On 10 September 2024, 500 junior high and high school students gathered at the venue, Shigakukan University Auditorium.
Students who had listened to Dean Kato's talk introducing the presentation slides of geological surveys conducted overseas by him and students in his laboratory and the most recent cutting edge research contents at the Faculty of Engineering, the University of Tokyo, left comments including "It was very interesting to see a world I had never known before opened up to me as I listened to his lecture right in front of me", "I could feel the passion for his research and the enthusiasm to change Japan that he had, and I felt that I wanted to face research in this way too" and "The introduction of a fulfilling curriculum which can be enjoyed after entering UTokyo was very helpful when considering my future career path". During the Q&A session after the lecture, students from junior high to high school actively raised their hands. It was so impressive to see students who were worried about their future change their faces cheerfully as if to say, 'I will do my best', after receiving his warm message to them, "Please study your favourite things to the limit, and try your best to achieve your dreams!"
Many students were encouraged by Dean Kato's lecture, and their motivation for future studies was further enhanced.
Midori Aoki (Metaverse School of Engineering)