Hiroko Tokoro: Researchers Who Want to Research

2019/01/21

I conduct research on materials from a physical chemistry perspective. To date, I have engaged in international joint research with researchers from various countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Romania, and China. I usually communicate with my collaborators via email, but when we meet at international conferences or visit each other's laboratories, we hold research seminars and discussions. Afterward, we eat together, go to karaoke, or I accompany them for souvenir shopping. I have learned that getting to know each other and spending time together is extremely important for building scientific trust. I also learned that mutual trust is essential for advancing joint research.

Now, speaking with researchers from various countries in this way, I have noticed something. Since scientific research requires spending a lot of time to achieve results, I learned that how to secure research time is a common concern for researchers worldwide. For example, a researcher from Poland happily said, "I live near the university because I go to check on my experiments even in the middle of the night." A French researcher said with a laugh, "I go home for dinner once, and after my family is fast asleep, I return to the lab and research until dawn. My wife asks me, 'Did you sleep well?' so I always answer, 'I slept great!' But I'd rather research than sleep." Another French researcher said, "At my university, there is a rule that you cannot enter the building after 10 PM. Even though some experiments require overnight measurements, I can't do any research! It's really painful not being able to experiment. Once, I forgot something I needed for an overseas business trip in the lab and tried to sneak in after 10 PM; the siren went off and the police rushed over. I've given up on going to the lab after 10 PM." Incidentally, the researcher who told this story quit the university afterward. Recently in Japan, there has been a lot of talk about work-style reform. I think it is a wonderful thing for leading a balanced life. On the other hand, I want to research more. I hope we become a society where such feelings of researchers are also more respected.