Blog No.98
Author: Yuri I. Fujii
About a month has passed since I started my first postdoc at ELSI. Before coming here, I was doing my PhD at Nagoya University on theoretical astrophysics. My research focus is planet/satellite formation. As a newcomer, I would like to share my impressions of ELSI.
First of all, I like the open common space of the Communication Room with the continental-shaped tables that welcome us as we walk into the entrance. I knew about this space because I have visited Tokyo Tech several times before, but I did not know that so many talks and meetings are held there. I appreciate the relaxing atmosphere of those meetings. When there is no planned event, we can always find people holding small meetings in the corner or just working on their own. I also sometimes use this space when I would like to work in a relaxed mood. A fun thing for me is that I often find myself sitting next to someone whose research and cultural background are totally different from mine.
Speaking of mixing, I am also impressed with the 3pm daily coffee break tradition where not only researchers but also secretaries and administration staff join scientific chats as well as random conversation. I think it is a great idea to have a break together instead of having a "lounge for astronomers" or a "tea room for biologists" etc. In the Communication Room, ELSI Izakaya, a social activity with beer and snacks on Friday evening, also takes place. I have found that institutes outside of Japan have these kinds of social activities and I have regretted that most Japanese institutes do not. So, I am happy to have access to this enjoyable shared time with my colleagues. As its name suggests, many kinds of communication are being made in that space.
I have found ELSI to be a truly interdisciplinary institute with many active researchers pursuing diverse topics together. I had a couple of opportunities to attend the Round-Table Discussions, where people from totally different fields can ask questions to the table host of his/ her field. This activity is designed for people who do not have any shared background and we are advised to choose a topic that is far from our own field. I found that learning a completely new topic is a lot of fun even if it may not be directly connected to my work. These discussions were more professional than I imagined. Before the host finishes explaining the basic idea of the topic, people jump in and start asking many questions. Some questions are very fundamental, others are more advanced. I find it interesting to see people coming from different academic points of view.
Among the Round-Table Discussions, I noticed two things. The first is that people have at least some basic knowledge of the field. This is only my guess, but perhaps even though they have never learned about the topic itself, they have had some opportunities to hear about related things after spending a certain amount of time at ELSI. It is often the case that people use terms that I do not know (I still have a lot to learn...). The second is that the variety of people enhances the discussions. For example, when a planetary scientist asks a question to a biologist, a chemist will add some comments. My impression is that (unlike my attitude that just attending is fun enough) attendees do not make a border to the topic and their own research. A discussion held by a group of researchers is like jazz music. It sometimes develops to a slightly different direction, but the people enjoy it. I also look forward to ELSI Youchien, a new study group to learn the basics of different fields that represent the work done at ELSI.
John Hernlund, PI and vice director at ELSI, has said that ELSI is unique inside and outside of Japan and I agree with him. Each person in ELSI has his/her identity and focus but, at the same time, pay respect to each other. They willingly share ideas and culture when he/she thinks it is worth doing. Unfortunately, I am here at ELSI for three months in total (I will move to NBIA in Copenhagen), but it would be great if I will be able to come back to this wonderful and comfortable institute in the future. I hope Copenhagen is close enough to visit ELSI often so that I may collaborate with my colleagues here.
