Congratulations to all of you who have recently joined the Graduate School at Yamagata University. The entire faculty, staff, and current students who will be your seniors extend a warm welcome to you.

You have entered graduate school with great hopes: to continue exploring your undergraduate research themes and to uncover new insights, or to start research on topics that have not been addressed by anyone else, aiming for new results.

I studied genetics at university and, like you, progressed to graduate school. During my studies, I experienced the introduction of PCR, which is now commonly used in COVID-19 testing, as a cutting-edge analytical technique. I remember revisiting the fundamentals of this method and thinking about how I could apply it to my own research theme. However, the research I conducted as a student is now common knowledge in the field. Even phenomena that attract attention at the time become commonplace as time passes. As you step into this new phase of your academic career, I hope you will study cutting-edge research in your fields and push those boundaries further.

As you take on new research challenges, there may be times when the data does not come out as expected, or you might question whether your hypothesis is correct and whether you should continue with your current approach. In those moments, I encourage you to take a step back and consider the situation from multiple perspectives, rather than rushing to judgment. When you are passionate, it’s easy to become fixated on one direction, but graduate school is a place not only for acquiring specialized knowledge and skills but also for embracing a multifaceted approach to tackling problems and learning various methodologies.

The time you spend in graduate school, dedicated to your research, may be one of the most enjoyable periods of your life. I hope you can fully embrace your graduate experience without the pressure of having to produce quick results. On the other hand, if you ever feel stressed due to thesis writing or job hunting, please don't hesitate to reach out for support. Consult with your advisors, friends, or our faculty and staff. Additionally, each campus has counseling services and support centers, so I encourage you to utilize these resources whenever you face difficulties. We value our connection with you and want to support you.

Currently, we live in a world referred to as the VUCA era, characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Unexpected torrential rains caused by climate change pose significant threats to our lives. Furthermore, rising prices due to the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine have affected the economy and drastically changed our daily lives. We must confront these challenges that threaten the survival of human society head-on and contribute to building a better society through our research. I am hopeful that the new knowledge you bring will help solve numerous social issues.

While the time you spend in graduate school may feel shorter compared to your undergraduate years, it is a valuable period where you can focus on yourself. Please cherish the time spent with your peers as well. The connections you build with those who share similar experiences can last a lifetime, so nurture those relationships.

I sincerely hope that each of you will have a fulfilling and transformative experience at Yamagata University, and that this experience will greatly expand your potential.

 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 President Tamate Hidetoshi, October 1 2024