北海道大学大学院 生命科学院では、キャリアパス教育の一環として、学部2、３年生を対象にしたイベント「DCは語る」（DC：Doctoral Course＝博士課程）を定期的に開催しています。博士課程の学生の研究生活や進学経験を聞くことで、進路の一つとして博士課程進学を考えてもらうことが目的です。2022年12月2日は、生命科学院 生命融合科学コース 博士1年の浦上 彰吾（うらかみ しょうご）さんが２年生を対象に話をしました。
After graduating from the Department of Biological Sciences (Macromolecular Functional Science) at School of Science, Ms. Urakami entered the Course of Integrated Life Sciences at Life Science and joined the Laboratory of Advanced Biological Control Science (Nishimura Laboratory) and is also a DX Doctoral Fellowship student at Hokkaido University.
Glycan detection made easy
I am doing mass spectrometry of sugar chains. Glycans are present everywhere in the body, bound to proteins and lipids. Analysis of sugar chains also makes it possible to diagnose diseases. However, the current situation is that it is difficult to extract only sugar chains. Therefore, I have been researching methods to easily detect sugar chains.
Mass spectrometry of sugar chains can also be used to test microorganisms. For example, we are conducting research to speed up the identification of dangerous bacteria such as E. coli O157, which causes food poisoning.
Opportunity to go on to doctoral course
After entering the laboratory and starting research, I came to think that it was fun. I feel that research has the potential to influence someone and be useful in something, and that there is a special joy in taking on challenges.
I had no intention of going on to a doctoral course, but I changed my mind when I encountered research on microorganisms. I believe this technology will change the world. I decided to enter the university because I wanted to find out how my research would progress in the future, and I wanted to be involved in it myself.
Good things about going to school
Most importantly, research is fun. It is also attractive that there are many skills that can be acquired. Presenting in front of others, using English, and writing sentences have increased, and my weak awareness has decreased.
Since this year, I have been participating in academic conferences both in Japan and abroad. It is stimulating to be able to meet and talk directly with researchers whose names I only know from papers and students who are doing the same research.
Various support
博士課程への進学には不安があるかも知れませんが、最近では支援の制度もいろいろあります。経済面の支援としては、助成金が利用できます。短縮修了制度を使えば、１年ほど早く卒業することも可能です（専攻やコースによる）。僕も短縮制度を利用して、半年早く博士課程に進学しました。また、就職を支援してくれる組織が学内にあります。
one of the options
I don't think it's necessary to decide now whether to go on to higher education. This is because there are many things that you cannot understand until you actually enter the laboratory and continue your research for a while.
Of course, there are not all good things about the doctoral program, but I'm glad I went there. Why don't you all consider it as one of the options for your career?
*Titles, affiliations, and grades are current at the time of the 2022 interview.