FALLING WALLS SCIENCE SUMMIT (November 2024)
ベルリンの壁崩壊に象徴されるような平和的な社会変革を目指す科学会議FALLING WALLS SCIENCE SUMMIT 2024が崩壊記念日に合わせてベルリンで開催され、この度参加する機会をいただきました。世界中の研究者が集い、国籍を超えて平和のために議論し合う姿は圧巻で、多くの参加者が同じ空間に集うその規模の大きさと熱量にただただ圧倒されました。特に各国を代表する若手研究者たちのピッチは感無量でした。提案は環境問題や医療をはじめ多岐に渡り、たとえばアフリカ大陸からはインターネットを用いない教育ツール、先進国からはがんの検知やプラスチックの分解など、各国の生活水準や社会課題によってニーズのレベル差を感じました。また同時に、各々の愛国心がひしひしと伝わり、科学に国境はないけれど研究者に故郷はあるということを改めて実感し、深く感銘を受けました。伊藤塾長、三木先生と過ごす数日間は本当に刺激的でした。とにかく素敵な方々で、僭越ながら憧れてしまいました。。学んだことを慶應と日本に還元できるよう精進します。
I am honored to have the opportunity to participate in the FALLING WALLS SCIENCE SUMMIT 2024, a scientific conference aimed at peaceful social transformation, symbolized by the fall of the Berlin Wall. The event was held in Berlin to coincide with the anniversary of the Wall's collapse. It was truly overwhelming to witness researchers from around the world gathering to engage in discussions for peace, transcending national boundaries. The sheer scale of the event and the passion of so many participants coming together in one space left me in awe. I was particularly moved by the pitches from young researchers representing their respective countries. Their proposals covered a wide range of topics, from environmental issues to medical advancements. For instance, there were educational tools that function without the internet from Africa and innovations such as cancer detection methods and plastic decomposition from developed nations. This highlighted the differing levels of need shaped by each country's living standards and societal challenges. At the same time, I was deeply struck by the palpable sense of patriotism they exhibited. It reminded me that while science knows no borders, researchers invariably have a deep connection to their homeland—a realization that left a profound impression on me.
The few days I spent with Professor Itoh and Professor Miki were truly inspiring. They are such remarkable individuals that I found myself admiring them deeply. I will continue to work hard to bring what I learned back to Keio and contribute to Japan.
