□ Monthly Message
This year brought the news of another Nobel Prize awarded to a Japanese researcher. It is deeply gratifying to see long-standing, creative research recognized on the global stage. At the same time, this achievement reminds us that alongside a researcher's intense curiosity and persistence, the environment supporting that ambition is essential.
New fields of study do not always emerge from the linear extension of existing research. Indeed, the more a study ventures into unexplored territory, the longer it takes to see tangible results—and outcomes do not always align with initial expectations.
For this reason, universities must look beyond immediate results. Our role is to respect the original ideas of early-career researchers and steadfastly support their ambition. Nurturing these researchers is nothing less than cultivating the future domains of our university's research.
□ At the Forefront
At the School of Engineering, we support the ambitions of early-career researchers from multiple angles.
The Academic Strategy Office helps young faculty launch their work through startup research funding, provides assistance with KAKENHI (Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research) applications and research funding support for unsuccessful applicants, and empowers independent research through the Associate Professor for Pioneering New Research Fields scheme. Furthermore, for recipients of the Katsu Research Encouragement Award and the School of Engineering Exploratory Research Award, we host cross-departmental networking sessions and mentoring programs to spark new interdisciplinary connections.
The Corporate & External Relations Planning Office (CERPO) supports early-career researchers in realizing their research visions by providing comprehensive guidance—from identifying internal and external funding opportunities to assisting with proposal writing, interview preparation, and post-award project management.
Additionally, the Public Relations Office highlights the work and profiles of individual early-career researchers on our website. Broadly communicating the appeal of their research and their personal journeys creates valuable opportunities for new engagement and collaboration.
□ A Call for Dialogue
Supporting early-career researchers requires more than systems and funding. Equally vital are relationships that allow open consultation across laboratories and departments, as well as a research culture that honors original ideas and encourages bold ambition. Together with all of you, we will nurture individual potential and shape the School of Engineering into a place where new disciplines continuously emerge.
