2021/09/04
Subtitle: A Story of a Man Who Happened to Study Cuttlefish
The 5th Science Communication Webinar
This is an event report from the 5th Science Comminication Webinar hosted by CDSFR. We're all back to school - and we've already sneak-peeked the world of research at university. What a great start for a new semester it was! We'd like to thank Dr. Adachi for his amazing story, Dr. Zaima for helping us put together today's webinar, and everyone who joined the webinar.
Host of the 5th SCW
Ayane Miura
Professor at Kochi University,
Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science
Dr. Kosuke Adachi
I work at a place called the Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science at Kochi University. My main research is about how to apply the substances that squids, cuttlefish, crustaceans, and deep-sea creatures have.
If I start talking about how unique squids' reproduction system is, people usually assume that I really like sea and creatures. Yes, I was originally a boy who loved fishing, and I enjoy spending time at my workplace surrounded by oceans in my way. But, I feel a bit awkward to say or have someone say "a scientist who studies XX" or "I'm a YY-ologist." (I wish I could, because i'd sound much cooler.)
Today, I'd like to share my story of how an ordinary fisher boy became who I am today, with bits of stories about my research projects. I'm excited to think about what university is and what research is together.
Event Report
In the 5th Science Communication Webinar, we explored the world of squid and cuttlefish taxonomy, reproduction system, and how Dr. Adachi found the mechanisms of their reproduction system in which he identified the substance that induce an ovum to expand during fertilization. We got so many excellent reviews from those who participated - some found the college life "tougher than expected," while others felt very encouraged by Dr. Adachi's words; "things will eventually work out - so be optimistic."
Clips from the Discussion
This summary was created by Ayane Miura
What do you find most rewarding in research?
I get several moments of small accomplishments that makes me go "alright!" when the result turn out to be the way I estimated - "If I do this, it might turn out like that." These moments are, I think, the reasons why I continue to be a researcher.
Have you had any struggles as a researcher?
Being a researcher is not targeting to earn money - so you might not be as rich as you wished in your 20s and 30s. But recently, the thoughts of researchers about their pay are getting diverse, so it might be a completely different story when you in the audience becomes one.
Also, many of the researchers I work with have problem with their communication skills, even though they're talented and have nice personal qualities. So we sometimes do struggle to reach an agreement (lol).
How do you decide what you conduct research on?
It's somewhat random. I usually try to find a nice balance between what I find interesting or exciting and the reality.
Do you collaborate with researchers from other fields in research projects?
Yes I do. I usually collaborate with microbiologists, physicists, and medical researchers when I study squids and crabs. On the other hand, recently part of me feels that I might be able to get my research project more unique if I do it alone quickly instead of doing it with many other people.