Dr. Franco Nori

Why did you choose RIKEN?

RIKEN is a truly outstanding research center with top-level research programs in many different areas of science and technology. Moreover, the working conditions at RIKEN are excellent. Indeed, our group has been able to complete several very challenging research projects, which have been published in top physics journals. Researchers who stay in our group are very productive scientifically, and are happy to be in RIKEN.

What are you researching at RIKEN?

Condensed matter physics, computational physics, biological physics, and the dynamics of complex systems. Also, quantum computing, quantum information processing, and superconducting qubits. In addition, we are also studying “artificial atoms”, and the interface between atomic physics, quantum optics, and condensed matter physics.

Dr. Hsiao-hua (Bruce) Yu

Why did you choose RIKEN?

RIKEN is the top research institute in Japan with global recognition, historical importance and impressive infrastructure. I always answer this question with “why not?”

What are you planning on doing after RIKEN?

For me, the door is still open. I am exploring the possibility of continuing my research career in Japan, particularly within RIKEN. It is also possible that I may return to Taiwan or relocate to another country. Nevertheless, the experience in RIKEN will enrich my curriculum vitae and provide an advantage for my next career move.

What do you wish you had known before you arrived at RIKEN?

Since I am from Taiwan, I have more understanding of Japanese culture and society compared to people from other countries. My advice is to try to learn as much as you can before you arrive at RIKEN since Japan has a very different culture and research environment.

What are you researching at RIKEN?

The Yu Initiative Research Unit works on the interdisciplinary research area among synthetic organic chemistry, materials science, and bioengineering. The research focus is on a concept described as “organic conductive biomaterials” to synthesize and assemble functional and conductive organic materials for bioengineering and biomedical applications.

Dr. Alfred Baron

Why did you choose RIKEN?

It seemed like it offered the best opportunity for the project I was considering and am now actively pursuing. This turned out positively. I (or more precisely, the center) got money for the project I was promoting. Also, I respected several of the chief scientists I had come into contact with.

What are you planning on doing after RIKEN?

No plan as yet. I am hoping to finish my project (probably another five years) and then I will see. My position at RIKEN is permanent.

What do you wish you had known before you arrived at RIKEN?

Many things, but it was a gamble and sometimes one just tries.

What are you researching at RIKEN?

I am interested in the dynamics of materials on atomic length scales - most specifically collective dynamics, as seen in phonons (and their relation to the properties of correlated materials such as superconductors) and collective aspects of electronic excitations as seen using inelastic x-ray scattering.

Dr. Ivana Saska

Why did you choose RIKEN? / What are you researching at RIKEN?

I am interested in plant-microbe interactions, particularly in understanding the molecular mechanisms that plants use to fight disease. Ken Shirasu is well known in the field of plant immunity and I was primarily attracted to RIKEN by the exciting research taking place in the Shirasu group. Initially I was somewhat apprehensive about the logistics of undertaking post-doctoral research in Japan, but in this respect RIKEN appeared (and has subsequently proven to be) more international than other Japanese research institutes and universities. The presence of other foreigners in our group, and the high quality of publications coming out of the Plant Science Center also helped to convince me that a post-doc at RIKEN would be beneficial for my career. More practically, my decision to choose RIKEN was influenced by the availability of a post-doctoral research fellowship as well as the proximity of RIKEN to other research institutes in the Tokyo/Yokohama area where my partner could work.

Dr. Yong Joo Lee

Why did you choose RIKEN?

After I got my doctor's degree in Korea, I was given a Korea Research Foundation grant and the opportunity to do research at an international institute. I immediately chose RIKEN as the location to develop my original and innovative ideas, because RIKEN is one of the largest and most famous international research institutes in the world.

What are you planning on doing after RIKEN?

As a result of my precious and pleasant research experiences in RIKEN, I would like to be a principal scientific investigator in the future.

What do you wish you had known before you arrived at RIKEN?

That foreign researchers can get help from ICO Room if they have any questions.

What are you researching at RIKEN?

My research focuses on synthetic carbohydrate chemistry.

Dr. Thomas Launey

Why did you choose RIKEN?

I came to RIKEN because a Japanese-American friend of my supervisor had just accepted a position at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute and he then offered me the opportunity to work on an exciting project using 2-photon lasers to measure the brain activity of awake mice. The institute was quite new at the time and not so many people had heard about it in France so it was a leap of faith but the thing that finally convinced me, besides the project itself, was that everybody I asked held the Institute's founder, Dr. Masao Ito, in very high esteem.

What are you planning on doing after RIKEN?

After my post-doc, I decided that the research environment here was too good to abandon so I applied to build a research team. My research proposal was accepted so I am now leading a small team with big dreams. Honestly, I haven't given any thought to "after" as we are all focused on the short-term goals of making sure that the lab projects are running successfully and getting our papers out.

What do you wish you had known before you arrived at RIKEN?

In term of work environment, I have not found any major differences to the research institutes where I worked in France and Switzerland, except maybe that during scientific discussion and seminars, people here tend to tone down their criticisms. Unless you know this and recognize that a seemingly bland comment is a polite way to point out a major flaw, you may feel that you are not getting feedback from your peers.

What are you researching at RIKEN?

My team is investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling communication between neurons in the brain and especially how the spatial organization of specific proteins at synapse?the connection between two neurons?underlies the formation and retention of memories. Our model structure is the cerebellum, which is one of the brain regions important for learning motor skills such as walking, eye pursuit of moving targets, instrument manipulation and other motor activities indispensable to our survival.

Dr. Piero Carninci

Why did you choose RIKEN?

All about people: I met Hayashizaki-sensei (at that time a Chief Scientist) at a conference and I liked his leadership, creativity, energy and vision.

What are you planning on doing after RIKEN?

I do not have plans after RIKEN as I consider it a place to stay for a good part of my career. I have been here for more than 14 years and I am still enjoying the science we have the chance to do. I do not think that RIKEN and Japan are necessarily places where people just visit for short time.

What do you wish you had known before you arrived at RIKEN?

I wish I had studied Japanese before coming to Japan when I was much younger, because at first it is hard to interact with the rest of the society (at RIKEN English is fine). I do not think there are other essential things to learn before arriving?everything is well organized.

What are you researching at RIKEN?

We are researching what the genomes are doing, in particular which RNAs are produced and what their functions are. Also, how the expression of RNAs is controlled. This is not only related to basic biology but also to human diseases and animal models. I also develop technologies to address these problems.

For more information on Dr. Carninci's research, see the profile of his work in RIKEN Research.

Dr. Alvarado Tarun

Why did you choose RIKEN?

First of all, RIKEN is one of the premier basic research institutes in the world. Besides the huge research budget and generous allowance, the main reason why I chose RIKEN is because with FPR you can work independently on the topic that you conceptualized and proposed. I believe this is different from the customary research positions offered by other research institutes and universities where the topic is predefined and dictated by the main proponent of the research project.

What are you planning on doing after RIKEN?

Given an opportunity, I would prefer to continue doing research either in a university or research institute. I am also open to a research-related work in a company.

What do you wish you had known before you arrived at RIKEN?

1. Make friends, meet researchers from other countries and expand my research network.
2. As with most foreigners: how to speak Japanese and learn kanji.

What are you researching at RIKEN?

My research is to investigate light-matter interaction in the nanoscale. In particular, I am developing new techniques to visualize with colors the nanoscale objects by manipulating light.

Dr. Heiko Scheit

Why did you choose RIKEN?

For the research I am conducting, the Radioactive Ion Beam Factory at the RIKEN Nishina Center is the best place in the world.

What are you planning on doing after RIKEN?

I have a permanent position. I came to RIKEN in November 2006 with my wife and young son from Germany, after a short stay in the US. We are enjoying life and work in Japan and plan to stay a long time.

What do you wish you had known before you arrived at RIKEN?

Many things. Things are done a bit different here, but the differences are minor.

What are you researching at RIKEN?

I am studying the structure of exotic nuclei, which have a very large excess of protons or neutrons in comparison to stable nuclei. Exotic nuclei are short-lived and very difficult to produce and study and therefore their sometimes very unusual properties are not well known. These exotic nuclei can only be produced at large accelerator facilities like the Radioactive Ion Beam Factory (RIBF) of the RIKEN Nishina Center.

For more information on Dr. Scheit's research, see the profile of the Nishina Center in RIKEN Research.

Dr. Jean-Julien Aucouturier

Why did you choose RIKEN?

I came to Japan with a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship in the University of Tokyo. While I was there, I realized that RIKEN (or for what I know, its Brain Science Institute) has a very solid reputation in the Japanese academic community: many graduates from my university laboratory were working in RIKEN, and many RIKEN "graduates" were now working as faculty in Japanese universities. There is a real "RIKEN connection" out there. I was also favorably impressed that BSI doesn't only employ brain scientists: projects range from virtual reality to robotics, linguistics and animal behavioural studies, so I could easily fit in (I'm a computer scientist, and you'd be surprised how little I know about a cerebellum). Finally, RIKEN BSI is one of the few places in Japan where it is truly possible to work without speaking Japanese. Everything from administrative documents to food explanations in the cafeteria has been thought out to accommodate non-Japanese workers. This is very unique in Japan, and I do think it fosters greater productivity for a foreigner, especially on a short-stay. (Although getting Japanese proficiency is still a must to really enjoy Japan, I must say). I started a collaboration with my current laboratory in RIKEN while a JSPS postdoc, and multiplied contacts naturally led me to integrate into BSI properly in September 2008.

What are you planning on doing after RIKEN?

In a sense, I'm already in the "after RIKEN" phase of my career. I am now an Assistant Professor on the Tokyo campus of an American University, Temple University. However, I'm still working part-time in RIKEN BSI as a Visiting Scientist in Kazuo Okanoya's Laboratory for Biolinguistics and ERATO project. I chose to keep a part-time affiliation with RIKEN because of the excellent research facilities that it provides—something I cannot yet find at my university campus (which is growing, but still mainly dedicated to teaching). This situation is ideal for me, combining interesting student projects and leadership at Temple with top-notch, no-compromise science at RIKEN. Both RIKEN and Temple have been very flexible about this.

What do you wish you had known before you arrived at RIKEN?

It took me time to organize a convenient route to travel to RIKEN from home and/or my current university. BSI is on the Wako campus of RIKEN, in Saitama prefecture, which is adjacent to Tokyo. For someone who doesn't know Tokyo, it is difficult to evaluate what this means in practice. On the one hand, express trains dash to central Tokyo in 20 minutes, so it is definitely feasible—even convenient—to live, say, in the Tokyo Ikebukuro/Shinjuku/Shibuya area (check the route of the Fukutoshin line in Wikipedia). On the other hand, commuting from some other parts of Tokyo can be a nightmare (I have 3 train changes from home). You definitely should study your options with a map. In my case, the problem was solved when I realized I could cycle to Wako from my Tokyo-Nakano home with a pleasant 30-minute ride.

What are you researching at RIKEN?

I'm an expert on audio technologies and artificial intelligence. My RIKEN laboratory studies human and animal vocal communications, and I write computer algorithms to help analyzing these sound recordings. For instance, I'm currently working on baby cries: I'm writing a program which classifies different types of dynamics in the sound, trying to see if these correlate with the context of the cry. Yes, this does mean that I carry over 1Gb of audio recordings of shrieking, hungry babies—and I will not hesitate to use it!

For more information on Dr. Aucouturier's research, see his website.