| POLYMERS Vol.64 No.1 |
| >>Chinese | >>English | >>Japanese | >>Korean |
COVER STORY
Being Active Globally |
| COVER STORY: Topics and Products |
| Let’s Expand Your Territory | Yoshio OKAMOTO |
| <Abstract> From 1970 to 1972 shortly after obtaining a Ph.D. degree, I had an opportunity to study as a postdoctoral fellow with Professor Charles G. Overberger at the University of Michigan, where I was asked to study two different research themes on an enzyme model and an optically active polyamide. After returning to Japan, based on these studies, I was able to achieve exciting and important research results on “Enantiomer selective polymerization”, “Helix-sense-selective polymerization”, and “Chiral separation with helical polymers”. From 2007 on, I have been directing the research on polymer materials at Harbin Engineering University in China. I believe the fact that I stayed at the U of M nearly 45 years ago led to this opportunity. Based on these experiences, I would like to strongly ask young people to go abroad and expand their territory. Keywords: Postdoctoral / Postdoc / Go Abroad / Overberger / Chiral Polymers |
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| Adventure in Korea | Masaki KAWANO |
| <Abstract> I moved as a full-time faculty member to the World Class University (WCU) Program at Pohang University of Science and Technology from the University of Tokyo in 2009. For the past five years I have had precious experince in Korea regarding setting up a laboratory, starting new projects, and adjusting myself in different cultures. The Korean society is more dynamic than the Japanese one. That means that making decisions is quite fast and many things are determined at a short period of time. Although many unexpected things happened during setting up my group, finally I created a globalized hybrid team composed of Koreans and foreigners to overcome some difficulties in research and education. This article describes how I have survived as Professor in Korea and sends a message for young people who want to work as pioneer at a global scale. Keywords: Start-up / Survival / Academia / Korea / Globalization / Pioneer / WCU Program |
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| Moving to Beijing | Masao DOI |
| <Abstract> I moved to Beijing to work as a state recruited foreign professor in 2013, and have worked to establish a research group there. This is my report of the experience, discussing why I chose this way, what I have experienced and what I am thinking now about my decision to go abroad. Keywords: State Recruited Foreign Professors / Research in China / Japan and China |
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| Never Ending Study Abroad | Jiro NAGATOMI |
| <Abstract> When I moved from Japan to the US in 1989, the economy was so strong that it had become affordable for the Japanese to study abroad. For the first few years in the US, my goal was to learn to speak English fluently so that I could communicate with not just Americans, but with people all over the world. During my undergraduate days I learned how hard American students work on building up their career by interning at companies and volunteering in research laboratories in order to attain a job or admission to top graduate schools. Unlike in Japan, American researchers become independent as tenure-track assistant professors within a few years from finishing their doctorate. The path to becoming a tenured professor is rough and requires help from many people, but the outcome is highly rewarding. I hope that my story from the past 25 years in the US can inspire others to take the challenge of study abroad. Keywords: Study Abroad / United States / Tenure-Track Assistant Professor |
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| Some Thoughts of a Japanese Researcher from France | Tetsuharu NARITA |
| <Abstract> I have been working in France as researcher (CNRS research associate) since 2003 after 3 years of postdoctal work. Here I write some of my thoughts about the globalization and working abroad as researcher. Keywords: Globalization for Researchers / CNRS Research Associate / Working Conditions in France as Researcher / Advices for Young Researchers and Students |
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| Research and Education in Taiwan: Everyday Small Difference Gives Us Comfortable Stimulation | Hiroshi MASUHARA |
| <Abstract> Based on my 6 years-experience on research and education in National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan, some differences in research development, research management, and graduate student between Taiwan and Japan are summarized and considered. Respective managements of top-down and bottom-up in Taiwan and Japan are observed for research, education, university and department administration, and students’ attitude and thinking process, which gives me a chance to re-consider Japanese research and management systems. Initial and present globalizations in universities in Asia are considered to be in the stages of “Help us” and “Collaboration”, respectively, and are compared to the cases of Singapore and USA. Research and education are closely related to life, family, society, custom, and culture. Graduate students and young researchers are strongly recommended to stay and to develop research in other Asian countries under different atmosphere, human relation, custom, society, and culture characteristic of various countries. It is very important for Japanese researchers and engineers to find hints useful for developing the next generation science and technology in Asia. Keywords: National Chiao Tung University / Hsinchu Science Park / University Globalization / Research and Development / Top-down and Bottom-up Administration / Taiwanese Students |
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| How Overseas Experiences Changed My Life | Yoshio AOKI |
| <Abstract> My 12 year experience abroad in an academic and a business environment brought many things to my life. In this article, my various experiences abroad and my views for the true globalization are introduced. Keywords: Polymer Physics / MO / Standardization / Globalization |
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| Joint Research Experience with Overseas Companies | Yasuo OHTA |
| <Abstract> Personal impressions through my experiences in collaborative research with overseas companies will be presented. In younger researcher days, I felt that remarkable differences existed between Japanese and foreign, in particular Western companies in terms of the way of thinking, the work process, decision making way etc. In my case, those differences were the cause of many misunderstandings and troubles on projects in the beginning. In order to prevent this, as the first step, a respect of the other culture with a mutual understanding seemed to be crucial in overcoming difficulties. By going through this process, our relationship became more integrated, and projects proceeded more effectively than before. In fact, projects ran even more efficiently than if they had been done by one company alone. I believe that it is very worthwhile for young researchers to experience this process and to be exposed to different cultures through communication with people from other countries, especially as earlier as possible. Keywords: Research Collaboration / Global Mutual Understanding / Overseas Experience |
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| One Man's Overseas Experience Living and Working in France and Singapore | Terunori FUJITA |
| <Abstract> The author’s overseas experience of living and working in France and Singapore is introduced in order to help those who intend to live and work overseas. It is emphasized that a person living and working abroad must possess expertise, a good command of English, excellent communication skills, and the ability to adapt. Keywords: Living and Working Overseas / France / Singapore / Expertise / Command of English / Communication Skills / Adaptable |
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| COVER STORY: Topics and Products |
| Keep Your Eyes Open | Haruko TAKAHASHI |
| <Abstract> The author has been a visiting researcher at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry since 2012. The scientific interest of the author is the design of biologically functional materials based on synthetic polymers for biomedical applications in the fields of drug delivery, protein engineering, and antimicrobial development. In this article, author’s momentum for doing research abroad and living in the USA are reported. The author believes that everyone should have an opportunity to go and study abroad, and be encouraged to grab the opportunity. GO BLUE! Keywords: Antimicrobial / Research Abroad / U.S.A. |
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| Postdoctoral Experience in the U.S. | Rina MAEDA |
| <Abstract> This article is about my postdoctoral experience in the US. I will especially describe cultural differences between Japan and the US and some experiences on interdisciplinary work. Keywords: Postdoc experience / United States / University of Wisconsin-Madison |
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| Homecoming to Thailand | Masahiro MATSUMOTO |
| <Abstract> After I got my Ph.D., I was finding a postdoctoral position. And it was just then that I got a mail from my close friends in Thailand. She delivered her boss’s intent to employ me. He kindly took care of me as an exchange student three years ago, and I owe him very much. I wanted to return to Thailand because I felt that this country was my second hometown. In this way, I decided to work in Thailand as a postdoctoral fellow. Keywords: Thailand / Studying in a Foreign Contry / Friendship without Borders |
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| Bohemian Thoughts in Switzerland | Tadahiro YAMASHITA |
| <Abstract> As a postdoctoral researcher, I have been studying at ETH in Switzerland. Here I introduce what and how I’m thinking in daily life in a freewheeling way. Daily life in Zürich comes at a heavy price, but is convenient and comfortable same as that in Tokyo. Regarding study, the system of laboratory is quite different from Japan. There is not a big difference between postdocs and Ph.D. students. And only salaried people take part in scientific studies. Technical staffs for IT and experiments are well organized so that researchers can concentrate on their studies. Surrounded by such a nice environment, I’m enjoying research with my colleagues in a pleasant atmosphere. Finally, I wrote some advice on how to apply to foreign positions as a postdoc. I wish this column could be of help to students and postdocs who have an interest in studying abroad. Keywords: Switzerland / ETH / Lab Life / Postdoc / Ph.D. Student / Fellowship |
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| The Pros and Cons of Biomedical Research Experience in the United States as a Japanese Scientist | Takeo URAKAMI |
| <Abstract> Otsuka Maryland Medicinal Laboratories Inc. (OMML) is a research and development company located in the suburb of Washington DC, Rockville, Maryland in the United States. I have been working as a biological research scientist and developing oncology drugs since 2013. Before joining OMML, I had been trained at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute at Lake Nona in Orlando, Florida as a postdoctoral fellow for 5 years. There are many things different between Japan and the United States in the way of managing and executing scientific research. Only the people who experienced both could see the real difference based on their own experience. Every single scientist should have a different background and a future vision. The studying, training or researching in the United States could be a great opportunity to find diverse view points and expand a personal network. Some people said, “Don’t think, feel”. An attempt is sometimes easier than expected. Keywords: Maryland / Orlando / U.S.A. |
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| With Great Help from My Friends | Toshinori KATO |
| <Abstract> I have been in the United States since 2010. For the first two years, I was a visiting scholar under Prof. Hillmyer at the University of Minnesota. I have worked for Kuraray America, Inc. as a technology scout since I came to Houston in 2012. While living in other cultures for four years is not enough to understand everything, the one thing I can say is that help from friends and colleagues is essential for surviving in a different culture. Keywords: United States / University / Expatriate / Network / Language |
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| A One-Way Ticket to Singapore | Yukari SEGAWA |
| <Abstract> I’m working in P&G Singapore Innovation Center as a local hire. Herein, I would like to talk about how and why I decided to work abroad during my graduate school days. I don’t have any special talents and was not confident in myself to work abroad. However, I took the first step to go out of Japan by changing my mindset, “It’s ok even if I don’t have self confidence, it will come later. Just try!”. Working abroad is not too hard and will give you so many new things and experiences and makes you grow. That’s why I highly recommend you to step out of Japan. Keywords: Singapore / Local hire / Working Abroad / Global |
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| My Experiences Through the Overseas Assignment in the USA | Kenichi FUKUDA |
| <Abstract> Harima Chemicals, Inc. has been expanding overseas business by introducing Japanese technology to each country. My expertise is research and development of paper chemicals such as sizing agents and strength agents for paper industry, since joining Harima. For one of these global projects, I was assigned to work with Plasmine technology Inc. to lead their paper chemicals business to success in the United States. My job and life in the USA began in June 2013, and I have been learning and experiencing various things that I could have never experienced in Japan. Especially, I have learned that the way of thinking in research, business agreements, and safety are very different between Japan and the USA. In this paper are introduced, what I have felt and realized through my work assignment and daily life. I think touching different cultures, working face to face with our partners overseas, is very important for expanding our own scope, and I believe these experiences are invaluable for everyone. Keywords: Paper Chemicals / Overseas Assignment / Experiences / USA |
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| Polymer Science and I: A Personal Account |
| Global Player | Yuji HIGAKI |
| <Abstract> I would like to devote myself to an essential research inspiring company researchers by providing practical material physics they want. I hope to be a global research player in a field that I am proud of. |
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| Front-Line Polymer Science |
| Directed Self-Assembly for Semiconductor Patterning | Hiroshi YOSHIDA |
| <Abstract> Directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymer has evolved as a promising candidate to scale feature sizes beyond the limitation of current top-down type lithography. In this article, DSA processes to fabricate semiconductor circuit patterns is briefly reviewed. DSA is a process to minimize total free energy of microphase separated block copolymer thin film with steric / chemical boundary conditions. The researches to develop optimized processes with correct understanding of surface interaction, both for hole and line/space patterns, are reviewed. In addition, technical challenges to apply highly segregating block polymers copolymers to DSA are addressed for further shrinking the patterns sizes beyond the limitations of the widely applied Polystyrene-block-Poly(methyl methacrylate) system. Keywords: Block Copolymer / Directed Self-Assembly / Graphoepitaxy / Chemoepitaxy / Lithography / Semiconductor Manufacturing |
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