Commencement Address for the 2013 Academic Year, Kochi University Graduate School
To all of you who have completed your studies at the Graduate School of Kochi University and received your degrees, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and express my high hopes for your future.
I believe that the knowledge and skills you acquired during your graduate studies represent a truly advanced specialized field—one that is far more sophisticated than what can be learned at the undergraduate level.Furthermore, the degree certificates you have received today are the result of your successful demonstration that the hypotheses you formulated based on your extensive and high-quality knowledge were correct, and of your ability to synthesize these findings into your dissertations. At the same time, they serve as proof that you are now capable of conducting research independently of your advisors, relying solely on your own creative thinking and abilities. Please take pride in this achievement and never forget that Kochi University and the people of Japan have high expectations for your outstanding abilities.
It goes without saying that an environment where you can conduct research based on free thinking must be guaranteed for all of you who will continue your research in the future; however, please do not forget that researchers themselves bear responsibility for the impact their research findings have on society. To date, the advancement of science has brought countless blessings to humanity. However, on the other hand, there are also many discoveries that, if misused, could negate life or even lead the world to collapse.In fact, there are instances where relevant academic societies are scrambling to address what could be described as the misuse of research findings. When selecting a research topic and conducting research, it is the duty and conscience of scientists to proceed with the understanding that their work must contribute to human prosperity and social development, and to keep in mind how the results will be utilized.
Furthermore, while evidence is indeed the most important consideration for scientists, I ask that you always be mindful of the fact that today’s evidence may cease to be evidence tomorrow. Evidence is based on evaluations made with current scientific capabilities, and as science advances, those evaluations will naturally change. I hope you will avoid the folly of clinging to past evidence.
I trust that all of you, based on your research experience to date, fully understand that research places great emphasis on exploring realms beyond conventional wisdom. However, as the discovery of iPS cells clearly demonstrates, groundbreaking research findings often arise from casual observations or ideas that might even be considered unconventional. Please do not forget that it is precisely those seemingly trivial hints—the kind that make you wonder, “Could this really be it?”—found in the midst of your daily research life that hold the potential to lead to breakthroughs in our current understanding.I expect that it will be you—with your exceptional intellect and burning passion—who will generate this new evidence.
I look forward to seeing all of you, as you embark on your careers, fully demonstrate the outstanding abilities you have acquired through your studies at this prestigious institution to perform advanced intellectual work.The practical skills you have acquired through the process of completing your thesis—such as deep learning, identifying problems and formulating hypotheses, independently planning and solving them, and having your results evaluated by others—the so-called PDCA cycle that drives continuous progress, as well as the ability to bounce back from setbacks, are indispensable for making the 21st century a prosperous one.
While social life differs from research and often requires common-sense judgment and responses, in today’s world—where innovation is demanded in every setting—I believe that even those outside the research community must maintain an open-minded attitude that does not dismiss unconventional ideas and achievements. The critical thinking, creativity, and deep insight cultivated during your research career—the ability to ask “Why?” “Is this true?” and “Is this really the best approach?”—are qualities sought after in professionals excelling across all fields.
In short, we live in an era where it is difficult to contribute to society without a research mindset, regardless of the field in which you work. In that sense, I hope you will continue to hold onto the pride that comes with being an elite group leading the creation of a sustainably developing society in the 21st century.
Finally, while a boundlessly bright future lies ahead of you, there has never been a time when the need for individuals who possess self-discipline and perseverance, and who are resilient in the face of setbacks, has been more urgent than it is today. I expect you to maintain the pride of being an elite graduate of this prestigious institution, along with a spirit of service to society and self-control, and to strive toward your goals in your respective fields and locations without ever losing hope, no matter the circumstances.
Finally, I would like to conclude my address as president with these words of wisdom from Tokugawa Ieyasu as a parting message.
“A person’s life is like carrying a heavy burden along a long road. One must never rush.”
Congratulations on the conferral of your degrees.
March 24, 2014
Kochi University
President Hiroshi Wakiguchi