September 28, 2023

The 11th SOKENDAI Award

SOKENDAI Award is founded in Academic Year 2018 to commend the students who have accomplished their outstanding research and have been conferred their degrees with the excellent doctoral thesis.

The 11th SOKENDAI Award was held in Hayama campus on September 28, 2023.

Comments from Winners of the 11th SOKENDAI Award

LI ENHAO

School of Physical Sciences, Department of Fusion Science

Doctorial thesis
Development of high-performance mid-infrared laser sources for isotope detection applications

Comment
　I enrolled in the Department of Fusion Science at SOKENDAI in 2020. Researching at the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) is truly a unique experience. As we know, nuclear fusion is a vast project encompassing various fields such as plasma physics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, condensed matter physics, optics, electrical engineering, and even information technology. My research focused on optical technology, specifically the development of novel laser sources for advanced plasma diagnostic technology. Engaging in research at NIFS, with its large scientific facilities, can cultivate our ability to conduct interdisciplinary research. We have numerous opportunities to integrate our research with practical applications and actively collaborate with researchers from various fields. I encourage prospective students to consider joining NIFS to be part of this dynamic scientific research environment.

LI ENHAO

HARSHA SOMASHEKAR

School of Life Science, Department of Genetics

Doctorial thesis
GLUCAN SYNTHASE-LIKE5 promotes anther callose deposition to maintain timely initiation and progression of meiosis in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Comment
　When I embarked on my journey at SOKENDAI in 2018, it was a dream of mine to become an independent researcher, to contribute to the world of knowledge, and to tackle real-world problems. Today, five years later, I can proudly say that my dream has come true. This achievement has been made possible through the unwavering support and guidance of SOKENDAI and my parent institute NIG. SOKENDAI is truly an exceptional institution. It not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures its students with unique perspective on addressing the challenges of the real world. The important thing I learnt here is “how to create a new knowledge”. I have also come to realize how this newly established knowledge can transform our society for the better. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to SOKENDAI for providing me with this remarkable opportunity. I also want to acknowledge the incredibly talented faculty members who have been my mentors and guides throughout my doctoral journey. Their continuous support and mentorship have been instrumental in my growth as a researcher. With the SOKENDAI Award and the Morishima Award for the best doctoral research now in my hands, I feel a heightened sense of responsibility towards society. I am committed to continuing my efforts to create new knowledge that can contribute to the betterment of society. To aspiring students and researchers, I wholeheartedly recommend SOKENDAI as a destination for higher studies and advanced research. It is an institution that not only equips you with knowledge but also nurtures your passion for discovery and innovation.

HARSHA SOMASHEKAR

RYOTO OZAKI

School of Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of Statistical Science

Doctorial thesis
Information criteria for detecting change‐points in the Cox proportional hazards model

Comment
　I am deeply honored to receive the prestigious SOKENDAI Award. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the supervision and support of my supervisors and all the Institute of Statistical Mathematics members. The Statistical Science Program offers a course dedicated to researching theories and application methods for data-based reasoning, under the supervision of a diverse faculty. Within this program, students benefit from comprehensive mentorship in research meetings, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research. Furthermore, this program provides substantial support for working students like myself. I greatly appreciate that these enabled me to conduct research in a highly enriching environment, even during the pandemic-affected period of my studies. My forthcoming goal is to leverage this experience as a bridge between academia and industry, thereby contributing to the further advancement of my industry field.

RYOTO OZAKI