Society for the Promotion of Science

FEATURE: JSPS Prize T O P I C S

● JSPS Prize ...... 2 ● JSPS Alumni Association Launched in Egypt ...... 6 ● Messages from JSPS Overseas Office Directors ...... 7 No. 24 ● First HOPE Meeting Held ...... 8 2008 ● JSPS-UNT Winter School on Nanophotonics ...... 9 Summer ● Colloquium Held on 150th Franco-Japan Anniversary ...... 10 ● Seminar Held to Commemorate the Relocation of JSPS London Office ...... 10 ● Joint Meeting for RONPAKU Fellows Held in Bangkok ...... 11 ● Science Dialogue ...... 12 ● Message from Former JSPS Fellow ...... 13 ● Research and Life in Japan by a JSPS Fellow ...... 14 ● Introducing Japan: Okazaki ...... 15 FEATURE Fourth Award of JSPS Prize

On 3 March, a ceremony was held to Research Center for Science Systems, port on the selection process from Dr. award the fourth JSPS Prize. Selected directed by Dr. Yoji Totsuka, special Esaki. Prof. Ono presented the 23 re- were 23 talented young researchers university professor emeritus, the Uni- cipients with a certificate of merit, a with excellent records of scientific in- versity of Tokyo. Based on the results, medal and a purse of ¥1.1 million. quiry and exceptional promise to be the JSPS Prize Selection Committee, trailblazers of scientific research in chaired by Dr. Leo Esaki (chairman of A ceremony was, then, held to confer Japan. The ceremony for the FY2007 the Science and Technology Promotion the Japan Academy Medal on five of Prize was held at the Japan Academy in Foundation of Ibaraki and president of the JSPS Prize recipients. First, Japan the presence of Their Imperial High- Yokohama College of Pharmacy) and Academy president Prof. Masaaki Kubo nesses Prince and Princess Akishino. comprising 13 members, made the final delivered welcoming remarks, after decision on the 23 awardees. which Dr. Takashi Negishi, chairman Selection of JSPS Prize Awardees of the Academy’s selection committee, Award Ceremony explained the vetting process. Then, JSPS sent out requests for Prize no- Prof. Kubo presented the medal and a minees to 3,121 Japanese research The ceremony for awarding the JSPS commemorative gift to each of the institutions and academic societies, Prize was held in conjunction with the awardees. from which it received 257 nominations awarding of the Japan Academy Medal. in June. Adding the carryover nominees At the ceremony on 3 March, JSPS Prince Akishino offered remarks, fol- from the prior year, 415 researchers president Prof. Motoyuki Ono offered lowed by Mr. Masami Zeniya, Vice Min- were screened by the staff of JSPS’s an opening message, followed by a re- ister of Education, Culture, Sports, Sci- ence and Technology, who read a con- gratulatory message from the minister. To conclude the meeting, a message of appreciation on behalf of the Prize re- cipients was delivered by Dr. Taikan Oki, professor, Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo.

After the ceremony, a celebration party was held. Attended by Prince and Princess Akishino, the Prize recipients, their guests, and the ceremony attendees, an atmosphere conducive to pleasant conversation was enjoyed by all.

JSPS Prize The Prize is awarded to Japanese researchers and to overseas researchers who have conducted research at a Japanese research The JSPS Prize was established in FY 2004 with an objective institution for five years or longer. They must have published pa- of helping to raise the level of scientific research in Japan to the pers or articles in scientific journals and other publications in world’s highest standard. It does this by recognizing at an early Japan and/or abroad, and obtained excellent scientific research stage in their careers young researchers rich in both talent and achievements. As of 1 April of the Prize year, they must be (1) creativity. The Prize is meant to encourage the young recipients under 45 years of age and (2) have obtained a doctorate degree in advancing their work. (or possess an equivalent level of scientific research expertise).

Message by Dr. Leo Esaki, Chair, JSPS Prize Selection Committee

As a representative of the JSPS Prize Research Center for Science Systems discussion and rigorous vetting proc- Selection Committee, I am very conducted a preliminary screening of ess that we were able to finally choose pleased to offer a few remarks at this the applications received over an ap- this year’s 23 Prize recipients. fourth award ceremony for the JSPS proximately 5-month period starting Prize. from June. Based on those results, I am delighted to take this opportunity the Prize Committee, comprising 13 to congratulate this year’s awardees In April 2007, JSPS sent out a call for members including myself, met on 31 and all those who have supported Prize nominations to universities, October to select the awardees. Given them in their outstanding work. research institutes and academic so- the many truly outstanding candi- cieties. Program officers of JSPS’s dates, it was only through a vigorous Let’s take a moment to consider what

2 SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ the requisites are for becoming a fully their core. Having such an inner mind evolution as a cognitive being. qualified scientific researcher. They for science is what I believe to be the are more than just being able to solve quintessential requisite of a true sci- To this year’s youthful awardees, I given problems. What’s more impor- entific investigator. Borrowing from encourage you to continue cultivating tant is acquiring a depth of scientific Latin, the word cogito connotes the your innermost mind for science, while knowledge that enables one to expand beginning of self-inquiry—a mind for building upon the superb research the envelopes of science. This means deep rational thought. The expression cornerstones you’ve already laid. I that one must first possess an inquir- cogito ergo sum is well known in its look forward with great anticipation ing scientific mind, from which well- English translation as “I think there- to the outstanding contributions that spring s/he can identify and solve new fore I am.” Coined by René Descartes, each of you will go on to make to both problems by capturing the essence at it bespeaks the starting point of one’s science and global society.

FY2007 JSPS Prize Awardees Humanities and Social Sciences

Kazuo Aoyama Professor, The College of Humanities, Ibaraki University “Study on Classic Maya Domestic Lives and Political and Economic Organization” “History of the Chinese Communist Party, and the Modern Sino-Japanese Yoshihiro Ishikawa Associate Professor, Institute for Research in Humanities, Kyoto University Cultural Interactions”

Akihiro Iwashita Professor, Slavic Research Center, Hokkaido University “Russian Foreign Policy and Sino-Russian Relations”

Associate Professor, National Museum of Ethnology, National Institutes for Ritsuko Kikusawa the Humanities “Diachronic Studies of Austronesian Languages and Cultures”

Daichi Nozaki Associate Professor, Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo “Neural Mechanism of Motor Control and Learning in Human Movement”

Mathematics; Physical Sciences; Chemistry; Engineering Sciences

Hisao Ishibuchi Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University “Pioneering Research for the Advancement of Computational Intelligence”

Shin-ichi Ohkoshi Professor, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo “Design and Demonstration of New Magnetic Properties Based on Magneto Chemistry”

Tomotada Ohtsuki Associate Professor, Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Kyoto “Invariants of Knots and 3-Dimensional Manifolds” University

Satoshi Okabe Associate Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University “Analysis of Complex Microbial Community Structure and Function in Multispecies Biofilms”

Taikan Oki Professor, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo “Predicting the Variations of Global Hydrological Cycles and the Balance of World Water Resources”

Masaki Oshikawa Professor, The Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo “New Insight on Magnetic and Transport Properties in Quantum Many-Body Systems”

Hitoshi Tabata Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo “Studies on Fusion Electronics of Nano-Bio and Oxide Artificial Superlattices”

Takayuki Nishizaka Associate Professor, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University “Single-Molecule Studies of Structure-Function Coupling in Protein Machines”

Masashi Hazumi Professor, Institute of Particle and Nuclear Studies, High Energy Accelerator “Discovery of CP Violation in B Mesons” Research Organization

Makoto Matsumoto Professor, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University “Development of Practically Ideal Random Number Generator”

Biological Sciences; Agricultural Sciences; Medical, Dental, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Motoyuki Ashikari Professor, Bioscience and Biotechnology Center, University “Identification of the Gene Regulates for Grain Production and Application of the Gene for Crop Breeding”

Hirokazu Tsukaya Professor, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo “Studies on Mechanisms of Leaf Morphogenesis”

Associate Professor, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, “Elucidation of the Pathogenic Mechanisms in Mitochondrial DNA-Based Kazuto Nakada University of Tsukuba Diseases”

Unit Leader, RIKEN Brain Science Institute Assistant Professor, RIKEN-MIT Neuroscience Research Center, The Yasunori Hayashi “Molecular Mechanisms of Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity” Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Atsushi Hirao Professor, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University “Molecular Mechanisms for Maintenance of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Pool”

Takema Fukatsu Group Leader, Institute for Biological Resources and Functions, National “Studies on Insect-Microbe Symbiotic Systems” Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology

Toru Fujiwara Associate Professor, Biotechnology Research Center, The University of “Discovery of Boron Transporters from Plants” Tokyo

Noboru Mizushima Professor, Graduate School and Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and “Studies on the Molecular Mechanism of Autophagy and Its Implications for Dental University Protein Metabolism” Titles and affiliations current as of 1 January 2008

SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 3 Young Researchers at Vanguard of FEATURE Science in Japan Awardees Speak about Their Work and Aspirations

Mathematics; Physical Sciences; Chemistry; Engineering Sciences

Design and Demonstration of New Magnetic Properties Based on Magneto Chemistry

In a metal complex, it is possible to control nets, this coercive field value is the largest the crystal structure, dimensionality, physi- magnet force observed in the world today. cal properties, and other components. Ap- plying this knowledge, our research team At the present stage, we are using chemically synthesized a uniquely struc- nano-sized iron oxide (ε-Fe2O3) to advance tured ferromagnetic metal complex that our research on electromagnetic wave displays novel magnetic properties not absorbent materials for application to observed in conventional magnetic materi- millimeter-wave communication, which will als. Using it, we have succeeded in pre- propel the next-generation of high-speed paring temperature-induced double mag- communication. We are carrying forward netic pole inversion materials, photo-induced our research with the dream of applying Dr. Shin-ichi Ohkoshi magnetization materials, photo-induced chemical magnetic materials in ways that 2006-present: Professor, Graduate School of magnetic pole inversion materials, and contribute to developing the IT industry and Science, The University of Tokyo humidity- or alcoholic vapor-sensitive mag- solving environmental problems. 2004: Associate Professor, Graduate School of nets, among other things. We have also Engineering, The University of Tokyo succeeded in preparing a nano-sized iron 2003: Associate Professor, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The oxide, ε-Fe2O3, which exhibits a large University of Tokyo magnetic coercive field of 20 kOe at room 1995: Received Ph.D. from Tohoku University temperature. In metal oxide-based mag- 1989: Graduated from Sophia University

Global Hydrology in the Anthropocene

It was a great honor for me to be awarded not really existing even on a global scale. the JSPS Prize in March 2008. The title of When I realized this, I started to collect my research evaluated for the Prize was information on human interventions in water “Predicting the Variations of Global Hydro- cycles, to model anthropogenic activities, logical Cycles and the Balance of World and to assess the balance between supply Water Resources.” I suppose my pioneering and demand in water resources. I feel very studies on the estimation of global water fortunate that such research has become a balances and variations using an atmos- basis for future water resource assess- pheric water balance method with in-situ ments in which consideration is given to observation and four dimensional data both climate changes and socio-economic assimilation datasets were highly appraised developments, while this topic has coinci- by the JSPS Prize Committee. dentally become vogue within society. I suspect that my previous research focused Even though UNESCO defined hydrology, only on the natural component of water Dr. Taikan Oki my research field, as being a “science which cycles would have had no chance to win the 2006-present: Professor, Institute of Industrial deals with the waters on the earth including JSPS Prize. Science, The University of Tokyo their responses to human activity” all the 2003: Associate Professor, Institute of Industrial way back in 1964, my research had dealt I am very much encouraged by the Prize, Science, The University of Tokyo with only natural hydrological systems. In and would like to continue developing an 2002: Associate Professor, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature the “Anthropocene” (a term coined by Paul integrated water resource model system 1997: Associate Professor, Institute of Industrial Crutzen in 2000 to describe the present incorporating various natural and anthro- Science, The University of Tokyo period of the Earth’s history when humans pogenic processes and earth observation 1995: JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow for Research are exerting an impact on global climate and systems. I believe that advancing such Abroad ecosystems), water cycles are very much research is both scientifically significant and 1993: Received Ph.D. from The University of influenced by anthropogenic activities; socially relevant in that it offers solid pros- Tokyo natural water cycles without human influ- pects for solving world water issues by 1987: Graduated from The University of Tokyo ence are a mere figment of scientific purism, enabling better water management.

4 SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ S Biological Sciences; Agricultural Sciences; Medical, Dental, Pharmaceutical Sciences D Molecular Mechanisms of Learning and Memory

How is a memory formed in the brain? This a potential cellular correlate of learning and has been a long-standing question but only memory. recently have various methodologies al- lowed us to investigate it in molecular detail. I am investigating the mechanisms under- The principal focus of my research is the lying LTP by combining different technolo- hippocampus, a small, curvy structure em- gies. In this vein, we are constructing re- bedded deep in the cerebrum. Although combinant neuronal proteins and express- small in size, it plays a critical role in mem- ing them in neurons using molecular bio- ory formation. At the cellular level, a phe- logical techniques. These neurons are nomenon called “synaptic plasticity” is ob- monitored electrophysiologically or with Dr. Yasunori Hayashi served there. Neurons communicate with state-of-art two-photon microscopy. As a 2004-present: Unit Leader, RIKEN Brain Sci- ence Institute each other through a structure called the result, we have found LTP to be mediated 2000-present: Assistant Professor, RIKEN-MIT synapse. There, neurotransmitters are by dynamic remodeling of synaptic proteins Neuroscience Research Center, The Picower released from the presynaptic terminal into that mediate transmission. An increase in Institute for Learning and Memory, Depart- the synaptic cleft, ultimately reaching post- synaptic proteins, including AMPA recep- ment of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology synaptic receptors. When a presynaptic tors that mediate synaptic transmission, is 2000: Senior Scientist, Neuronal Circuit Me- terminal is stimulated intensely (mimicking a observed after LTP induction. This is ac- chanisms Research Group, RIKEN Brain situation when a subject tries to remember companied by an enlargement of the synaptic Science Institute something), synaptic transmission is en- structure. 1996: JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow for Research hanced and lasts for hours and days. Since Abroad, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory this phenomenon, called long-term poten- My ultimate goal is to understand the mo- 1994: JSPS Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The University of Tokyo tiation (LTP), was first described about lecular mechanisms that underlie our every- 1994: Received Ph.D. from Kyoto University three decades ago, it has been proposed as day memory. 1990: Graduated from Kyoto University

Discovery of Boron Transporter from Plants and Beyond

I don’t know anybody who does not like Among the essential elements of plants, flowers. Plants make us smile and our life boron and molybdenum were the last ele- better by producing foods, materials, medi- ments for which transporters have been cines, and so on. They can do so as they identified. This milestone was accomplished grow on soils. Plants are capable of taking by our research team; we identified these up essential mineral nutrients from soils, transporters using abnormal plants that are unlike animals including humans. This abil- incapable of efficiently transporting boron or ity of plants acquired through evolution is molybdenum. The boron transporter we the foundation of crop production and envi- identified was the first one to be identified in ronmental conservation. biological systems, and the molybdenum transporter was the first one in eukaryotes. Seventeen elements are known to be es- Based on our findings, others have identi- Dr. Toru Fujiwara sential for plant growth. Most of them are fied boron transporters in humans. 2003-present: Associate Professor, Biotech- nology Research Center, The University of selectively taken up from the soil through To k y o transporters, a protein embedded in a Having gained some grasp of these trans- 1992: Research Associate, Faculty of Agricul- membrane to selectively transport sub- porters, we succeeded in improving plant ture, The University of Tokyo stances from one of its sides to the other. capacity to take up boron from the soil. 1992: Received Ph.D. from The University of This process is very well regulated. Plants We also succeeded in generating plants To k y o activate and/or repress transport capacity that can tolerate toxic levels of boron in the 1987: Graduated from The University of Tokyo depending on the nutrient availability in the soil. Such plants can be grown without soil. With this ability, they can grow in vari- boron fertilizers or on soils abandoned due Transporters are an important component of ous soils with different nutrient contents. to high boron contamination. We believe the interface between organisms and their That is, plants sense the nutrient conditions that our findings will contribute to the reduc- environment. I believe that transporter in their environment, just like we feel hungry tion of fertilizer (and energy) use and the studies will yield a range of important out- when our body demands energy. Plants enhancement of crop production in the puts, not only in plants but also in various have sophisticated mechanisms to regulate future. other organisms too. nutrient uptake and usage.

SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 5 FEATURE

Humanities and Social Sciences

Socioeconomic and Political Implications of Studies on Maya Lithic Artifacts

Since 1986, I have conducted analyses on Copán utilitarian assemblages (clusters of 123,242 lithic artifacts from the Copán re- tools, kitchenware and/or other utilitarian gion of Honduras and the Aguateca region items found at a datable archaeological of Guatemala, aimed at elucidating socio- site). Managing the procurement and ex- economic and political aspects of Classic change of such utilitarian commodities Maya civilization (AD 250-1000). Based on played, along with other factors, a signifi- an intensive experimental study on use-wear cant role in the development and mainte- of obsidian and chert artifacts, I also ana- nance of the Copán state. lyzed the microwear of 7,049 stone artifacts using high-power microscopy to study stone Turning to Aguateca, I found that artifact tool use. The primary unit of analysis of assemblages from burned palaces and Maya lithic artifacts, and of Maya archae- other structures in the ancient city’s vicinity Dr. Kazuo Aoyama ology in general, is still the individual site. In to constitute the closest parallel in the Maya 2006-present: Professor, The College of Hu- contrast, I argue that a more regional ap- lowlands to Pompeii in Italy. The results of manities, Ibaraki University proach is needed in investigating the role of my study suggest that elite women in Clas- 1997: Associate Professor, The College of cities in regional settlement systems and sic Maya society may have played a more Humanities, Ibaraki University the function of socioeconomic and political important role in artistic creation and craft 1996: Received Ph.D. from University of organizations. production than previously thought. Artistic Pittsburgh creation by noble men and women is, along 1985: Graduated from Tohoku University The results of my analyses indicate that the with the garnering of ideological, religious royal court of the Copán dynasty had at and esoteric production knowledge, seen to Maya city of Aguateca was, like Copán, an least one managerial function, exercised in be an important tactic used in establishing important production center of both utilitar- the procurement and allocation of obsidian their exclusive status and elite identity ian and luxury goods. cores, an important element of ancient within Aguateca society. Clearly, the Classic

JSPS Alumni Association Launched in Egypt

On 10 April, a ceremony was held at Last June, the alumni association ob- Cairo University to inaugurate the tained formal recognition by the Egyp- newly established JSPS Alumni Asso- tian government as a legally chartered ciation in Egypt. It was founded mainly NGO. Thereafter, new members were by Egyptian researchers who had ex- recruited and an inaugural symposium perienced collaborative research in was held as one of the centerpiece Japan as fellows under JSPS’s Post- events celebrating the Japan-Egypt doctoral Fellowships for Foreign Re- Year of Science and Technology 2008. Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo Univer- searchers. Core members among them The alumni association’s inauguration sity; Mr. Kaoru Ishikawa, Japanese worked together with the staff of ceremony, which included within its Ambassador to Egypt; and JSPS ex- JSPS’s Cairo Research Station in set- program the symposium, was attended ecutive director Mr. Naoki Murata. ting up the new alumni association. by some 100 people starting with the alumni members and faculty and stu- The new JSPS Alumni Association in Egypt ranks among the 10 top coun- dents from Cairo University. The sym- Egypt is expected to build close work- tries in the number of researchers in- posium featured presentations by ing networks between its members and vited to Japan under JSPS’s postdoc- Egyptian researchers who had experi- other Egyptian researchers and their toral fellowship program. Year by year, enced life and research in Japan as colleagues in Japan, while advancing the number of returning fellows con- JSPS postdoctoral fellows. wide and long-enduring exchange be- tinuing their research at universities tween the two countries’ academic and other Egyptian institutions has At these linked events, messages were communities. been increasing. delivered by Prof. Dr. Ali Nigm, dean, - Overseas Fellowship Division

6 SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ Messages from New Office Directors

By Dr. Yuji Oishi, JSPS Cairo Research Station Suez Canal and threatened the Egyp- Comparing Cairo to what it was 35 tian capital. But, they halted at a point years ago, people now enjoy the divi- only about 100 kilometers from Cairo dends of peace. The whole city, once in as the UN-ordered ceasefire came into total blackout, now glitters as restau- effect. rant boats decoratively illuminated cruise the Nile. Young Egyptians are no The city of Cairo had sunken into deep longer drafted onto the battlefield. darkness when I arrived there at night. However, talented young generations All the shops had switched off the are now expected to fight a good fight “Japanese?” A young soldier curiously lights in their show-windows and flats on another front—that of academic en- gazed at me and asked in Arabic from a had drawn their curtains tightly. In the deavor in a campaign of nation building. sandbagged post at a bridgehead on the streets, taxis drove slowly with their Nile River when I looked down stream. headlamps painted blue so as to avoid At a tea party held after the inaugura- At that time—35 years ago—East Asians’ an imagined air raid from the Israelis. tion ceremony for the JSPS Alumni presence in the Arab world was very Association in Egypt on 10 April, a rare even in Egypt, the leading country The next day, I strolled about the cen- troop of young students clustered in the Arab-Islamic world. tral Cairo in broad daylight to see the around me. As would-be successors of situation with my own eyes. Although Egyptian scientists who had lived and As for Cairo and the Nile, my memory soldiers and armed policemen guarded done research in Japan, they asked me goes back to 1973 when the fourth various strategic points, avenues and a volley of questions. “What’s the state Middle East War broke out. As a young squares were bustling. I found people’s of biotechnology in Japan?” “How does war correspondent for a Tokyo-based lives to be going on as usual. one obtain a scholarship to a Japanese Japanese language weekly, I rushed for university?” I was overwhelmed by Beirut, the capital of neutral Lebanon, Since then, time has passed by as water their eagerness to pursue academic to cover the hostilities and ensuing flows under bridges of the Nile. I be- studies in Japan. However, when it ceasefire between the three belligerent came a journalist-turned-professor of came to questions about getting a JSPS countries—Egypt, Syria and Israel. international relations, researching fellowship, as they were still under- and lecturing on Middle Eastern af- graduates, I regretfully had to advise When civil airlines resumed flights, I fairs. I had never dreamt of assuming them: “First, work hard and earn your went to Cairo to cover the aftermath of the post as director of JSPS’s Research doctoral degree and then, by all means, the war. Israeli troops had crossed the Station in Cairo. apply for one.”

By Dr. Hirotaka Sugawara, JSPS Washington Office

The job is also challenging because it is Environmental studies require more not as easy as it may seem. To elabo- than separate physical, chemical or rate, I would like to promote not just biological investigations, but they must the international aspect of scientific merge knowledge gained from multiple activities, but also their growing inter- fields in a cohesive way. Understanding disciplinarity. Such interfacing has social aspects of environment change is been an essential part of much scien- also essential. This requires collabora- tific research over many decades; how- tion between natural and social scien- ever, ways of doing so may vary by tists in an unprecedented manner. country. Japanese and US scientists Four days ago (on 12 May), I arrived in can learn from each other about how Understanding human conflict also Washington DC and already I am interdisciplinary research is being requires a vast knowledge of both the finding the job of office director both conducted on various topics. natural and social sciences. Political exciting and challenging. It is exciting theorists have explored this topic over because we are given the very impor- More and more physicists and biolo- centuries, but we are now at a new tant task of promoting scientific activi- gists are working together, especially in stage when historical, ethnological, ties by exchanging people between two the United States. I believe this to be a sociological, and even biological know- countries that are quite different yet sound if not an indispensable approach ledge must be combined to reach a both similar in many ways. The office for 21st century biology. Focusing on it, deeper understanding of conflicts and also organizes joint seminars, work- we have chosen “Interactions of Physics their mediation. Washington is an ideal shops and symposia to expose re- and Biology” as the subject of this year’s place for people to get together and searchers in both countries to new JSPS Science Forum, to which we have seed such activities. ideas and different views, as is essen- invited the participation of prominent tial to spawning creative activities. scientists from both countries.

SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 7 First HOPE Meeting Held as New Step to Building Asian S&T Community

On 24-28 February, the first HOPE Meeting was held at the Tsukuba In- ternational Congress Center in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.

HOPE Meetings are organized as a component of the Strategic Program for Building an Asian Science and Tech- nology Community, launched by JSPS in FY 2006. Their objective is to foster the young researchers who will shoul- JSPS president Prof. Ono Nobel laureates and other distinguished speakers der the future of S&T advancement in the Asia-Pacific region and to build tional thought so as to become the kind long-lasting networks among them. of scientists who can contribute sig- Held under the theme “Nanoscience nificantly to advancing research in both and Nanotechnology,” this first HOPE the regional and global communities. Meeting was chaired by Dr. Leo Esaki (president of the Science Academy of The opening ceremony was followed by Tsukuba) and attended by 81 post- the first lecture session. In his keynote graduate, mainly doctoral, students, address, Dr. Esaki spoke about the who were specially selected by JSPS’s concept of artificial superlattices, jointly partner agencies in the region. The proposed with his colleague Dr. Raphael young participants were divided into Tsu, and subsequent advances in that Dr. Esaki giving lecture ten small multinational groups. They field, after which Dr. Heinrich Rohrer, received lectures from distinguished former fellow, IBM’s Zurich Research demonstrated the robot suit HAL to a authorities, including five Nobel laure- Laboratory (1986 Nobel Laureate in riveted audience. ates, and engaged in seminar-format Physics) delivered a lecture on the discussions. Representatives of each contributions that nanotechnology can The second day of the meeting featured student group also delivered their own make to solving issues facing society. In lectures by six leading authorities. First, presentations. Across the spectrum of the afternoon session, Dr. Hideki Dr. Alan Heeger, professor, University these activities, the students were able Shirakawa, professor emeritus, Uni- of California, Santa Barbara (2000 to garner a deeper mutual under- versity of Tsukuba (2000 Nobel Laure- Nobel Laureate in Chemistry) described standing of the topic fields through ate in Chemistry) spoke about seren- how the dream of developing low-cost direct exposure to the lecturers’ dipity in research, drawing upon an plastic solar cells is becoming a reality profound research philosophies and episode in his discovery of polyacetylene using self-assembled nano-materials, cutting-edge scientific insights. film, and Dr. Sumio Iijima, professor, followed by Dr. Robert B. Laughlin, Meijo University, told about the series professor, Stanford University (1998 On the day of their arrival, the par- of events leading to the discovery Nobel Laureate in Physics), who had ticipants attended a welcome reception, of carbon nanotubes using electron the students image a world in which where they met and got together for the microscopy to characterize atomic carbon fuels had run out, considering first time with their colleagues hailing structures. how ready science is to take on this from Japan, Australia, China, India, great challenge that lies ahead. Then, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, New Zea- After these sessions, the lecturers Dr. Börje Johansson, professor, Uppsala land, the Philippines, Singapore, Tai- joined the student groups to hold dis- University, and member of the Nobel wan, Thailand and Vietnam. At the cussions with their members. In these Committee for Physics, spoke about the reception, the participants were seated seminar-type meetings, the students process entailed in selecting Nobel together with the members of their were able to exchange views face-to-face Prize winners and about the achieve- respective groups, who would interact with the Nobel laureates and other ments of past laureates. He was followed together over the course of the 3-day leading scientists, thus gaining valu- by Dr. Yasuhiko Arakawa, professor, the meeting. able knowledge and experience beyond University of Tokyo, whose lecture was that which could be obtained by just titled “A Quarter Century of Quantum The opening ceremony on the first day listening to the lectures. Dots: From Science to Practical Imple- was led off by welcoming remarks from mentation,” and by Dr. Akira Fujishima, JSPS president Prof. Motoyuki Ono That evening, a formal reception was chairman, Kanagawa Academy of Sci- and MEXT deputy minister Mr. Hideo held. Opening remarks were delivered ence and Technology, who spoke on the Tamai, followed by a message from Dr. by Mr. Kenichi Ichihara, mayor of discovery and application of photo- Esaki (1973 Nobel Laureate in Physics). Tsukuba city; Mr. Stefan Noreén, Am- catalysts based on nanotechnology. He admonished the young participants bassador, Embassy of Sweden; and Dr. Finally, the renowned Japanese painter to go beyond the mere application of Yoichi Iwasaki, president, University of Mr. Ikuo Hirayama, president, Founda- existing knowledge and to cultivate a Tsukuba. Then, Dr. Yoshiyuki Sankai, tion for Cultural Heritage and Art Re- sharp scientific mind steeped in ra- professor, University of Tsukuba, search, talked about the multicultural

8 SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ origins of Japanese culture derived via spoke on improving the global visibility a long history of exchange with Asia of Asian researchers and the need to across the Silk Road and about the expand networking and interaction contributions that the students’ younger among them. generation working together can make to Asia’s development. After these lec- In the afternoon, presentations were tures, the second student group discus- given by students in the discussion sion session was held. groups, each group having its own theme such as the advent of nano-robots for All the participants medical applications or the relationship between demand and curiosity as a made an observation tour of the Na- driving force behind science and tech- tional Institute of Advanced Industrial nology. Allotted ten minutes, each pre- Science and Technology and NEC’s senter summarized what the group had Tsukuba Research Laboratories. That garnered from the lectures and discus- afternoon, they all enjoyed free time to sion sessions. Following their presen- browse around town in Tokyo. In the tations, the students fielded volleys of evening, a farewell party was held in Group discussion questions including from the eminent Tokyo, giving the students an opportu- scientists. nity to enjoy a last night together in Three more lectures were presented on Japan with their colleagues from the third day of the meeting. The first In the closing session, Dr. Esaki and around the Asia-Pacific, whom they was by Dr. Tsuneya Ando, professor, each of the lecturers offered a critique had interacted so vibrantly with over Tokyo Institute of Technology, on the on the overall meeting, after which Dr. the course of the event. topic emerging physics in carbon Esaki presented each of the students nanotubes and graphene, and the sec- with a certificate of participation in the This first HOPE Meeting laid the ond by Dr. Toshio Yanagida, professor, HOPE Meeting. Then, JSPS president groundwork for the postgraduate par- Osaka University, on using biomolecules Prof. Ono handed each of them a com- ticipants to continue communicating in assembling nano-scale molecular memorative medal, on which note the with each over the Internet and to form machines. They were followed by Dr. curtain was drawn on this scintillating international networks for future re- David Swinbanks, CEO, NPG Nature event that was the first HOPE Meeting. search collaboration in the next stages Asia-Pacific, who as the editor of a of their scientific careers. leading international science magazine The following morning, the participants - Asian Program Division

JSPS-UNT Winter School on Nanophotonics

On 14-15 February, the University of interchange and networking, they en- North Texas (UNT) and the JSPS gaged each other in active discussions. Washington Office held the “Winter School on Nanophotonics” at the The Winter School opened with re- Gateway Center on the UNT campus in marks from Dr. Neogi, followed by a Denton, Texas. With the advent of welcome address from UNT dean Prof. nanofabrication and nanoscale charac- Warren Burggren. The first day fea- terization, photonics in the nanoscale tured three presentation sessions and a region have come to play an increas- poster session. In the first session, ti- ingly important role in a number of tled “Semiconductor Nanostructures for related areas. Capturing the growing Photonics,” Prof. Osamu Wada, Kobe excitement in nanophotonics, the Win- University, and two young researchers new ideas for collaboration. In the fol- ter School sought to foster young re- gave presentations. The next session, lowing third session, presentations were searchers highly versed in this emerg- titled “Hybrid Nanoscale Semiconduc- delivered on “Nanotechnology-based ing field. tors for Photonics and Electronics,” Micro-Optoelectronics Devices” by Dr. saw presentations by five researchers, M. Saif Islam, University of California, Stemming from a relationship of re- including Dr. Vladimir Agranovich, Davis; Dr. Ryoko Shimada, Virginia search collaboration between UNT, University of Texas at Dallas, and Dr. Commonwealth University; and two Shimane University and Kobe Univer- Abhijit Sarkar, Michigan Molecular other researchers. All reported on their sity, this program was organized by Dr. Institute. The poster session was held state-of-the-art projects in this field. Arup Neogi, UNT. Among the some 70 in the afternoon. Fourteen posters were Later that evening, a reception was persons attending the event were more prepared by the young researchers and held to celebrate the launching of the than 50 young researchers and doctoral doctoral students. Attracting many Winter School. students from the US and Japan. Tak- interested people, the poster presenta- ing advantage of this opportunity for tions gave rise to lively discussions and The next day saw four more presenta-

SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 9 tion sessions and another poster ses- young researchers. In the afternoon “Nano-Biophotonics,” delivered by seven sion. In the morning, presentations on poster session, 13 researchers dis- young researchers. Closing remarks “Engineering Spontaneous Emission” played posters describing their re- were given by Dr. Neogi amidst an and “Plasmonics and Metamaterials” search, again attracting many inter- ambience of abiding excitement among were given by Dr. Koichi Okamoto, ested people. The day ended with the participants. Kyoto University; Dr. Pieter Kik, Uni- presentations on “Nanoscale Optical - JSPS Washington Office versity of Central Florida; and four Spectroscopy and Techniques” and

Colloquium Held to Celebrate 150th Anniversary of France-Japan Relationship

On 6-7 March, the JSPS Strasbourg amounts of cheap energy. Such energy Office held a CNRS-JSPS Colloquium, dependence engenders serious eco- entitled “Energy Supply and Demand in nomic and environmental problems in the 21st Century—Questions and Options each country. Accordingly, a need is for Sustainable Development,” to cele- seen for the two countries to share a brate the 150th anniversary of friendly common vision with regard to the col- Franco-Japanese relations. Venued at loquium’s theme. This will entail com- the headquarters of Centre National de ing up with unified policies regarding la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in such issues as energy security, usage, Paris, the colloquium was held as one of and conservation as well as pollution the events in the anniversary pro- and global warming. To these ends, tive ways of building sustainable socie- gram’s menu. It was implemented in stronger international cooperation is ties, including carbon dioxide capture collaboration with CNRS, which has expected in areas of standardization processes, nuclear energy, fuel cells, been JSPS’s partner agency in France and human resource development. energy-efficient buildings, solar bat- over the long period since a bilateral teries, low-energy transportation, and agreement was signed in 1973. The The purpose of this colloquium was to biofuels. The event was attended by colloquium also enjoyed the support of address the issues of energy and envi- over 130 government officials, re- the Embassy of Japan in France, ronment from the perspective of ana- searchers, company executives and French Ministry of Higher Education lyses made by leading researchers in other members of the attentive public, and Research, French Environment France and Japan. Thirteen experts who engaged the speakers in an active and Energy Management Agency, and from the two countries were invited to exchange of views and information. French Academy of Sciences. present their highly pertinent research results in fields related to the theme. The colloquium’s proceedings were Energy and environment are treated as They delivered presentations reflecting broadcast in realtime over the Internet high-priority research areas in both the latest scientific expertise on policies website Canal-U. They are archived at France and Japan. As advanced indus- for greenhouse gas mitigation, on a http://www.canalc2.tv/. trialized nations, France and Japan post-Kyoto framework for reducing - JSPS Strasbourg Office operate under economic paradigms that emissions, on the IPCC’s Fourth As- rely heavily upon a supply of large sessment Report and, in suit, on effec-

Seminar Held to Commemorate the Relocation of JSPS London Office

On 10 March, a seminar, entitled demic Degrees and University Evalua- “University Futures,” was held to in- tion, and Prof. Malcolm Grant, presi- augurate JSPS’s new office in London. dent and provost of the University On 1 October of last year, the office College London. Prof. Kimura spoke on moved from its previous location in the subject of Japanese university re- Mayfair to the new one in Euston. form and internationalization, while Prof. Grant talked about the current The seminar was launched with a wel- state and future prospects of research come address from the moderator, at British universities. JSPS London Office director Prof. Yuko Furukawa, followed by JSPS executive JSPS’s programs in support of univer- Despite gale-force wind and rain on director Mr. Naoki Murata. Thanking sity internationalization. Following this, the day of the seminar, it drew a the lecturers and participants, he de- two guest lecturers delivered presenta- packed hall of some 100 people, in- scribed the transition of events that led tions: Prof. Tsutomu Kimura, president cluding such noted figures as The Earl to the office’s relocation and introduced of the National Institution for Aca- of Selborne, chairman of the Founda-

10 SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ tion for Science and Technology; Sir floor followed each lecture, spurring a steam locomotive. David Watson, professor of the Institute spirited discussion on issues and vistas of Education, University of London; relative to the reform and globalization In the evening, a dinner party was held Sir John O’Reilly, professor and vice- of Japanese and British universities. in the wine cellar of Café Royal, at chancellor of Cranfield University, which a toast was offered by His Ex- former chief executive of the Engi- At a reception following the seminar, cellency Mr. Yoshiji Nogami, Ambas- neering and Physical Sciences Re- Prof. Anthony Stockwell, president of sador of the Embassy of Japan in the search Council (EPSRC); Prof. Geof the Royal Asiatic Society (JSPS London UK. Winding up the day’s activities, Tomlinson, pro-vice-chancellor of the office’s new landlord), offered his the participants enjoyed pleasant con- University of Sheffield; and Mr. Peter congratulations. He explained how versation with each other about the Williams, chief executive of the Quality Stephenson Way, the street on which day’s program and other topics of Assurance Agency for Higher Education the office is located, is named after interest. (QAA). Volleys of questions from the George Stephenson, a pioneer of the - JSPS London Office

Joint Meeting for RONPAKU Fellows and Alumni Meeting Held in Bangkok

On 13 March, the JSPS Bangkok Office their thesis research in the following jointly held the 6th JSPS-NRCT-ARAT seminar session. Meeting for RONPAKU Fellows with the National Research Council of Prior to the Joint Meeting, an ARAT Thailand (NRCT) and the Association meeting was held in which Dr. Busaba of RONPAKU Alumni of Thailand Yongsmith, professor, Kasetsart Uni- (ARAT). versity, was re-elected as the chair of marks by Dr. Kou Ikejima, director, the association. Together with an This joint meeting has been held every JSPS Bangkok Office, followed by Ms. elected vice chair and three executive year since 2003. Originally called the Choosri Keedumrongkool, director, board members, she will serve for the JSPS-NRCT-RONPAKU Fellows Meet- Office of International Affairs, NRCT, term of 2008-2009. The members con- ing, its title was changed to the who expressed appreciation for the firmed their commitment to strengthen JSPS-NRCT-ARAT Meeting along with remarkable contributions to human ARAT’s activities particularly in the the establishment of ARAT in 2005. It resource development made by the following areas: 1) To be a center for provides opportunities to share knowl- RONPAKU program. Both of them RONPAKU alumni in Thailand, 2) to edge and information on various re- offered warm words of congratulations strengthen the relationship between search fields and to expand and to the RONPAKU fellows for their Thai and Japanese institutions, and 3) strengthen ties among JSPS staffs and achievements, and encouraged them to to work for the country’s benefit. Most Thai fellows. At the meetings, the contribute further to the nation’s sus- immediately, ARAT is planning to hold RONPAKU Medal is presented to new tainable development. Following their an academic exhibition, research pres- ARAT members to commemorate their remarks, RONPAKU Medals were entations, and special talks by out- successful acquisition of PhD degrees presented by Dr. Ikejima to six Thai standing ARAT members at the up- from Japanese universities. RONPAKU fellows who had obtained coming NRCT 2008 Annual Meeting in their PhDs in FY 2006. These new October. This year’s meeting started with re- ARAT members gave presentations on - JSPS Bangkok Office

Events Recruitments

Bonn Office For FY 2008 JSPS Abend JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (Short-term) for North American and Bonn, Mid-August 2008 European Researchers Application deadline from host institution to JSPS: 4-8 August 2008 Stockholm Office JSPS Colloquium For FY 2009 “Sustainability of Water Environment” (tentative title) JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for Foreign Researchers (Standard) Stockholm School of Economics, Stockholm, 5 September 2008 JSPS Invitation Fellowship for Research in Japan (Short/Long-term) Application deadline from host institution to JSPS: 1-5 September 2008

For details, ask a prospective host researcher or visit our website.

SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 11 Science The following fellows participated in JSPS’s Science Dialogue Program during the period from February through March 2008. For details about the program, please see its webpage at: http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-plaza/e-sdialogue/ Dialogue - Overseas Fellowship Division

Aomori Prefectural Hachinohe Kita Senior High School Mie Prefectural Matsusaka High School

Date: 24 March Date: 26 March Dr. Pradeep Sharma (India) Dr. Parali V. Bhaskar (India) Host institution: Tohoku University Host institution: Nagoya University Title: “An Introduction on Phytovi- Title: “Earth, Oceans and Ele- ruses and Their Global Impact mental Cycles” on Sustainable Agriculture”

Chiba Prefectural Kashiwa High School Miyazaki Prefectural Miyazaki Kita High School

Date: 22 February Date: 12 March Dr. Marwan M. Dhamrin Dr. Ruiqian Guo (China) (Yemen) Host institution: Kyushu University Host institution: Tokyo University Title: “ZnO-Based Nanoscience of Agriculture and Technology and Nanotechnology” Title: “Solar Cells”

Ehime Prefectural Matsuyama Central Senior High School Ritsumeikan Senior High School (Kyoto)

Date: 14 March Date: 26 February Dr. Steeve Greaux (France) Dr. Dimitar P. Zankov (Bulgaria) Host institution: Ehime University Host institution: Shiga University Title: “Introduction to the Miner- of Medical Science alogy of Deep Earth” Title: “Cardiac Electrophysiology and Genetical Diseases”

Fukuoka Prefectural Kokura High School Saitama Prefectural Warabi High School

Date: 4-5 February Date: 19 February Dr. Zhenyu Yao (China) Dr. Iskhaq Iskandar (Indonesia) Host institution: The University Host institution: Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and of Tokyo Technology Title: “Nanotechnology and Nu- Title: “Global Warming and Its Dramatic Impacts” clear Energy in the Future”

Dr. Jacques Fattaccioli (France) Host institution: The University of Tokyo Title: “Introduction to Microtech- nologies” Shizuoka Prefectural Kakegawa Nishi Senior High School

Kumamoto Prefectural Daini High School Date: 10 March Dr. Dennis B. M. Dickerscheid Date: 5 February (The Netherlands) Dr. Kim R. Larsen (Denmark) Host institution: The University Host institution: Kitakyushu of Tokyo Museum of Natural History and Title: “The Coldest Atoms in the Human History Universe” Title: “Biological Science: The Work, the Wonders, and the Relevance” Yamanashi Prefectural Tsuru High School Date: 22 February Date: 22 February Dr. Yessy Arvelyna (Indonesia) Dr. Luca Baiotti (Italy) Host institution: Tokyo University Host institution: The University of Marine Science and Tech- of Tokyo nology Title: “New Windows on the Title: “The Application of Satel- Universe” lite Images for Monitoring Oce- anic Phenomena”

12 SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ Series 先輩からのメッセージ

Message from Former JSPS Fellow (11)

The Japan-Sweden Connection: From Thunberg to the 21st Century

Holding a postdoctoral position is an interest- Hakone and Hiroshima, and he also climbed ing experience; you are in a different culture, in Mount Fuji. His collections were published in a country where your native language is not the book “Lichenes Japoniae,” which was the spoken, but at the same time you feel com- first comprehensive work on the lichen flora of pletely at home at your host university. My Japan. In Almquist’s footsteps, several Swed- colleagues in Japan had read the same litera- ish lichenologists have made visits to Japan. ture, they were using more or less the same technical equipment, and the topical questions Thanks to Dr. Kashiwadani, I got the opportu- were roughly the same. Although I had never nity to perform several field trips, e.g. to north- been in Japan before arriving at Narita Airport ern Hokkaido, Aomori and Toyama Prefectures in April 1994, I immediately felt at home at the as well as to the islands Miya-jima, , National Museum of Nature and Science in Amami-Oshima, Ishigaki-jima and Iriomote-jima. Tsukuba, Ibaraki. The warm welcome and help I also had the unique experience of participat- extended by my host Dr. Hiroyuki Kashiwadani ing in a lichen inventory on the grounds of the Dr. Göran Thor and his colleagues also contributed to this Imperial Palace in downtown Tokyo. We found Professor, Department of Ecology, Swedish feeling. JSPS’s financial support to take a total of 57 lichen species, five of which were University of Agricultural Sciences Japanese lessons was also very much appre- new to Japan, revealing a remarkably rich JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow, 1994-1995 ciated as it gave me the ability to discover lichen flora despite the palace being located in Japan on my own. the middle of the Tokyo metropolis. We were married a Japanese with whom I now have two given free access and collecting permission children. During my stay in Tsukuba, one of my My research field during my stay in Japan was throughout the entire palace area, also around colleagues was Ms. Kwang Hee Moon, a lichen taxonomy. A lichen is a symbiosis in- the private house of the Emperor. Among the Ph.D. student from Korea. After returning volving a fungus and at least one species of botanists and zoologists conducting the field- home, she arranged joint Korean-Japanese- algae or cyanobacteria. Lichens are therefore work, I was the only non-Japanese, which was Swedish lichen expeditions in Korea in 2001 defined by their biology, i.e. the relationship a great honour. and 2006. These field trips yielded a highly between the photosynthetic green alga and/or interesting material, which has already re- cyanobacterium and the fungus. Taxonomy After returning to Sweden in March 1996, I sulted in some joint papers and will continue to deals with how to classify living organisms, i.e. have visited Japan several times to conduct do so in the future. Dr. Kashiwadani has re- with elucidating what names they should have research at the National Museum of Nature cently retired. In 2008, he was replaced by Dr. and with describing how different species may and Science and to make private visits, as I Yoshihito Ohmura, who was a Ph.D. student be recognized. My stay in Tsukuba has so far during my postdoctoral stay in Tsukuba. I resulted in publications in which 12 species therefore feel confident that the close coop- from Japan have been reported as new to eration between Japanese and Swedish science and 101 species as new to Japan. lichenologists will continue.

The botany connection between Japan and I was lucky enough to obtain a university Sweden has a very long tradition. The first and position when I came back to Sweden after my certainly most well-known visitor to Japan was tenure in Japan. Not everybody in my field is Carl Peter Thunberg, a student of the Swedish so fortunate. I encourage young colleagues to botanist Carolus Linnaeus. In 1879, the first apply for postdoctoral positions abroad, as I Swedish lichenologist, Eric Almquist, visited Korean-Japanese-Swedish lichen expedition to believe that this valuable experience will im- Japan and collected lichens in Yokohama, northern South Korea in 2006 prove their prospects when returning home.

JSPS Alumni Associations

At present, alumni associations with homepages have been ● French Alumni Association established in Germany, the UK, Sweden, France, the US and India. http://assoc-jsps.u-strasbg.fr/

● JSPS Club (German alumni association) ● US JSPS Fellows Alumni Association http://www.jsps-club.de/ http://www.jspsusa.org/Alumni_association/alumni.htm

● UK JSPS Alumni Association ● Indian JSPS Alumni Club http://www.jsps.org/alumniassociation/aboutus/index.html http://www.indianjspsalumni.org/

● JSPS Alumni Club in Sweden JSPS Fellows Plaza’s Alumni Association homepage: http://www.jsps-sto.com/site.aspx?id=548 http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-plaza/20_alumni.html

SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 13 Series Research and Life in Japan by a JSPS Fellow (17)

Hailing from Lodz, Poland, Dr. Aneta Aniela centrosymmetric crystal structure, but be- Kowalska has been conducting research haves as a ferroelectric substance because with her host Prof. Kyuya Yakushi at the of non-centrosymmetry in the distribution of Institute for Molecular Science, National its electrons. Institutes of Natural Sciences under a JSPS So far, we have little knowledge on the postdoctoral fellowship since October 2006. physical properties of such ferroelectrics. Dr. Kowalska did her doctoral work under This is because there is only one known the supervision of Prof. Jacek Ulanski at the compound compatible with this concept. Technical University of Lodz in Poland. The aim of my study is, thus, to discover Prof. Ulanski had earlier been a visiting other examples from existing materials or to professor at the Institute for Molecular Sci- synthesize new ferroelectrics (our target is ence, where he conducted joint research organic material) to break the bottleneck. Dr. Aneta Aniela Kowalska with Prof. Yakushi. The two have continued Because electron-associated ferro- Ph.D. (Chemistry), Technical University of Lodz, their research collaboration, under which electrics enable optical control of laser lights Poland, 2006 Prof. Yakushi has invited postdocs from in a very fast timescale, our compounds can M.Sc. (Chemistry), University of Lodz, Poland, 2001 Prof. Ulanski’s team to his laboratory. Dr. be applied to fast-driving optoelectric de- Kowalska is the second to be so invited. vices. One may be able to find our com- pounds in advanced mobiles or sophisti- crystals, IMS, especially Prof. Yakushi’s During her doctoral course days, Dr. cated computers in the future. group, is one of the best. In this research Kowalska lived for periods in France (under field, it is very important to find ways of a Marie Curie Fellowship) and in Spain. She Your research field sounds leading-edge. applying the new materials one creates. is a very active, curiosity-driven person. How did you become interested in it? From that point of view, I was very inter- Even when it comes to Japanese culture, The starting point was quite prosaic—I ested in joining their project with a JSPS her interests transcend science and extend just wanted to study more, so I decided to postdoctoral fellowship. all the way to manga (Japanese comics). go for a PhD. Then, I met my first supervi- sor, whose research field was quite wide in What are your plans after the fellowship? Could you explain the nature of the re- scope and very interesting as it was con- Well, I’ll need to look for a job. Then search you are conducting under the JSPS nected to applications, such as electronic again, besides being a researcher, I am also fellowship? devices, for new materials. I was really a simple woman, so I have to consider Today’s information technologies, in- lucky. What I started with was a rather basic family and my personal future. I hope to find cluding telecommunication, data processing study, in the course of which some new a good position that will allow me to play and their storage, depend strongly upon the ideas signaled a turn in my research. As you both roles—one that can possibly extend aid of a laser beam—a single light wave know, always during a learning process we into a permanent job in the future. with a given frequency. When applying the discover unfilled gaps in the science, or beam as a channel of information, one has come up with a brilliant idea, or just simply What do you do when you’re not working, to modulate the frequency and the phase of change our way of thinking through interac- and how have you adapted to Japan? the light wave. This is realized by using a tion with other researchers. I cannot say I I am a very curious person, so I have special optical medium, ferroelectrics. was interested in my current field from an a lot of hobbies. Depending on my mood, I As is widely known, this feature of early age, as I was interested in too many may spend my free time either actively or ferroelectrics is associated with non- things back then. passively. As examples of the latter, I love centrosymmetric crystal structure. In my watching movies and reading books. I also study, however, I am exploring new ferro- Why did you decide to pursue your research like astronomy, and can admire the beautiful electrics based on an unconventional con- in Japan? night sky for hours. When feeling more cept: a compound that appears to have a I really didn’t have to decide. In my active, I love trekking in the mountains or field of science, Japan is one of the most swimming in the sea. If I don’t have enough attractive places to do research. When you time for those things, I go to the gym as a go to international conferences related to good alternative. molecular organic crystals, most of the I very much like Japan and the culture researchers you meet are Japanese. of the people, especially in the countryside. I think I am correct in saying that Japan is Are there special merits to doing research in very much like Poland. The people of Po- Japan? land are mainly shy and hard working. Like

Dr. Kowalska with her colleague Dr. Kaoru Among the many well-known labora- Japan, we have four distinct seasons during Yamamoto tories involved in research on molecular the year: a cold, snowy and sunshiny winter,

14 SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ a rainy but nice spring, and a rather hot yet What advice would you give to new JSPS poem by Horace: “Carpe diem.” (Seize the very beautiful summer. And autumn—yes, fellows? day!) If you try to be more outgoing, you can the season we call the “Golden Polish Do not come to Japan with special make some real nice friends in Japan. Autumn.” So I feel almost as if at home in expectations. Just enjoy it and take life here Japan. as it is. Simply, I would quote from a Latin

Introducing Japan: Okazaki

The Institute for Molecular Science, where Not far from the hub of this deeply historical hiking paths that go over hills, through for- Dr. Aneta Kowalska is doing her research, and cultural city are vast areas of natural ests and past waterfalls. is located in Okazaki city, . landscape and scenery. This is the natural environment that Dr. Kowalska so enjoys Okazaki has its own special local cuisine, Okazaki is well known among the Japanese exploring. During her year-and-a-half stay in the most famous of which is hatcho miso. as the town that gave birth to the great Okazaki, she has visited such places as the Boasting a 600-year history, it was eaten by shogun . Born in the Kuragari Canyon, exquisite in the fall with its the warriors all the way back in the Okazaki Castle, even as a child he had to river cascading through literal tunnels of Warring States period. Still very popular, deal with many difficult issues of nationwide bright red and yellow foliage. Located just a boxes of hatcho miso adorn the shelves of consequence. After bringing peace to Ja- half hour from town by bus, the Okazaki souvenir shops around town. pan’s “Warring States” period, Ieyasu es- Chuo Sogo Park has several walking and tablished the shogunate (military govern- ment) in (today’s Tokyo). In so doing, he laid the foundation for the 265-year long .

The people of Okazaki take great pride in the fact that Ieyasu was one of their own. Every spring, they hold the Ieyasu Gyoretsu (parade), featuring some 1,000 participants Inside Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park dressed in the clothes of samurai warriors and cavalry men. One, of course, playing the role of Ieyasu as the central figure. Dr. Kowalska has enjoyed participating in this parade, dressed in a Japanese kimono. OKAZAKI Within the park that envelops the castle 岡 grounds, there is an historical museum called the Ieyasu and Mikawa Bushi

Museum. Its displays tell the story of the Dr. Kowalska with her husband shogun and local Mikawa warrior clan. at the Ieyasu Parade 崎

JSPS Fellows Plaza Website

JSPS Fellows Plaza is continually in the process of updating its website, which provides information for present, past and pro- spective JSPS fellows. Please give us a visit at: http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-plaza/

You’ll find pages on “How to Apply,” “Experiences and Messages from JSPS Fellows,” “Program Guidelines,” “e-Orientation,” “Find Nearby Fellows,” “Science Dialogue,” and “Alumni Associations.” The site also carries current and back copies of our newsletter “JSPS Quarterly” and the booklet Life in Japan for Foreign Researchers.

If you have any opinions or impressions you wish to share regarding our website, please contact us at the JSPS Fellows Plaza. - JSPS Fellows Plaza

SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/ 15 For further information on JSPS’s organization and programs, please visit our website [www.jsps.go.jp/english/], or mail or fax inquiries to Cover photo: JSPS Fellows Plaza using the address or fax number given below. JSPS Quarterly and our brochure may also be downloaded. Summer sunbeams filtering through sylvan foliage onto ● JSPS Fellows Plaza the thatched gate of Honen-in 6 Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8471 Temple in Kyoto. Tel: +81-3-3263-1872 Fax: +81-3-3263-1854 http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-plaza/ Information can also be obtained from our regional offices listed below.

● JSPS Washington Office 1800 K Street N.W., Suite 920, About JSPS Washington, D.C. 20006, USA Tel: +1-202-659-8190 Fax: +1-202-659-8199 The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) was E-mail: [email protected] established as an independent administrative institution to http://www.jspsusa.org/

perform the following main functions: fund scientific research, ● JSPS San Francisco Office foster researchers, and promote international scientific 2001 Addison Street, Suite 260, exchange. Berkeley, CA 94704, USA Tel: +1-510-665-1890 Fax: +1-510-665-1891 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.jspsusa-sf.org/

● JSPS Bonn Office Wissenschaftszentrum, Ahrstr. 58, 53175, Bonn, GERMANY Tel: +49-228-375050 Fax: +49-228-957777 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.jsps-bonn.de/

● JSPS London Office 14 Stephenson Way, London, NW1 2HD, UK Tel: +44-20-7255-4660 Fax: +44-20-7255-4669 E-mail: [email protected] Crowing Rooster, Emblem of the Japan Society for the http://www.jsps.org/ Promotion of Science ● JSPS Stockholm Office Retzius Vag 3, S171 77 Stockholm, SWEDEN From days of old in Japan, it has been the belief that the vigor- Tel: +46-8-5088-4561 Fax: +46-8-31-38-86 ous cry of the rooster in the gray of the morning augurs the E-mail: [email protected] coming of a new and bright day. As the crowing rooster can http://www.jsps-sto.com/ therefore be thought of as a harbinger of the kind of new knowl- ● JSPS Strasbourg Office edge that promises a brilliant future for humankind, it was Maison Universitaire France-Japon chosen as the emblem of the Japan Society for the Promotion of 42a, avenue de la Forêt-Noire, Science. This emblem was designed in 1938 by Professor Sanzo 67000 Strasbourg, FRANCE Tel: +33-3-9024-2017 Fax: +33-3-9024-2014 Wada of Tokyo Fine Arts School to depict the rooster that sym- E-mail: [email protected] bolizes the breaking dawn in a verse composed by Emperor http://jsps.u-strasbg.fr/ Showa. ● JSPS Bangkok Office 113 TWY Office Center, 10th Fl., Serm-mit Tower, 159 Sukhumvit Soi 21, Bangkok 10110, THAILAND Tel: +66-2-661-6453 Fax: +66-2-661-6454 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.jsps-th.org/

● JSPS Beijing Office 616 Library of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) New Subscribers, Address Changes, 33 Beisihuan Xilu, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, CHINA Reader Comments Tel: +86-10-6253-8332 Fax: +86-10-6253-8664 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.jsps.org.cn/ Please contact us at the below email address or fax ● JSPS Cairo Research Station number if you are not a current subscriber and would 9 Al-Kamel Muhammad Street, like us to mail you the JSPS Quarterly, or are a Flat No.4, Zamalek, Cairo, EGYPT Tel & Fax: +20-2-27363752 subscriber but have changed your mailing address, E-mail: [email protected] or if you wish to let us know your impressions of the http://jspscairo.com/ newsletter. ● JSPS Nairobi Research Station 209/346/39 Riverside Drive Chiromo, E-mail: [email protected] Nairobi, KENYA Tel: +254-20-4442424 Fax: +254-20-4442112 Fax: +81-3-3263-1854 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.jspsnairobi.org/

16 SUMMER 2008 No. 24 JSPS Quarterly http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/