Inspired by 3.11, I've Made "the Design of Life and Living" My Life's Work¡ªI Want to Cultivate Leaders with Mental Toughness and Compassionate Hearts
Participant Profile
Koji Ioku
Research Areas: Science, Technology and Society; Materials Science; Chemistry1984: Graduated from the Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University 1986: Completed the Master's Program at the Graduate School of Science and Technology, Sophia University 1989: Withdrew from the doctoral program at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, after completing course requirements 1989: Research Associate, Faculty of Science, Kochi University 1990: Visiting Researcher, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo 1994: Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Yamaguchi University 2000: Special Researcher, School of Medicine, Juntendo University 2001: Associate Professor, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Yamaguchi University 2003: Associate Professor, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University 2006: Professor, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University 2012¨CPresent: Current position. Doctor of Engineering (Tokyo Institute of Technology) 1988: Young Investigator Award, MRS International Meeting; 2000: Nagai Memorial Encouragement Award, The Society of Inorganic Materials, Japan; 2001: Grand Prize for Educational Improvement Proposal (Educational Idea Award), Yamaguchi University; 2003: Special Award (Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Award), 2nd Campus Venture Grand Prix; 2005: Asian Bio-Ceramics Award; 2008: Academic Award, Japanese Association of Inorganic Phosphorus Chemistry; 2009: Academic Award, The Ceramic Society of Japan; and other awards.
Koji Ioku
Research Areas: Science, Technology and Society; Materials Science; Chemistry1984: Graduated from the Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University 1986: Completed the Master's Program at the Graduate School of Science and Technology, Sophia University 1989: Withdrew from the doctoral program at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, after completing course requirements 1989: Research Associate, Faculty of Science, Kochi University 1990: Visiting Researcher, School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo 1994: Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Yamaguchi University 2000: Special Researcher, School of Medicine, Juntendo University 2001: Associate Professor, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Yamaguchi University 2003: Associate Professor, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University 2006: Professor, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University 2012¨CPresent: Current position. Doctor of Engineering (Tokyo Institute of Technology) 1988: Young Investigator Award, MRS International Meeting; 2000: Nagai Memorial Encouragement Award, The Society of Inorganic Materials, Japan; 2001: Grand Prize for Educational Improvement Proposal (Educational Idea Award), Yamaguchi University; 2003: Special Award (Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Award), 2nd Campus Venture Grand Prix; 2005: Asian Bio-Ceramics Award; 2008: Academic Award, Japanese Association of Inorganic Phosphorus Chemistry; 2009: Academic Award, The Ceramic Society of Japan; and other awards.
Encountering My Research Theme and Its Appeal
My research theme is "the design of life and living through the fusion of natural and social sciences," which takes an integrated approach to the environment, energy, life, and medicine. Since my time as a doctoral student, I have been working on the creation of artificial bones and materials for regenerative medicine. However, since becoming a professor at Tohoku University's graduate school seven years ago, I began to consider the possibility of avoiding the risks inherent in science and technology through an interdisciplinary fusion of the sciences and humanities. Furthermore, after experiencing the 3.11 disasters in Sendai and witnessing the tragedy at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, I have made this theme my life's work.
Researchers tend to specialize more deeply the more they study, but it is important to be a generalist before being a specialist. Furthermore, researchers who have honed their skills as specialists must once again present a generalist's philosophy to the world. I came to realize this cycle of thought and philosophy through the process of creating artificial bones that integrate with bone metabolism and engaging in discussions and exchanges of opinions around the world. "The design of life and living through the fusion of natural and social sciences" is a theme that deeply moves the human heart.
A Message to Students
Experiencing the Great East Japan Earthquake in Sendai and the subsequent recovery process made me think about the qualities necessary for a leader. The courage to take the lead when everyone is in trouble, the decisiveness to grasp the bigger picture and give concrete instructions promptly, the mental toughness to remain unfazed by small matters, and a compassionate heart that can reach out to those in need¡ªleaders with these strengths and this spirit are what Japan needs today. I will do my utmost to cultivate leaders who will create and support the future of Japan. I hope that many students studying at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ will grow to become politicians, business executives, media professionals, and representatives of NGOs and NPOs who can demonstrate true leadership.
(Interview conducted in November 2012)
*Profile and position are as of the time of the interview.