平成28年度採択新学術領域「個性」創発脳

この度は2018年11月16日・17日に行われた第3回若手の会・技術支援講習会に参加させて頂きました。この領域の会議には初めて参加させて頂きましたが、これまであまり接することのなかった幅広い分野の研究について伺うことができ、非常に刺激になった2日間でした。また、技術支援講習会では短い時間ではありましたが発表の機会も設けて頂き、拙い発表ではありましたが大変貴重な経験になりました。

私共は専門である統計学・数理モデリングを用いて、「個性」の研究に関わる様々なデータの解析を領域の他の先生方と連携して行っています。普段は統計学の理論的な側面を扱うことが多いのですが、今回の会議は実際のデータをどのような場面で・どのようにして解析していくかという実践的な側面について深く考える機会となり、とても勉強になりました。

今回の会議を通して、「個性」の研究に対する様々なアプローチがあることや「個性」についての研究の重要性、また「個性」研究の広い分野における数理的な解析の必要性などを実感できました。今回学んだことを活かし、今後の研究に取り組んでいきたいと思います。運営してくださった先生方およびお世話になった先生方には心から感謝申し上げます。

I have attended the 3rd annual meeting of Brain and Individuality for young scientists and technical support, being held during November 16th-17th, in the University of Tokyo. It has been a great experience. I fully enjoyed this meeting which provided me an inspirational brainstorm.

Research topics presented at this meeting were informative and diverse. This kind of talk allowed me to explore new areas of individual research and gain new insights that will have a direct benefit on the quality of my research. For example, Dr. Toyoda presented his impressive research that understand the epigenetic mechanism of individuality by twin study. Another impressive talk was from Dr. Kanno. He is working on the establishment of a data-sharing platform which could open for researchers to upload and share the data of mouse ultrasonic vocalization. It is so fascinating.

During meeting, I had great discussions with Dr. Kanno and Dr. Matsuda. It was very appreciative that they were so nice to answer my questions and provide me valuable suggestions. Previously, I learned how to analyze the mouse ultrasonic vocalization from Dr. Kanno. He always kindly provided me advices when I met with research difficulties. Moreover, my study is required to match many statistical analyses, so I really need the powerful statistical support to interpret the original data that back into neuroscience. Dr. Matsuda explained mathematical background of many statistical methods in detail to help me to apply these methods for biological research. Those discussions will contribute my manuscript and future research.

Besides to absorb the advanced knowledge, this meeting also provided me an opportunity to build an academic network with other researchers. I felt glad to meet many researchers who work in different field during the two days. This annual meeting has built a favorable academic atmosphere for young researchers and students which could help them to be more productive in their research. I do hope I can attend the 4th annual meeting in next year.