北海道大学博士課程学生が日立ケンブリッジラボを訪問
〜 世界の最前線で学び、視野を広げる貴重な機会 〜
2024年12月2日（月）、北海道大学博士課程大学院生6名が、昨年に引き続き、イギリス・ケンブリッジ大学キャベンディッシュ研究所内に設立された日立ケンブリッジラボ（HCL）を訪問しました。本訪問は、先端量子物理分野の研究者と直接対話し、研究発表やディスカッションを通じて知見を深めることで、参加者の研究に対する視野を広げ、新たな挑戦への意欲を高めることを目的としています。
HCLは、半導体量子ビットやスピントロニクスなど、量子技術分野における世界的な最先端研究を推進している研究拠点です。今回の訪問では、北海道大学の博士課程学生が自身の研究について発表し、HCLの研究者からフィードバックを受ける機会がありました。研究の視点やアプローチについて専門家から直接意見をもらうことで、学生たちは新たな視点を得ることができ、今後の研究の方向性について貴重なヒントを得ることができました。また、HCLの研究者による講演も行われ、最新の研究動向や技術開発の進展について学びました。
今年度は、同ラボに加え、新たにケンブリッジ大学化学工学・バイオテクノロジー学部の研究施設や研究機器を視察する機会も設けられました。さらに同学科の博士課程大学院生３名による研究発表を聴講し、異分野の研究手法や最先端の技術について理解を深めました。物理・工学・バイオといった異なる分野に触れることで、参加者は自身の研究に新たな視点を取り入れる可能性を感じたようです。
「世界トップ大学の研究者に自分の研究を発表したい」、「ヨーロッパの研究環境を視察したい」などの様々な目的を持った参加者でしたが、全員が口を揃えて「貴重な経験だった」と述べており、この訪問が彼らにとって大きな成長の機会となったことがうかがえます。
来年も参加を希望する学生がいるなど、今後も継続的な国際的学術交流が期待されています。北海道大学は、博士課程学生が世界の研究者と積極的に交流し、グローバルな視点を養う機会を提供することの重要性を認識しており、本プログラムのさらなる発展を目指しています。
なお、北海道大学は株式会社日立製作所と協働し、博士課程学生への経済的支援を通じて、教育・研究の質の向上およびグローバルな発展に貢献する奨学金制度を実施しています。本奨学金制度は、若手研究者が安心して学び、挑戦できる環境を提供し、社会課題解決に貢献できる高度な技術の研究開発に取り組む人財を育成することを目的としています。詳細はこちら
Visit Details
Research Presentations at the Hitachi Cambridge Laboratory
Researchers from the Hitachi Cambridge Laboratory gathered to attend the research presentations delivered by Hokkaido University students. The session commenced with an introduction by Prof. C. G. Smith, Laboratory Manager, followed by a presentation on the Hokkaido University-Hitachi Joint Cooperative Support Programme for Education and Research and an overview of Hokkaido University by Mr. EZAKI Atsuo, counsellor at the Institute for the Promotion of Business-Regional Collaboration (and Deputy Director of the office for the promotion of Semiconductor Hub Formation).
Prof. C. G. Smith, Laboratory Manager, greeting Hokkaido University students
Introducing Hokkaido University to researchers at the Hitachi Cambridge Laboratory
Research Presentations by Hokkaido University Doctoral Students:
• Mr. YOSHIKAWA Takahiro (1st-year PhD student, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology)
“In vivo bidirectional modulation of the mouse auditory cortex induced by localised theta-burst magnetic stimulation”
He confidently responded to questions, and his presentation received high praise from the researchers at the laboratory.
“In vivo bidirectional modulation of the mouse auditory cortex induced by localised theta-burst magnetic stimulation”
He confidently responded to questions, and his presentation received high praise from the researchers at the laboratory.
• Mr. GAN Yaozong (2nd-year PhD student, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology)
“Construction of intelligent agent technology based on large language model”
He presented large language models and semantic segmentation, capturing the interest of the laboratory researchers.
“Construction of intelligent agent technology based on large language model”
He presented large language models and semantic segmentation, capturing the interest of the laboratory researchers.
• Mr. MU Yingqi (2nd-year PhD student, Graduate School of Life Science)
“Surface Modification of an Algal Cell with DNA Layer for Coating with Gold Nanorods or Quantum Dots to Expand Cellular Function”
His presentation prompted an extended question-and-answer session.
“Surface Modification of an Algal Cell with DNA Layer for Coating with Gold Nanorods or Quantum Dots to Expand Cellular Function”
His presentation prompted an extended question-and-answer session.
• Mr. TAKADA Shohei (2nd-year PhD student, Graduate School of Science)
“Particle physics and superstring theory”
He passionately explained the basics of string theory, which sparked interest among researchers regarding its prospects.
“Particle physics and superstring theory”
He passionately explained the basics of string theory, which sparked interest among researchers regarding its prospects.
• Mr. FUJIKI Takumi (2nd-year PhD student, Graduate School of Agriculture)
“Visualising the taste of strawberries using the laser”
His findings on the mechanisms of strawberry acidity led to numerous comments and questions.
“Visualising the taste of strawberries using the laser”
His findings on the mechanisms of strawberry acidity led to numerous comments and questions.
• Ms. HANAOKA Ami (1st-year PhD student, Graduate School of Life Science)
“Comparison of three-dimensional structures and dynamics related to the antigenicity of allergen with cross-reactivity among homologs”
This presentation was expected to contribute to developing allergy treatments and diagnostic methods.
“Comparison of three-dimensional structures and dynamics related to the antigenicity of allergen with cross-reactivity among homologs”
This presentation was expected to contribute to developing allergy treatments and diagnostic methods.
Student presentations featuring a wide range of questions and answers
Visit to the Centre for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology focuses on applied basic science to address real-world challenges and actively engages in industry-academic collaborative research. The facilities are designed to foster interaction and collaboration, with a relaxed atmosphere encouraging open discussion.
Two first-year international doctoral students, supported by Hitachi Ltd., guided the tour, showcasing state-of-the-art research laboratories and experimental equipment. The advanced facilities, coupled with robust security measures and meticulous support, left a strong impression on the visitors.
Students captivated by research posters displayed throughout the laboratory and building
Biotechnology Research Presentations
Dr. William Rostain from the Hitachi Cambridge Laboratory introduced Hitachi Ltd.’s initiative on “Carbon Upcycling,” which addresses global challenges under the theme: “Global warming threatens well-being.” His presentation outlined collaborative efforts with global research partners.
Hokkaido University students listening intently to Hitachi’s research presentations
Following Dr. Rostain’s introduction, three first-year doctoral students from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, who are supported by Hitachi Ltd., presented their research.
All presentations were highly impactful, delivered with confidence, and deeply inspired the Hokkaido University students, who were impressed by the advanced research and the presenters’ enthusiasm.
Awe-inspiring presentations by three PhD students from the University of Cambridge, captivating the audience with their engaging content
Comments from Participating Students
“Overall, this was a highly enjoyable and educational trip. One of the highlights was being able to tour the research facilities at the University of Cambridge. I noticed small but significant differences in management and support compared to Hokkaido University, such as securely locked doors, signs indicating that you cannot enter without wearing a lab coat, and flyers for a dedicated technical support app. These details made me realise that there are aspects of management and support here that are more thorough, although this may just be due to the newer buildings.”
“I really appreciate that you were able to provide this opportunity to visit. It allowed me to interact with researchers from all over the world. It was a great experience—thank you!”
“I truly appreciate the opportunity to join this academic trip to visit the Hitachi Cambridge Laboratory. I gained a wealth of new knowledge and broadened my perspective on biochemistry and AI simulation. Through engaging discussions, I also improved my language skills.”
“Through this experience, I was able to completely overcome the absurd fear I once had of speaking English. I also learned the importance and beauty of interacting with people from around the world, regardless of race, nationality, language, or field of expertise. Although I had no prior knowledge of bioengineering or enzyme research being conducted at the University of Cambridge, I was able to glimpse the researchers’ motivations, passion, and beliefs during the lab tour and their presentations. This made me realise how this world is built upon a diverse range of things, and I believe it was a very enjoyable and enriching experience.”
“It was a great pleasure to meet you all. It was a great opportunity to learn about the high-tech research facilities, research activities, and teamwork at the Hitachi Cambridge Laboratory.”
“Thank you for this valuable opportunity. This was my first time presenting my research overseas, so it was a great stimulus for my career. I was very impressed by the initiatives and facilities of the Hitachi Cambridge Laboratory.”
さいごに
本訪問を通じて、学生たちは異分野の研究者との交流から新たな視点を得るとともに、自由で開かれた研究環境や研究者間のフラットな関係性を目の当たりにした学生たちは、「ポジティブな戸惑い」を経験しました。日本の大学とは異なる環境に触れたことで、今後の研究活動に大きな刺激を受けたことでしょう。この訪問を契機に、異文化間コミュニケーションを通じて自身の研究の幅を広げ、新たな成果を創出することを期待します。日立ケンブリッジラボへの訪問は、来年度も実施予定です。