Commencement Address for the 2014 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.
You have received the highest level of specialized education available in the current curriculum and have accomplished research of a caliber far surpassing that of an undergraduate thesis. Research is a process in which one relies on reasoning and intuition—backed by the wealth of knowledge and information gained through deep learning—to discover unexplained phenomena, formulate hypotheses about their nature, and verify those hypotheses.Regardless of whether the expected results are achieved or not, I know of no other form of learning that stimulates intellectual curiosity and excites the mind more than research. Moreover, the thrill and emotion felt when a hypothesis is brilliantly proven cannot be fully expressed in words, and it should surely be a lifelong treasure for each of you.
The degree certificates you now hold in your hands are proof that you have acquired a treasure beyond compare, and at the same time, they are proof that you have acquired the ability to independently conduct research based on your own original ideas.Your ability to identify problems, formulate hypotheses, and exercise insight and a broad perspective; your capacity to devise plans and take action to lead projects to resolution; your perseverance in seeking evaluation of your results and continuing to improve through the PDCA cycle; and your resilience to bounce back from setbacks—these are indispensable abilities for making the 21st century a prosperous one and for bringing happiness to both society and yourselves. I hope you will take pride in this.
You have surely learned the significance of publishing research findings and having them reviewed and evaluated by third parties, such as peer reviewers. The same principle applies when proposing and implementing new initiatives in society. Review and evaluation are inevitable in any field. Furthermore, evidence derived from research is what scientists should value most highly.However, you have also learned that evidence is the result of evaluation based on current scientific capabilities, and that today’s evidence may cease to be evidence tomorrow. Clinging to past evidence is a very foolish act. I hope you will not become leaders who reject new proposals simply because they lack precedents.
To all of you who will continue your research in the future: Science has brought humanity countless blessings, but it has also caused serious adverse effects, such as environmental destruction and health hazards. As you pursue your research, it is the duty of scientists—and a matter of their conscience—to keep in mind how their work contributes to human prosperity and social development, as well as how the results of their research will be utilized.Furthermore, in order for you to conduct research based on free thinking, securing research funding is essential. An independent researcher is one who can secure research funding through their own efforts. Unfortunately, it seems that in this country, generous support for basic research driven by researchers’ intellectual curiosity is on the decline. Therefore, in order to secure research funding, it will often be necessary to have a sub-theme that is advantageous for securing grants, in addition to your lifelong research theme.
To all of you who are about to make your mark in society: Regardless of the field in which you choose to excel, the skills you have acquired through your research are precisely the exceptional abilities that society continues to seek. I look forward to seeing you become leaders who help create a sustainable society in the ever-evolving 21st century. I hope you will maintain your pride as leaders, your research mindset, and your self-discipline as you strive toward your ideal goals.
In closing, I would like to offer the following words as a parting message to all of you who have acquired a wealth of cutting-edge knowledge during your graduate studies.
"If you want to be third-rate, just study relentlessly. If you want to be second-rate, wrestle with your doubts and debate your mentors thoroughly. If you want to be first-rate, build upon your convictions and add your own unique innovations."
The cutting-edge knowledge you have acquired is already a thing of the past, and if you rely solely on outdated knowledge, you will fail to see what is right before your eyes. Whether in research or work, you must not be self-centered; instead, you must engage in discussion and subject your work to scrutiny and evaluation by others. Furthermore, it is only by cultivating a philosophical mindset and a set of convictions, and by applying your own unique insights to what you have learned, that you can truly stand on your own two feet. Please do not forget the importance of conviction, self-study, and ingenuity.
Congratulations on earning your degree.
March 23, 2015
Kochi University
President Hiroshi Wakiguchi