What kind of research are you currently doing?
Synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles that express structural color. I have been researching inorganic materials chemistry since the fourth year of my undergraduate program, but during my first year of the master's program, I stayed at the Soft & Wet Matter Laboratory (Professor Jianping Gong) at Life Science for about a month as an exchange student. Conducted research activities. Looking at the gel that develops color depending on the structure of the structural color gel developed in this laboratory, it is possible to express a wider range of colors by not only developing color depending on the structure from the viewpoint of inorganic material synthesis, but also by combining the function of the material itself. I wondered if the material could be made. Originally, my research focused on the synthesis of inorganic compounds, so by making the most of my research findings, I was able to synthesize inorganic fine particles with uniform particle diameters and absorb specific wavelengths using various chemical methods. I thought about developing a method to give it ability.

Let's talk a little bit about structural colors. A material with a periodic structure on a scale smaller than the wavelength of light develops a specific color when only light with a specific wavelength interferes with each other. Interfering light is determined by the size of the periodic structure. We aim to develop materials that develop specific colors by controlling two physical properties. The final goal of our research is to use this material to create a coloring method that is less harmful to the human body and does not fade over the long term.

出典：千葉市科学館HP「色がないのにカラフルなもの」
（https://www.kagakukanq.com/2021/22458）

Please tell us what made you decide to go on to graduate school.
I genuinely like my field of specialization and wanted to inherit the research philosophy of my supervisor, Professor Seiji Tadanaga. And considering that I will be working for about 40 years or more, I thought that if I got a doctorate, I would be able to live the life I envisioned. After getting a doctorate, if you want to continue your research, you can continue your research at Hokkaido University or another university, or you can go to a private company. Especially when you want to do what you want to do abroad, a doctoral degree will also lead to trust. In that sense, I was able to expand my options in life. For me, the doctoral course is the period during which I can obtain a doctoral degree while continuing my own research.

Mr. Shinji Noguchi explaining his current research

How do you feel about the current research environment at Hokkaido University? how are you feeling?
I think that Hokkaido University has a very good research environment. And I think I am blessed with a laboratory. On the other hand, from a broader perspective, I sometimes worry about my future graduate school research. At present, many laboratories are in fierce competition to obtain research funds to produce research results. People gather in laboratories that are blessed with an environment and faculty members, and research fields that are easy to produce research results, making it easier to obtain results. I think it is becoming difficult for people to gather in the field.

I believe that the most important thing in research is diversity. Therefore, I believe that the government and universities are required to create an environment in which ambitious people who want to take on challenges that no one else has done can overcome differences in the research environment and achieve their ambitions. increase.

Foyer of the Frontier Applied Science Research Building (in the background is Emeritus Professor Akira Suzuki)

Please tell us about your research, what you are passionate about outside of research, and what you would like to try in the future.
In terms of research, I would like to obtain a patent based on my research, commercialize it, and even start a business. Just by imagining it, it's a very difficult road, but I'm working on research every day with the aim of creating a future where I can create research from scratch and make it useful in people's lives. Outside of research, I am passionate about riding motorcycles and building my body. I am running in Hokkaido in a pleasant season on a motorcycle. As for my body, I go to the gym and work out regularly.

 
Shinji Noguchi's favorite bike (left) and performance at the Best Body Japan Sapporo Tournament (right)

将来は、どのような進路や職業を目指したいですか？
私は現在、「北海道大学物質科学フロンティアを開拓するAmbitiousリーダー育成プログラム」生として、学位取得後は学術・研究機関だけではなく民間企業でも国際的に活躍できる人材となるための教育を受けています。このプログラムを活かして、将来どんな機関で働いていても、課題の発見・解決を目指してプロジェクトを牽引できる研究者を目指しています。大学は教育と研究を通し、社会に高度な人材を送り出す役割を担っていますが、民間企業を始めとする、いわゆる学術・研究機関以外の社会で活躍してきた大学の教員は数が限られています。自分が培ってきた高度な専門能力を教授するのはもちろん、社会でその能力を生かすための技術を次の世代に託すことのできる、そんな学生を育てる研究者・教育者になりたいですそのためにも、今は研究能力の向上はもちろん、多くのことに興味を持って、大学で得られるものすべてを得て、博士後期課程を修了したいと思います。

Mr. Shinji Noguchi explains the book that shaped who he is today

Mr. Noguchi, you are passionate about the future, but do you have any concerns about the future?
I am concerned that few students truly understand how blessed they are to be able to go to university, and how much they have been helped by those around them. Basically, everyone who goes to university is blessed, and I am sure that I am who I am today because of the cooperation of people around me, not just my own strength. It's the same when I think about the question of what is right, and I don't think it's because people around me seem to think so, but I think I can't see it until I have experienced it myself and thought about it. Fortunately, thanks to the school culture, there are many ambitious people at Hokkaido University.

Books that influenced the way Shinji Noguchi thinks and acts

Lastly, what does “Hokkaido University Graduate School” mean to you, Mr. Noguchi?
Laugh now, but one day we'll be in charge.

出典：Banksy「Laugh Now」（https://www.banksy.co.uk/）

Mr. Noguchi talked about his ideals from various perspectives, not just research. I was fascinated by his eyes and words with a strong will to contribute not only to his own future but also to society. Thank you for your cooperation in the interview!
Mr. Noguchi is challenging crowdfunding for his own research from Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Thank you for your support. Click here for details.

Edited by Teruaki Naito, Education Reform Promotion Office, Academic Affairs Planning Division, Academic Affairs Department
Photo: October 2022 Organization for the Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education for the Institute for the Advancement of Graduate Education Aki Kawakami Teruaki Naito