Dean's Message

Dean of the School of Science

Masahiro Hoshino

Dean of the School of ScienceProfessor

Masahiro Hoshino graduated from the Department of Geophysics in the School of Science at the University of Tokyo in 1981, and was awarded a Doctor of Science with a major in space physics in 1986. After serving as a researcher at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and as an associate professor at the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), he has been a professor of the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of Tokyo since 1999. In April 2020, he was appointed to his current position as Dean of the School of Science.

The Joy of Unraveling the Mysteries of Nature

Science seeks to solve the unknown mysteries of nature. It involves finding your own answers to challenging questions that defy solution. You could also say that it is an epic adventure with endless challenges and joys. As such, the School of Science at the University of Tokyo will continuously satisfy your spirit of inquiry and intellectual curiosity.

Science is also the cornerstone of the development and prosperity of society. For example, the GPS we use for navigation is based on Einstein's theory of relativity, and the semiconductor devices found in computers operate on the principles of quantum mechanics. In this way, scientific discoveries and ideas have dramatically enriched human lives.

Through the process of unraveling the mysteries of nature, in the School of Science you can learn to think logically and acquire the skills to solve the problems facing our society. A science-based approach is indispensable for tackling these difficult challenges, including the serious problem of global warming that we face today. I strongly believe that your studies in the School of Science will be a great source of strength for humanity.

Exploration of science

Interview and text: Masatsugu Kayahara
Photography: Junichi Kaizuka
Illustration: Masumi Harabe