In our department, we pursue research across every spatial and temporal scale in order to understand the fundamental principles of life phenomena—from the microscopic world of atoms and molecules to ecosystems on a planetary scale, and from the nanosecond dynamics of proteins to fossils that record hundreds of thousands of years of evolutionary history. Our research subjects are also diverse. They range from model organisms such as Arabidopsis and fruit flies to organisms living in extreme environments such as the deep sea, and even extinct human species. By examining this remarkable diversity of life, we seek to uncover the fundamental truths of nature that lie beneath it.

For example, my own research focuses on questions such as “Why do animals sleep?” and “Why do we dream?”—mysteries that are familiar to everyone and yet remain far from fully understood scientifically. Although sleep is a fundamental biological phenomenon shared by almost all animals and is deeply related to the very basis of life, no Nobel Prize has yet been awarded in this field, which reflects how much remains unexplored. By studying not only model organisms such as mice and nematodes, but also tropical fish and simple animals that lack a nervous system, we seek to uncover the fundamental principles underlying sleep as a universal biological phenomenon.

There are many departments and graduate programs devoted to biology and life sciences, and research in these fields is carried out across diverse disciplines including medicine, pharmacy, and agriculture. What distinguishes our department most is the spirit of pure intellectual curiosity as a discipline of science. The simple joy of unraveling the mysteries of living organisms is the true driving force behind our research. When we encounter unknown phenomena, we value the humility to learn from nature without being constrained by preconceptions, and we seek to understand the complex workings of life through rigorous logical thinking and originality. This spirit of sincerely engaging with nature is the tradition our department has cultivated over many years.

While the technologies and social environment surrounding life sciences continue to change rapidly, the importance of basic research driven by intellectual curiosity never diminishes. I sincerely hope that the next generation of young scientists will challenge the mysteries of life in this rich research environment and open new frontiers of discovery that will surprise the world.