働く・学ぶ大学院生として研究する

Linda Choubani

Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine
3rd-year Doctoral Program

I cannot believe that three years have passed since I first set foot in my current lab at RIKEN BDR. Many things have happened during that time, and I've learned many important lessons, mainly from the incredible people I've met in this institute. When I was first thinking about coming to Japan, I expected that making meaningful connections would be challenging, and to some degree, that turned out to be the case. However, I also found myself surrounded by people from all walks of life who understood the unique challenges faced by international students and who provided me with guidance and mentorship at every turn. Although seeking assistance consistently did not come naturally to me, I quickly realized that not only was it the only way to grow and acquire new abilities, but it was also crucial for becoming a person who can help others in return. The dynamic and nurturing environment I experienced also made it much easier for me to step out of my comfort zone and pursue somewhat risky ideas, taking advantage of the abundant resources and facilities here. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with diverse researchers within and outside of RIKEN and make many friends along the way, and I am hoping to make many more in the future.

Although I am only commenting on my own personal experience, I hope that this message can motivate potential international students to overcome their apprehensions about the unfamiliar and, instead, consider taking the step to become part of the BDR student community!

古橋 拓登

横浜市立大学大学院 生命医科学研究科
博士課程1年

BDRでは、第一線でご活躍されている研究者の方々からご指導いただけるため、大学院生のうちから非常に高度な研究を学ぶことができます。さらに、幅広い分野の専門家の方々が在籍しているため、新しい考えを思いついた 際には非常に有益なご意見をいただくことができます。それにより、自分の研究をより深め、新たな発見を生み出すことができるという点がとても魅力的です。加えて、BDRは学生シンポジウムやリトリートなど、他のキャンパスの学生や研究者の方々とも研究交流を行う機会が充実しているため、自分の研究分野だけでなく異なる研究分野の見識も広げることができます。また横浜キャンパスでは、同じ敷地内に横浜市立大学の鶴見キャンパスが併設されているため、大学院の授業の際は理研と大学院間を移動する必要が無く研究に時間を費やすことができました。このように、研究に没頭できる環境で常に刺激を受けながら研究生活を送ることができています。

Weng Yu Lai

Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University
5th-year Doctoral Program

I always wanted to do great science, devoting myself to doing scientific research for the sake of humankind. After I obtained my master’s degree in molecular biology, I was keen on further advancing my knowledge and marching toward my goal of becoming a researcher and a university lecturer by pursuing a doctoral degree. But I was unsure of where to go next.

With this question in mind, I asked my former supervisor, who is a RIKEN alumnus, for advice. “RIKEN is a good choice,” he said. Indeed, during my postgraduate studies in Malaysia, I often hear of RIKEN, this is because RIKEN has established a strong network with renowned universities and research institutes nationally and internationally.

Pursuing a doctoral degree at RIKEN allowed me to conduct my research with the provision of advanced equipment and administrative system. My lab members and other staff are always supportive, and they are always willing to give me a hand when I need help whether in life or study. On top of that, my supervisor, Professor Yoshihiro Shimizu’s perpetual energy, encouragement and enthusiasm kept me motivated in my research.

RIKEN cares about work-life balance, gender equality and student health. From the aspect of financial support, RIKEN offers programs such as JRA and IPA for graduate students and this enables students to focus on study and professional development without financial stress.

Fulfilling one’s dream is always full of challenges and burdens. RIKEN does its best to provide a pleasant study environment for students, and is dedicated to becoming a cradle of scientists.

矢口 花紗音

京都大学大学院 生命科学研究科
博士課程1年

私は現在、京都大学大学院生命科学研究科に所属しながら、実際の研究活動をBDR比較コネクトミクス研究チームで行っています。理研は一般的な大学内の研究室に比べて学生数は少なく、時折賑やかな学部生時代を懐かしむこともありますが、神経科学研究に用いる高度な機器・試薬を学生の身でも十分に利用することができ、また普段の生活の中でも日常的に研究者と交流できる非常に恵まれた環境での研究活動はとても新鮮かつ刺激的です。現在はJRA(大学院生リサーチ・アソシエイト)に採用され、博士課程在学中の生活基盤を持った上で、研究に注力することができています。京大以外からも様々な大学の学生が研修生やRSR(理研スチューデント・リサーチャー)、 JRAなどの制度を利用して理研で研究を行っており、学生同士の交流の機会も持たれているため、同世代間の幅広い交流を深められる場でもあります。自信を持って、後輩の皆さんにお勧めできる研究環境だと考えています。