—Why did you choose to pursue platform studies?
Biology is a field that takes time to research. There are also challenges in implementing technology and knowledge in society. On the other hand, even in the field of biology, machine learning and other technologies are being used, and there are attempts to link genome analysis, such as the analysis of DNA and base sequences, to medical care. Furthermore, as the terms “digital society” and “information society” suggest, informatics is a field of study directly related to society. By studying informatics, I would like to learn how science and technology can interact with society.
—What research themes are you currently working on?
I am researching the phenomena that control the hatching of small fishes. The timing of hatching in clownfish is regulated by light and vibration. My research focuses on what genes, proteins, and signaling pathways are involved in that regulation mechanism. I have always been fascinated with fish, so I often go fishing and harpooning. While I wanted to study fish in university, I was also very interested in genetics, so I chose a field combining both.
—What have you gained through the School of Platforms program?
Since it has been less than six months since my enrollment in the program, I have not yet grasped the full scope of the program. However, through the monthly seminars and lectures, I feel that informatics technology and research results are permeating society at a rapid pace. For example, 5G and machine learning have spread rapidly over a span of 10 to 20 years and are now reflected in devices and systems. It is very speedy. At the same time, the aquaculture industry is also beginning to use IT, and there is a trend toward acquiring and analyzing data from the real world. I have high expectations for the evolution of analysis, such as simulating ocean straits, topography, and tidal currents to consider what kind of fish cages to build and where to farm fish, as well as virtually considering where to place mobile offshore fish cages.
—What is the platform to you (ideal situations, desirable future, etc.)?
I consider it a tool connecting technology and people’s lives. No matter how well the technology is developed, the challenges of the people who use it must be well understood to apply the technology. It is necessary to have something that connects the user and the technology. For this purpose, I believe we need platforms, a foundation for collecting information. Since many in the field of biology are not very experienced with PCs and IT, I have the impression that there is a delay in applying and handling large-scale data in their areas of expertise. I believe it would be beneficial if those in the field of biology could become skilled in IT and informatics and serve as a bridge between the two.
—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?
I believe that platforms in the new era should be those that encourage diversity. In both society and research, thanks to the platforms that have been created thus far, we have been able to expand information and break down geographical barriers. However, the diversity of ideas, knowledge, values, etc., has not yet been fully embraced by society and culture. Even in the academic world, there used to be defined areas such as biology, physics, etc., but with the increasing exchange among disciplines, the barriers between disciplines are disappearing. I think it is essential to promote such interactions.
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