POLYMERS Vol.59　No.4 April 2010
POLYMERS　Vol.59　No.4
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COVER STORY
Globally Active Japanese Researchers
Growing Polymers: A Personal Account
Chase the Dynamics of Crystals Satoshi HORIKE
<Abstract> The author has been engaged in the fusion area of polymer and coordination chemistry, especially the dynamic functions of coordination polymer crystals.
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Prediction and Actuality Takeshi MAEDA
<Abstract> I described in this report how I changed and polished myself through my research in the past decade. I learned that facing research with a sincere attitude leads to great discoveries beyond my imaginings.
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COVER STORY: Highlight Reviews
Independent Career and Laboratory Kenichi KURODA
<Abstract> Since I started to manage a laboratory at the University of Michigan, getting funding from external sources is one of the most important aspects for my success in my career and research. I am supposed to provide graduate students with financial support of tuition and stipends as a principal investigator, which is in strong contrast with the system in Japanese universities in which students pay tuition to their universities. Writing grant proposals requires tremendous effort and training. Since reviewers are generally not familiar with a field of proposed research, the proposal needs to be understandable by everyone, yet scientifically convincing. For the training of students, it is important for principal investigators to constantly communicate with students to make sure that we all have the same priorities and understanding of the work, which facilitates the research activity. This would be true for everyone, regardless of differences in languages and cultures.
Keywords: Grant Proposal / Startup / Tuition / Stipend / Student Training / Communication
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Road to Tenure Tadanori KOGA
<Abstract> Globalization of science and technology could provide young scientists with a great opportunity to attain their academic positions in foreign countries. Here, I highlight the road to “tenure” which guarantees the right to “academic freedom”.
Keywords: Tenure-Track / Globalization / Academic Careers
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Homogeneous Catalyst for Isotactic Polystyrene Jun OKUDA
<Abstract> The development of homogeneous catalysts for the synthesis of isotactic polystyrene is reviewed from a personal standpoint of a Japanese scientist in the German academic system. Both interdisciplinary and international contacts on all levels have been helpful.
Keywords: Polymerization Catalyst / Stereoregular Polymerization / Polystyrene / Organometallic Chemistry
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Research Life in North America Masanori HARA
<Abstract> During my postdoctoral training, I had very fruitful and enjoyable days. The main reason for this was due to the differences in cultures. In Canada, all members of the lab did their work with their own pace, without interfering with other members. They participated in research endeavor as a person with established “self”. By contrast, in Japan, people had to suppress their needs in favor of the group. The personal life of the member of the research team was not respected.
As assistant professor of Rutgers University, I had spent most of my time for work. Despite hard times, I had very fruitful time. The efforts were rewarded with results. I had little time to think about my past and present, and just focused on my future.
Keywords: Postdoc / Research / Self / Group / Assistant Professor
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A Japanese Researcher in Germany Kazuaki TARUMI
<Abstract> Almost 30 years have already gone since I have finished my Bachelor in Physics in a Japanese University. I have been working as a researcher in Germany for over 20 years. I am surprised myself about such a long stay in a foreign country such as Germany.
Taking this opportunity I will try to review my research career with a sincere hope that it might be of some help for young people who consider to start their research career.
Keywords: Liquid Crystal / Scholarship Student / Physics
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Working in France as a Permanent Researcher of the CNRS Tetsuharu NARITA
<Abstract> The author obtained a permanent researcher position at the CNRS in France after working as a postdoctoral fellow. This essay is about his career until he received the permanent position and his thoughts since then. He describes also the researcher position he obtained and the difficulties encountered while working in France.
Keywords: CNRS / France
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If You would Really Like to do It, Go for It Reiko ODA
<Abstract> It has already been some time that I fell in love with the world of molecular self-assembly which allows construction of a variety of beautiful and intricate structures out of very simple molecules. While living out the principle “If I try hard, it should be possible”, coming from my optimistic and stubborn character, I found myself finally in Bordeaux, France, after having lived in the United States. What does life now have in store for me?
Keywords: Career Selection / Mother and Researcher / France / Independent Research
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Random Thoughts on My Career as a Faculty Member Tomoko FUJIWARA
<Abstract> As a junior faculty member of University of Memphis, I've been learning so many new things each day. In this article, some topics that have impressed me since I moved to US are randomly noted. In particular, differences in teaching and research systems between US and Japan are described.
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Under the Interdisciplinary Atmosphere Yoko YAMAKOSHI
<Abstract> The research situation as a PI at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) will be described especially on the basis of collaborative studies. The author has been involved in mainly two interdisciplinary structures, Nano/Bio Interface Center (NBIC) and Molecular Imaging Laboratories (MIL), at UPenn. In this article, a life of a PI at UPenn, who is enjoying the collaborative works, will be reported.
Keywords: Interdisciplinary / Nano/Bio Interface Center / AFM functionalization / Molecular Imaging Laboratories / in vivo Imaging
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Fascinating World of Microlithography Yasuhiro SUZUKI
<Abstract> The innovation of integrated circuit (IC) technology and its miniaturization have had a profound impact on our present multimedia world. Photoresist is one of the critical chemical based materials used in IC manufacturing and its evolution has been continuing in parallel with developments in microlithography techniques. Today, Chemically Amplified Photoresist with ArF immersion lithography is being used for a wide variety of DRAM and Flash memory fabrication. Half-pitch lines and spaces beyond 40 nm have been achieved by total optimization of photoresist and exposure conditions.
The fascinating world of microlithography has kept me in photoresist research and development for over ten years in the United Sates.
Keywords: Integrated Circuit / Photoresist / Microlithography
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My Decade as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist Hironobu MURATA
<Abstract> In this article, I describe my decade of postdoctoral experiences in Germany and in the United States. I acquired many different kinds of knowledge and mastered advanced techniques for surface modification at both locations. I will also portray my recent research life at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh.
Keywords: Surface Modification / Functional Polymer Brush / Surface Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization / Antimicrobial Surface
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Reflection on My Encounters in Science Isamu KUSAKA
<Abstract> In this article, I would like to reflect on my encounters and dialogues with great teachers that have shaped my world view as a researcher and an educator.
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Sleep and Wait for Good Luck Kazuki AKIBA
<Abstract> After joining Toray Industries, I was assigned to the Hytrel® Technical Center, DuPont-Toray Company in Japan. However, I was trained at the Toray Plastics Research Laboratory in Nagoya Japan, and received trainings conducted in English language in the US. Working on some development programs of Hytrel® polyester elastomer in Japan, I started to think that I could fill the gap between two companies regarding the technical aspects of Hytrel®. This idea brought me to Experimental Station in the US where I now work on Hytrel® R&D.
Keywords: Polyester Elastomer / Hytrel®
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Front-Line Polymer Science
Future Prospects for Pioneering Development of Next-generation Organic Photovoltaics Hiroshi SEGAWA
<Abstract> Organic photovoltaics, which include dye-sensitized, organic thin film, and hybrid solar cells, are promising candidates for next-generation low-cost solar cells. In this review, an overview of future prospects for pioneering development of next-generation organic photovoltaics is described. Additionally, our recent studies on the novel solar cells such as interfacial charge-transfer, polymer-sensitized, and energy-storable solar cells are reported.
Keywords: Organic Photovoltaics / Dye-sensitized Solar Cell / Organic Thin Film Solar Cell / Hybrid Solar Cell / Surface Complex / Interfacial Charge-Transfer / Polymer-sensitized Solar Cell / Energy-storable Solar Cell
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