—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?
My research subject is living organisms, and I conduct my research by observing and studying ecosystems in the wild. Conventionally, research was conducted through the human eye, but nowadays, enormous amounts of data can be used with the increasing use of equipment and the development of systems. Since there is a limit to how much of that data can be analyzed by human means, it is necessary to take advantage of machine learning and AI. In order to learn these techniques, I enrolled in the School of Platforms program. First of all, I would like to master my area of expertise, but eventually, I would like to work on building a platform that will allow us to provide the data we have collected and the findings obtained to others as a secondary area of specialization.
—What research themes are you currently working on?
My current research is on organisms such as the ocypode spp. that come to feed on sea turtle eggs. I initially started out studying sea turtles and went on a field research trip, where I encountered a wild boar feeding on sea turtle eggs. This experience made me aware of the connection between sea turtles and the creatures that feed on their eggs, leading to my desire to deepen my understanding on the relationship between sea turtles and the creatures surrounding them from a broader perspective. While sea turtles lay their eggs on sandy beaches, it is known that on these beaches, seaweed, fish carcasses, and flotsam that wash ashore form the foundation of the food chain. Sea turtle eggs are also considered a food source brought to the beach from the sea, so I am proceeding with research to clarify what role sea turtle eggs play for the creatures that inhabit the sandy beaches. Since specific results have so far not emerged, the fun is yet to come, but I am examining whether the number of ocypode spp. that are predators of sea turtle eggs will vary depending on sandy beaches that have sea turtle eggs and sandy beaches that do not.
—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?
Since I had little knowledge of informatics and the equipment used, I feel there is much to gain from the latest technological trends to basic knowledge. Notably, the seminars allowed me to learn about case studies of platforms used in society, providing material to think more concretely about what a platform is.
—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?
I have come to think of a platform as a “place where data, research publications, knowledge, etc., can be collected and used by other people according to their specific needs. When I heard the term “platform,” I used to immediately think of a search engine or other familiar software, but that perception has changed after learning about various practical examples in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, disaster prevention, medicine, and other fields, discovering that there are platforms suited to each individual field. It is multifarious, or rather, it can be applied to a broader range of fields than I had imagined. Whether it is focused on collecting data, making the collected data responsive to the needs of those who use it, or aiming for its integration. It takes various forms, and the places and people who use it vary and are extensive. It is not just in the field of informatics, nor is it just in the field of biology. I am beginning to think that it is far from limited.
—If the goal is to improve the world just a little from where it stands today, what do you think is needed, or what would you like to do?
In today’s society, we can access various information using smartphones and connect with a wide range of people through SNS. In contrast, I feel that there is a general decline in in-person communication. We see cases of anonymous slander and situations where stereotypes have become so entrenched that people are unable to accept other ideas. It is precisely because we live in such an era that I hope people will engage in discussions to resolve issues.
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