Message from Alumni & Faculty
*Affiliations and titles are current at the time of publication
NEGISHI Mayu
My first encounter with small RNA molecules was in a lecture when I was in junior high school. The professor explained that when they were first discovered they were thought to be "junk," but later found to have important functions. I remember being deeply moved and thinking, "How amazing the workings of living organisms are!" From that moment I wanted to learn more, so I went on to study at the Faculty of Science at the University of Tokyo and immersed myself in small RNA research. I spent my days formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and discovering new phenomena through my own work. There were setbacks and failures at times, but those experiences often led to unexpected discoveries and new ideas. My university experience deepened my interest, and I am now involved in RNA-related research at my company.
As the name suggests, the Faculty of Science is a place to study the principles of nature and to confront the question "why?" head-on. Basic research can seem to have a different purpose from corporate R&D, which aims to develop products and services. However, as in the small RNA example, findings once dismissed as insignificant often turn out to be highly important. When I chose to enter the Faculty of Science, I believed that devoting myself to basic research as a student would help me develop a broader perspective that I could apply later. Looking back, that was the right choice. The habit of asking "why" that I developed as a student remains at the core of how I think today.
Whatever you are learning now—your school subjects, personal interests, or hobbies—may connect to your future in unexpected ways. Try many things, pay attention to what sparks your curiosity, and don’t be afraid to fail. I hope you find something that excites you. No matter which field you choose, think about how you can apply what you learn along the way.
Publication Date: 2025.9.1