which deals with symbolic singularity can be analyzed by and Information Physics, which teaches expressions, and geometry, which deals differentiation, but this doesn’t work for applied mathematics. with figures. As Professor Takagi describes those with singularities. “I was interested in applied it, “algebraic geometry is the field of study Professor Takagi studies algebraic mathematics, but I was also concerned in which figures are analyzed algebraically.” varieties in the unique world of about whether I could keep up with It is mainly concerned with investigating “characteristic p,” where p is a prime abstract discussions of pure mathematics. the nature of algebraic varieties, special number, in which adding 1 to itself p At that time, I sought advice from types of figures that can be represented by times yields a result of zero. Professor Junkichi Satsuma, who was in polynomials. “Algebraic varieties are classically charge of a class on ordinary differential One thorny problem that arises in the considered in the framework of complex equations, and he recommended that I study of algebraic varieties is that of the numbers.In the world of characteristic p, enter the Department of Mathematics. ‘In so-called singularity. Singularities are however, a “pathological” phenomenon the Department of Mathematical points on algebraic varieties that are “sharp happens, something that isn't seen in the Engineering and Information Physics, or twisted, but not smooth.” The properties case of complex numbers, and this makes students learn the basics of mathematics analysis of figures difficult. The world of at first, and the basics are the same in characteristic p might seem artificial, but both pure and applied mathematics. If it actually has real life implications, as it’s you think you can't keep up with the pure used in encrypted communications on the mathematics in the Department of Internet.” Mathematics, you can go on to the Algebraic geometry is something of a Department of Mathematical Engineering Japanese specialty. Three Japanese and Information Physics in graduate mathematicians have been awarded the school. If you do so, what you learned in Fields Medal, sometimes referred to as the the Department of Mathematics will be Nobel Prize of mathematics, and all three useful.' I followed that advice and entered studied algebraic geometry. Kunihiko the Department of Mathematics, where I Kodaira, the first Japanese to win the soon found my niche in algebraic Fields Medal in 1954, graduated from and geometry.” was later appointed to a professorship in “The attraction of the Department of the Department of Mathematics at the Mathematics is the excellence of its University of Tokyo. The influence of students,” Professor Takagi says. Kodaira still resounds throughout the “We often think of mathematics as a department today. solitary activity, but it’s very important to Professor Takagi says that the freedom discuss your work with others in order to of mathematics appeals to him. get your ideas into shape. There are so “Ultimately, if you can prove something, many wonderful people around me, it’s an you can choose any approach you wish, excellent working environment.” no matter how outrageous. The exciting part is that your thinking is completely unfettered.” He was fascinated by this freedom of Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences thought since he was an elementary Mathematics Professor school student. “What I liked doing at that time was Shunsuke Takagi the kind of math question called a word problem. Although they might have been Shunsuke Takagi graduated from the contrived, I enjoyed thinking about real Department of Mathematics at the University of Tokyo in 2000, completed a doctoral course events in terms of numbers.” in the University’s Graduate School of When he was in high school, his Mathematical Sciences in 2004, and became interest in the application of mathematics an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Mathematics, Kyushu University. He then to real problems grew, even to the extent served as an Associate Professor there and in of reading an introductory text on the Graduate School of Mathematical operations research. When it came to Sciences at the University of Tokyo before taking his current position at the University choosing his path in higher education, he of Tokyo in 2018. He has also been a visiting had a hard time deciding between the researcher at the University of Michigan and Department of Mathematics and the the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

02 Explorers of the Field of Science

The shape of the universe is changing, There are several models describing Japan with an international collaboration. but it’s difficult for humans to recognize how spiral galaxies may be formed. For Researchers including Egusa use different because our time span is too short example, the density-wave model suggests types of data obtained from different compared to that of the universe. that the overall shape of the spiral is telescopes around the world, depending The shapes of galaxies, which number retained even though individual stars are on their scientific goals. in the trillions, have also changed over moving. In the dynamic spiral arm model, When she was in elementary school, time. Six billion years ago, irregular each arm is repeatedly created and Egusa was drawn to the beauty of space in galaxies with amorphous star distributions destroyed, but the shape as a spiral galaxy an NHK TV science program. She entered accounted for the majority of galaxies in is retained over the long term. the Department of Astronomy as she had the universe, but today, spiral galaxies such Research to date has suggested that hoped, and first came across the spiral as the Milky Way account for more than spiral galaxy morphology cannot be galaxy M99 as a candidate research project 70% of the total population. explained by using just one model. in her fourth year. Then the laboratory How have spiral galaxies been formed Assistant Professor Egusa is therefore head Professor Yoshiaki Sofue (currently during this period? Assistant Professor looking closely at spiral galaxies in an professor emeritus) invited her to take it Fumi Egusa addresses this mystery in her attempt to classify them according to the on as a project, as no-one else had. “I research. various models. came to prefer spiral galaxies to theory,” “If we were to spend 100 million years The target of her observations and she mused. observing galaxies, we’d know straightaway, analysis is the distribution of stars and Her work on spiral galaxies has taken but that’s impossible. We’re trying to figure gases that make up spiral galaxies. her to several research institutes across out why there are so many spiral galaxies “Theoretical calculations have shown the globe. As someone who has now from our current observations alone.” that the density-wave model and the experienced many different astronomy dynamic spiral arm model lead to research environments, Assistant different distributions of stars and gases. Professor Egusa says that the Department In the former, the locations in which stars of Astronomy “covers a wide spectrum of and gases are distributed are different, research, with several areas of interest in but in the latter, stars and gases are each laboratory.” Interactions with essentially distributed in the same members of other laboratories are location. When we looked at one frequent, and joint research is possible particular galaxy, we found that one arm across different fields. was close to the density-wave model and Nevertheless, the focus of her research the other was close to the dynamic spiral remains squarely fixed on spiral galaxies. arm model. It’s quite likely that a single “I’m delighted when we obtain the galaxy can have different types of arms.” results we expect, but it's also fascinating For her observations and analysis, to see unexpected findings that raise new Egusa uses data from the ALMA questions. Going forward, I'm looking Telescope in Chile, operated by the forward to continuing my observations National Astronomical Observatory of and research into spiral galaxies.”

Fascinated by the shapes of galaxies How are the spiral arms of a galaxy formed? How can we understand the changes taking place in the universe? Unravelling the mystery behind galaxies changing shape over time.

Institute of Astronomy Assistant Professor Fumi Egusa Graduated from the Department of Astronomy, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo in 2008, where she was awarded a Ph.D. (Science). After working as a researcher at the California Institute of Technology, the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (JAXA), and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), and as a specially appointed assistant professor at NAOJ, she assumed her current position in 2018.

03 International Programs at the School of Science 02 The School of Science offers both short-term and long-term options for students abroad who are interested in broadening their scientific knowledge in an international environment.

01 Global Science Course（ GSC）

GSC is an all-English undergraduate transfer program. It was established to enhance cross-cultural interactions among young minds from around the world and to help develop their potential for scientific research. Selected students from universities outside of Japan are accepted into the 3rd year of undergraduate studies at the School of Science and provided a monthly scholarship as well as accommodation with fully supported monthly rent. Upon completing 2 years in GSC, they will be awarded with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tokyo. https://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/GSC/

02 Global Science Graduate Course（ GSGC）

GSGC is an international graduate program that welcomes excellent graduates from universities all over the world to study at the School of Science. It aims to foster world-class science professionals and standardizes a 5-year integrated education scheme in which students attend both the Master's program and the Doctoral program in sequence. Students on GSGC are also provided with a monthly stipend during their time on the program. https://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/GSGC/

03 The University of Tokyo Research Internship Program（ UTRIP）

UTRIP is an intensive summer research program targeted at undergraduates who are interested in pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in the future. During the program, participants receive intensive instruction and guidance on conducting research from renowned faculty members. UTRIP is open to students who are enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program anywhere outside of Japan, and are majoring in a natural science or related field. Participants will be granted financial support and can take part in cultural activities and excursions to learn more about Japan. https://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/utrip/

04 Study and Visit Abroad Program（ SVAP）

SVAP is a program that provides funding for undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Science to build their own study-abroad experience by pursuing either a research internship or attending a short-term course of their own choosing at a university or research institute outside of Japan. www.facebook.com/UTokyo.SVAP/ [Activity Reports]

05 Undergraduate Research Abroad in Science Program（ UGRASP） & Graduate Research Abroad in Science Program（ GRASP）

UGRASP is a short-term research program for 4th-year undergraduate students in the School of Science and GRASP is for graduate students. These programs provide support for students to engage in collaborative scientific research at a university or research institute outside of Japan. UGRASP: https://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ja/offices/ilo/ugrasp/application.html [in Japanese] GRASP: https://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ja/offices/ilo/grasp/application.html [in Japanese]

04 Student International Programs at the School of Science Interview 03 School of Science as a Global Hub

Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences 3rd year undergraduate student Ayoub Hafid Born in Morocco, Ayoub graduated from Elaraki High School in 2015. Awarded a scholarship under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) program for international students, he studied Japanese for a year at the Japanese Language Center for International Students at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies in 2016, then entered the University of Tokyo’s College of Arts and Sciences in 2017. Since 2019, he has been enrolled in the Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Tokyo.

my teachers and classmates. and sophomores study not only their own To be a mathematician Through practicing karate in Morocco specialized subjects, but also other areas whose work benefits society when I was a junior high school student, I such as the natural sciences, humanities became interested in Japan and Japanese and social sciences. In addition to courses The recipient of a MEXT scholarship, I culture. I was also aware of the advanced in physics, my old favorite, I also studied am enrolled in the Graduate School of nature of research in Japan because I the history of Africa in my international Mathematical Sciences. I enjoy the knew of Professor Shinichi Mochizuki, relations class. back-and-forth of listening and asking the mathematician at Kyoto University After enrolling in the Graduate School questions in our lively seminar sessions. who solved the difficult abc conjecture of Mathematical Sciences, I found that the It’s an added bonus that third-year and had heard the news that three level of research and education was even undergraduates can audit fourth-year Japanese physicists jointly won the Nobel higher than my expectations. Our classes. Prize in Physics in 2014. Many students lecturers are accomplishing excellent In the summer of my third year, I went from Morocco go to France and other research, and the classes are very to University College London for a European countries to study, but I wanted advanced. My fellow students are diligent, two-month course as part of the Global to experience something different. The enthusiastic, and inspiring. Education for Innovation and Leadership fact that I was able to pass the Japanese Living in Tokyo is really convenient, (GEfIL) overseas program. Some overseas Government Scholarship Exam and with no drawbacks whatsoever. I also have student programs have fixed courses, but I receive financial support from MEXT was a part-time programming job, giving me a personally emailed my professor for also a key deciding factor for me to study fulfilling life both on and off-campus. permission to study abroad, and I’m in Japan. I’m aiming to be a mathematician in grateful that my application was accepted. Government-sponsored international the future. In particular, I’m interested I began to enjoy math when I was a junior students undertake a curriculum of broadly in analysis and geometry, and high school student. Originally I liked preparatory education for one year after research in the field of non-commutative information technology and physics, but I arriving in Japan. I studied Japanese at geometry that combines the two. Non- soon realized that I actually needed to the Japanese Language Center for commutative geometry is also an area know math to understand these subjects. International Students at Tokyo University concerned with physical phenomena. I It's interesting that in math, you can make of Foreign Studies. The Japanese language hope others can apply my research results discoveries just by thinking. I enjoy education at the Center was excellent, to challenges in the real world. My goal is working out theorems and other proofs, enabling me to master kanji characters, to be a mathematician whose work then comparing them with the examples in and deliver speeches and discuss various benefits society. our textbooks to see if they’re correct, and topics in Japanese. I also like discussing math problems with At the University of Tokyo, freshmen

05 03 School of Science as a Global Hub

Department of Astronomy 1st year Doctoral student Kianhong Lee Born in Taiwan, Kianhong graduated from the National Taiwan University (NTU) in 2011, then worked at the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, where he was involved in radio telescope receiver development. In 2017, he entered the master’s course in astronomy in the Graduate School of Science at the University of Tokyo. He completed the course in 2019 and is currently pursuing his doctorate.

universe are quieter than those from Japan. There, I was involved in the Pursuing a Ph.D. bright quasars of the same age. development of a receiver for the researching galaxy evolution The use of telescopes around the world ALMA telescope in Chile. is allocated in response to observation I decided to go to graduate school I study astronomy, and in particular, the proposals submitted by researchers, because I had longed to study astronomy evolution of galaxies. I’m looking for clues stating what they wish to observe and for as a science while I was working. You need about how galaxies were formed and how what purpose. In the past, we have used a Ph.D. to survive as a researcher, and they have evolved into their forms today, public data for analysis, but we are also Japan is a leader in the field of astronomy from observations of light and radio waves working on observation proposals to in Asia. As both the University of Tokyo emitted from active galaxies. further advance our research. Our and NTU are former Imperial universities, Each active galaxy has a supermassive previous JVLA work included data I felt a connection between them, and black hole at its center, which is thought to obtained from my observation proposal, therefore chose to study abroad at the be the energy source for the emission of and we now plan to investigate the University of Tokyo. When I took the light and radio waves. We believe that there evolution of galaxies from a more entrance exam for graduate school, I is a relationship between the mass of the multifaceted perspective by observing the sought help from Professor Kotaro Kohno, black hole and that of the galaxy, and we distribution of radio emission and my current supervisor, on applying for a are seeking to understand how galaxies hydrogen gas in a type of active galaxy scholarship. I am also grateful to Professor evolve by exploring the relationship known as radio galaxies. The analysis of Kohno for helping me develop my between these masses. this observation data and the approval of research plan. In my master’s course, I focused on the my observation proposal have given me Before going abroad, I studied Japanese evolution of the active galaxies called great confidence as a researcher. I am as a third language at NTU and practiced quasars. Quasars are typically very bright really looking forward to future my conversation skills in an online forum. objects, but some are fainter. Many faint observations. As there are foreign students like me in quasars have been found at great distances When I was a child in my hometown in graduate school, English is used in from the earth―that is, quasars that were Taiwan, I became interested in astronomy classes, but I think it is more convenient formed shortly after the birth of the after watching a video given to me by my to be able to speak Japanese when you universe―and we have explored their parents, making me wonder about the have deep discussions with Japanese characteristics. From a series of studies many phenomena in the universe. After teachers and students, and also when you using data from the Jansky Very Large graduating with a physics degree from want to talk about daily life. Array (JVLA) telescope operated by the US NTU, I worked as an engineer at the My immediate goal is to complete my National Radio Astronomy Observatory, we Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy doctorate. I want to acquire advanced were able to deduce that the radio and Astrophysics, which is equivalent to knowledge and skills, and make emissions from faint quasars of the early the National Astronomical Observatory of achievements fitting to a Ph.D.

06 03 School of Science as a Global Hub

Department of Physics 1st year Master’s student Natsumi Ogawa In 2015, Natsumi Ogawa graduated from Yokohama Futaba Senior High School and entered the University of Tokyo. She participated in the Study and Visit Abroad Program (SVAP) in her third year in the School of Science, and the Undergraduate Research Abroad in Science Program (UGRASP) student in her fourth year, both times visiting at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). In 2019, she joined the Aihara-Yokoyama Group, Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science.

the destination can be chosen by the In 2002, Professor Emeritus Masatoshi From CERN to applicants if an appointment during their Koshiba was awarded for his observation Super-Kamiokande: Research in stay is secured. of cosmic neutrinos in the earlier At CERN, I participated in an Kamiokande facility, and in 2015, Professor the sacred ground of my dreams experiment involving laser spectroscopy Takaaki Kajita was awarded for his of antiprotonic helium at the antiproton observation of neutrino oscillations using Even before I entered university, I was decelerator facility, the only one of its the Super-Kamiokande detector. interested in physics, which seeks to kind in the world. The purpose of the Super-Kamiokande is mostly famous understand fundamentally how things experiment was to explore the breakdown for neutrino observations, but the work. When I was a high school student, I of a basic principle known as the CPT observation of proton decay has also been participated in competitions such as the symmetry. In the winter of the following an important purpose since the beginning Physics Challenge of the Committee of year, I stayed at CERN again for about 2 of the experiment. In the standard theory Japan Physics Olympiad. In my first two months under another initiative of the of elementary particles, protons are stable years as a university student, I took a wide School of Science, the Undergraduate and do not decay. However, the theory is range of classes, not only physics, but also Research Abroad in Science Program not perfect, and new hypotheses beyond any other subject that I felt interesting. In (UGRASP). It was right around the time the standard theory are being explored. In the end though, I enrolled in a physics of an experimental upgrade, and I many grand unified theories, proposed as degree because that was always my goal. participated in the development of a high- successors to the standard theory, protons In the summer of my third year, I had intensity laser device. These two stays at are expected to decay into other particles. the opportunity to study for two months at CERN gave me valuable opportunities to Even if it exists, proton decay will be a CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, through the work on the operation and development very rare event, and is yet to be observed. Study and Visit Abroad Program (SVAP) in of experimental equipment. Even at the Theoretically, various modes of decay have the School of Science. For those who study undergraduate level, I was able to been proposed, and it is my aim to physics, CERN is sacred ground. Even experience cutting-edge experiments at investigate one of the modes that have not when I was in high school, I realized that I the sacred ground of physics, which gave been examined closely by other wanted to study there someday. Inspired me even greater motivation to pursue researchers and to see the indications of by a lecture in the Department of Physics research. proton decay. given by Dr. Masaki Hori of Max-Planck- In my master's course, I have been The Hyper-Kamiokande detector, Institute for Quantum Optics in Germany, working in Professor Masashi Yokoyama’s which expects to have higher sensitivity who was conducting a research project at group, searching for proton decay using than that of the Super-Kamiokande, will CERN, I approached Dr. Hori, who readily the Super-Kamiokande facility in the be in operation in the latter half of the agreed for me to visit. I then immediately town of Kamioka in Hida City, Gifu 2020s. I look forward to continuing applied for a placement under SVAP. One Prefecture. Kamioka has been the cutting-edge research there with the aim of the key features of this program is that birthplace of two Nobel Prizes in Physics. of making new discoveries in physics.

07 04 Departments in the Faculty of Science A Message and Introduction from the Department Chairs in the Faculty of Science

Satoshi Hiroshi Yamamoto Imai Eternally true discipline If you are dissatisfied with searching for the limits of the information technology knowledge and principles of before your eyes, join the phenomena. Department of Information Science.

Mathematics Information Science Focuses on the interdependence between mathematics Aims to approach the essence of information processing and natural science. Seminars and coursework deepen through education and research in areas such as students’ understanding of the main trends in modern fundamental theory of computation, programming mathematics and develop their problem-solving and languages, visual information, computer architecture, data collection skills. machine learning, and bioinformatics.

Shinji Tomonori Tsuneyuki Totani The world may look different Approach, and then feel if you understand the physics the mystery of the great of natural phenomena. universe by the power of science.

Astronomy Physics One of the few departments Covers almost all of the frontier areas of modern in Japan that focuses on the study of the universe, physics, including condensed matter physics, from celestial bodies and astronomical phenomena astrophysics and cosmology, elementary particle physics, to the universe as a whole. Major research areas nuclear physics, atomic and molecular physics, quantum include optical and infrared astronomy, theoretical information, biophysics, and plasma physics. astronomy, radio astronomy and space astronomy.

08 Satoshi Eiichi Ide Tajika From the wonder of space Explore the mysteries of and planets to the reality of the Earth and planets weather and earthquakes. with the eyes of science, and build a new world view.

Earth and Planetary Environmental Science Earth and Planetary Physics Studies phenomena on the surface of the Earth and Examines various phenomena occurring on Earth and other planets from an environmental perspective. other planets in the solar system and even beyond from a Students build a foundation in this field through physics standpoint. The curriculum includes physics and lectures and practical training in chemical analysis, mathematics, field observations, laboratory experiments, gene analysis and numerical simulation, as well as as well as computer programming. through fieldwork in both Japan and abroad.

Hiroyuki Osamu Isobe Nureki Deep into the Central With only one lifetime to Science of atoms and live, the wise approach is to molecules! follow your chosen path with wholehearted commitment.

Biophysics and Biochemistry Chemistry Uses an interdisciplinary Challenges to elucidate fundamental mechanisms, approach to elucidate the fundamental principles of create new materials and technologies, and discover biological phenomena and understand the underlying new phenomena through the research of atoms and mechanisms at a molecular level. Merges theory from molecules. All lectures are given in English to help mathematics, information science, and physical chemistry students develop an international perspective. with biochemistry and molecular biology experimentation.

Hirokazu Tatsuhiko Tsukaya Tsunoda All living organisms From the microscopic to the urge us to understand macroscopic – unravel the them. mysteries of life and disease.

Biological Sciences Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Studies the biological mechanisms and phenomena of the Aims at exploring a new, cutting-edge academic field that myriad of organisms that have appeared and evolved on merges approaches in biological and computational Earth over the past four billion years. Students specialize sciences. Uses a dual-faceted approach that clarifies life in flora, fauna, or anthropology, and study animals and principles as systems by developing new ideas and plants in their natural environment. utilizing advanced technologies.

09 Science seeks to reveal universal truths about the Graduate natural world. 05 It inspires research driven by a spirit of inquiry Departments and individual curiosity to search out new knowledge, to Nurture and begins by approaching nature and asking the burning question: “Why?” Science The School of Science’s five graduate departments ― Physics, Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Science, Chemistry, and Biological Sciences ― generate seeds that can be cultivated by deep understanding and knowledge of the natural sciences, and foster the knowledge professionals who will provide the driving force to enrich our lives.

Physics

Physics encompasses a wide range of research fields, including elementary particle and high energy physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, fluid and plasma physics, condensed matter physics, quantum electronics, and biophysics. The Department of Physics has about 130 faculty members, including those of the School of Science, and those affiliated with various institutions on and off campus. Students majoring in physics participate in path-breaking research activities in an extensive range of laboratories. Through experience in practical learning and participation in advanced research in physics, which requires unceasing innovativeness and creativity, the Department of Physics aims to foster competent researchers and technical experts who can play active roles in their chosen fields.

Astronomy

In recent years, astronomy has made remarkable progress, both observationally and theoretically, in fields of research from the solar system to deep space, thanks to new observational modalities such as gravitational waves that complement electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths, and utilizing observations made both from the ground and in space. To foster the next generation of researchers who can lead the way in rapidly-advancing astronomical research, the master's program teaches the knowledge and research methods necessary to write academic papers, and the doctoral program develops the skills for independent global-scale research. While few graduate schools in Japan offer astronomy as an independent major, the number of faculty members in the Department of Astronomy, including those concurrently working in the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, and the breadth of research fields it covers are significant in global terms.

10 Earth and Planetary Science

Earth and planetary science seeks to understand the current state of the Earth and planets, and their surrounding hydrospheres, and interplanetary spaces and the origin and evolution of the Earth, planets, and life since the formation of the solar system, and to predict large-scale and complex changes in the Earth and planetary system. As the core institute for research and education in this field in Japan, the Department of Earth and Planetary Science aims to foster students with the ability to gain insight into natural phenomena and to create original research through systematic education and individually-supervised research based on applied mathematics, physics, materials science, and natural history, and to produce researchers with extensive knowledge and advanced expertise in Earth and planetary science.

Chemistry

Research on the fundamental scientific discipline of chemistry is key to advances in other natural sciences such as physics, biology, and geology, as well as applied technologies related to the environment, energy, life, materials, and information. In the Department of Chemistry, students progress through lectures on advanced knowledge and the latest research, complemented by cutting-edge research activities in the laboratory. The Department also features an international perspective with a high level of interaction between its many foreign researchers. Through these activities, the Department aims to foster researchers who will support and lead the international frontiers of chemical research in educational institutions, and the public and private sectors.

Biological Sciences

In 2014, the Department of Biological Sciences was transformed by the merger of two former departments into one with a capacity of 84 and 44 students in the master’s and doctoral courses, respectively. Students in this Department are engaged in research that seeks to understand universal phenomena and diversity in biology in 90 laboratories, including core facilities, two botanical gardens, a marine biological station, and genetics research laboratory. The biological sciences deal with objects ranging in size from angstroms to the continental scale. The faculty and students advance their own research programs while studying a broad spectrum of research at classes, workshops, and retreats. In a free atmosphere, we aim at unraveling great mysteries and opening up the frontiers of biology.

11 History of the School of Science 06 In 2017, the School of Science at the University of Tokyo celebrated its 140th anniversary. In commemoration, we look back over its history.

founder of Japanese physics,” and Dr. Joji graduated from the School of Science, and Science in Japan and its Origins Sakurai (1858-1939), who is referred to as the among these graduates are recipients of “father of modern chemistry in Japan.” Among globally prestigious awards. The first alum to The School of Science was founded Dr. Yamakawa’s students was Dr. Hantaro enjoy international success was Dr. Kunihiko alongside the University of Tokyo in 1877, but Nagaoka (1865-1950), who created the Kodaira (1915-1997), who in 1954 became the its origins can be traced back to the 17th “Saturnian model of the atom” in 1903. In first Japanese person to be awarded a Fields century. addition, one of Dr. Sakurai’s students was Dr. Medal for his achievements in the theory of In 1684, the Tokugawa government formed Kikunae Ikeda (1864-1936), who in 1907 complex manifolds. In 1973, Dr. Leo Esaki the Astronomy Agency (Tenmonkata) to discovered Umami. became the first alum to win the Nobel Prize in compile calendars. The technology used for Physics for his discovery of tunneling astronomical observation, as well as the The School of Science in a phenomena in semiconductors. Three other Agency’s accumulated knowledge, were Global Context graduates have gone on to make significant inherited by what would later become the achievements in the field of elementary particle School of Science. That same year, the The School of Science has pioneered new physics and win a Nobel Prize in Physics: Dr. Tokugawa government also established the fields of study in various eras. The Great Kanto Masatoshi Koshiba in 2002 for the detection of Koishikawa Medicinal Herb Garden (presently Earthquake in 1923 led to the establishment of cosmic neutrinos, Dr. Yoichiro Nambu (1921- known as Koishikawa Botanical Garden), the Department of Seismology that same year. 2015) in 2008 for the discovery of the which became part of the School of Science in The department was renamed to the mechanism of spontaneous broken symmetry 1877. In 1860, the Seirenkata (Department of Department of Geophysics in 1941, and then in subatomic physics, and Professor Takaaki Refining), which was the predecessor of the became the present Department of Earth and Kajita in 2015 for the discovery of neutrino Department of Chemistry, was formed by the Planetary Physics. In the 1940s, the field of oscillations. Tokugawa government as part of the Bansho molecular biology underwent rapid advances, In 2016, another graduate from the School Shirabesho (Institute for the Study of particularly in the United States. In response, of Science, Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi, won the Barbarian Books). the Department of Biophysics and Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his The School of Science consisted of five Biochemistry was established in 1958, which discoveries of mechanisms for autophagy. departments when it was first established: was the first university department in Japan to Throughout its history, the School of Science Mathematical Physics and Astrology, Geology specialize in molecular biology. has played an integral role in the global field. and Mining, Chemistry, Biology, and In 1975, around when computers started to Engineering. The Department of Mathematical become more prevalent in society, the Kunihiko Kodaira Physics and Astrology separated into what are Department of Information Science was Graduated from the now the Departments of Mathematics, Physics, established with the aim to both teach and Department of Mathematics and Astronomy. The Department of Geology conduct research in the field of Information in 1938 Former Dean of the School and Mining would later become the Science. Developments in information science of Science Department of Earth Science, and eventually significantly transformed approaches to ©Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, The University of Tokyo the current Department of Earth and Planetary science, especially in life science. This resulted Environmental Science. (The Department of in the formation of a bioinformatics research Takaaki Kajita Engineering would later separate from the program in 2001 that focused on examining life Special University Professor, The University of Tokyo School of Science and become the predecessor as information. The program was then ©Institute for Cosmic Ray of the School of Engineering.) expanded to become the Department of Research, The University of Tokyo Faculty at the time included Dr. Kenjiro Bioinformatics and Systems Biology in 2007. Yamakawa (1854-1931), who is known as “the Over the past 140 years, many students have

The 140-year History of the School of Science The University of The University of Tokyo Imperial University was renamed to Tokyo was founded became Imperial University Tokyo Imperial University

1684 1860 1877 1880 1881 1886 1893 ’97 1901 ’02 ’07 ’19 ’23 ’39

Tokugawa The College of Science The Department The Seismology The Department The Department of The Department of government was established of Mathematical Course was of Geology was Theoretical Physics Anthropology was established Physics and divided into the and the Department established • The Department of set up as part of Tenmonkata Astrology was Department of Experimental Mathematical Physics the Department divided into of Geology and Physics reintegrated and Astrology of Physics the Department the Department into the Department • The Department of of Mathematics, of Mineralogy of Physics Geology and Mining the Department Tokugawa • The Department of of Physics, and The Department of The Department government Chemistry the Department Biology branched of Physics was The Department of established • The Department of of Astrology into the divided into the Astrology was Koishikawa Biology Department of Department renamed to Medicinal Herb Zoology and the of Theoretical the Department of Garden Department of Physics and the Astronomy Koishikawa Medicinal Botany Department of The Seismology Herb Garden became Experimental course became the part of the University The Marine The Department Physics Department of Tokugawa government of Tokyo (commonly Laboratory was of Geography was established Seismology in established Seirenkata as known as Koishikawa established response to the Great part of Bansho Shirabesho Botanical Garden) Kanto Earthquake The Department of Geology and Mining Nikko Branch The College of was divided into the Department Botanical Garden Science renamed to of Geology and the Department of Mining was established the School (The Department of Mining later became of Science due to 12 part of the Department of Engineering) a legal amendment Column A Mountaintop Perch with Views of the Starry Sky

video astronomy. photographs of the sky for Institute of Astronomy Tomo-e Gozen is mounted more than 45 years. It was not Kiso Observatory on a 105-cm diameter Schmidt easy to adapt the digital telescope at the Kiso technology to this telescope, Observatory. The Schmidt which had failed to take The Age of Video telescope is distinguished by a advantage of its ultra-wide field Astronomy Begins large correcting lens attached of view. It was the development to the top end of the lens of Tomo-e Gozen that changed in the Kiso Mountains barrel to produce blur-free that trend. sharp images over a wide field The Schmidt telescope Tomo-e Gozen’s 84 high-sensitivity CMOS sensors mounted on the of view. equipped with Tomo-e Gozen Schmidt telescope. Light is the greatest enemy There are many telescopes is essentially an ultra-high- of astronomical observation. A with larger diameters than the definition, ultra-wide-angle dark night sky is essential to Kiso Observatory’s Schmidt giant digital camera. When various initiatives for the local capturing light from distant telescope, but most of them are combined with 84 CMOS community, a three-night, objects, which is why the Kiso optimized for detailed sensors, it boasts a super high four-day “Galaxy School” is Observatory was built high in observation of specific areas of definition capability of 190 held every spring for about 30 the mountains above the town the sky. In short, these million pixels. Furthermore, high school students from of Kiso in Nagano Prefecture telescopes act like huge each individual sensor covers across Japan. They collect in 1974. telephoto lenses and their the field of view of one full observational data for This observatory far from fields of view are limited. The moon, making it possible for astronomical objects with the Tokyo may now play a renewed Schmidt telescope, on the Tomo-e Gozen to photograph Schmidt telescope and analyze role in astronomy. A new tool other hand, has a wide-angle an area equivalent to 84 full the data using computers, then has been introduced there that lens that captures a large area moons at once. Discovering present their results to the can capture rapid changes in at once. The Kiso Observatory unknown astronomical other participants. In the 22 the universe in video format. boasts the largest Schmidt phenomena is now a distinct editions of the Galaxy School This tool is the new camera, telescope in Japan and the possibility because video since its launch in 1998, around dubbed Tomo-e Gozen, which fourth largest in the world. footage can be obtained over a 600 students have benefited was commissioned at the Kiso Since its completion by Nippon wide field of view. In fact, from this program hosted by Observatory in October 2019. Kogaku Kogyo (now Nikon) in several new observations have the Kiso Observatory. Some Tomo-e Gozen is equipped 1974, it has been taking already been made during pilot graduates of the Galaxy School with 84 highly sensitive CMOS operations. Tomo-e Gozen have gone on to become sensors developed by Canon. discovered a supernova astronomers or researchers in High-speed data acquisition is explosion and new asteroids, the natural sciences. The only possible with CMOS and revealed that an Observatory’s outreach sensors, which enable us to astronomical body at the edges programs have also been key in observe moving images at two of the solar system known as educating society and fostering frames per second. This has Quaoar has almost no scientific literacy. overturned the conventional atmosphere. What kind of graduates will image of astronomical The Kiso Observatory also it produce from 2020, now photography, where it was has a thriving outreach Tomo-e Gozen is fully once normal practice to take a The 105 cm Schmidt telescope at program. In addition to operational and video still image with a long Kiso Observatory. ©Koji Okumura providing access to the general astronomy will become exposure, heralding the age of (Forward Stroke, Inc.) public in the summer and commonplace?

Tokyo Imperial The University of Tokyo was University was renamed to reorganized under the the University of Tokyo new education system

1941 ’47 ’49 1958 1964 ’67 1970 ’74 ’75 ’76 ’78 1983 ’84 1990 ’99 2001 ’05 ’06 ’07

The Department The Geophysical The Department of The Meson Science The Research The Department of of Seismology Observatory was Physics was divided Laboratory was Center for the Earth Science was became established into the Department established Early Universe renamed to the the Department of Physics, (Exists today as the was established Department of of Geophysics Department of Center for Nuclear Study) Earth and Planetary The Department Astronomy, and the Environmental of Biophysics Department of Science and The Department of Geophysics The Center for Biochemistry Spectrochemistry was Geophysics and its was established established affiliated Geophysics The Bioinformatics (Exists today as the Research Research Laboratory and Systems Center for Spectrochemistry) were combined to Biology The Bioinformatics form the Department Program for The Departments of and Systems Biology The Information Science of Earth and Undergraduate Physics, Astronomy Program for The Geophysical Research Laboratory Planetary Physics Education was and Geophysics Undergraduate Observatory became became the Department of established integrated into the Education became the Geophysical Information Science Department of Physics Research Facility the Department of Bioinformatics and The Institute of The Actuary and Systems Biology The Departments of The High Energy Physics Astronomy was Statistics Program Zoology, Botany, and Laboratory was established established was established Anthropology were (Exists today as the International Center for Elementary Particle Physics) integrated into the Undergraduate Program for Bioinformatics Department of The Molecular Genetics The Information Science and System Biology was established Biology Research Laboratory was 13 Research Laboratory was established established