June 29, 2021
Rina Suzuki (graduated from the master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance in 2021 and is currently a senior researcher at the SFC Research Centers and Institutes) has received the 2020 Sasakawa Scientific Research Encouragement Award, sponsored by The Japan Science Society.
In fiscal year 2020, while she was a student, Ms. Suzuki received the Sasakawa Scientific Research Grant and conducted research titled "Elucidating Flexible Motor Control through Brain-Body System and Environmental Interaction via 'Cortico-Muscular Coherence.'"
The Sasakawa Scientific Research Grant is awarded to excellent research that has difficulty receiving funding from other sources, focusing on studies with novelty, originality, or potential, and unexpected ideas or concepts. The "Sasakawa Scientific Research Encouragement Award" is presented to selected recipients from among those who receive the grant.
In fiscal year 2020, the award was presented to 16 individuals from among 319 grant recipients, with two awardees from each of seven research fields. The selection of award winners is not based solely on the content and results of the research but also evaluates the qualities of the researcher, such as their sincere attitude and effort in conducting their research. Ms. Suzuki was the only master's student to receive the award.
A Comment from Rina Suzuki
I am very surprised to have been selected for the Sasakawa Scientific Research Grant and, on top of that, to have received the Encouragement Award. Last year, due to the impact of COVID-19, I had to conduct my research activities under unexpected circumstances. However, I believe the reason I did not feel anxious was because of the relationship I have with my academic advisor, Associate Professor Junichi Ushiyama, and the members of my lab, which allows us to have open discussions on a daily basis. Furthermore, the research funds from the grant enabled me to attempt my first paper submission. Looking back, I am keenly aware of the tremendous support I received, not only from within my lab but also from the faculty and administrative staff who guided me, and everyone at The Japan Science Society. I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my sincere gratitude to everyone who supported my research.
Issued by: General Affairs Section, Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC) Office