Disclaimer: machine translated by DeepL which may contain errors.

  Greetings from the Dean of Graduate School and Faculty of Science

	Dean of the Graduate School and Dean of the Faculty: A Worldview Opened Up by Intellectual Curiosity
	Dean of the Graduate School of Science and Dean of the Faculty of Science 　Eiichi Tajika (Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Science)

Since its founding in 1877, the Graduate School of Science and the Faculty of Science have served as centers for research and education in the natural sciences—not only in Japan but also globally—producing numerous world-leading researchers and outstanding individuals who contribute to society.While maintaining a strong commitment to fundamental principles, they have valued free thinking that is not bound by existing frameworks and have continued to pioneer new fields of research with a spirit of constant challenge.

The natural sciences are a field of study that explores the laws of the natural world around us; they are an intellectual endeavor rooted in human curiosity, aimed at understanding the various phenomena and natural laws that occur in nature.The desire to “know” is the starting point of scientific research. Through this inquiry, we have deepened our understanding of universal truths and advanced the systematization of knowledge, thereby contributing significantly to the formation of humanity’s view of nature and the universe.The natural sciences are not academic fields intended to directly benefit society. However, the insights gained from them have, over the long term or in unexpected ways, contributed significantly to the development of industry and society. By applying this knowledge in various ways, humanity has laid the foundation for modern civilization.

The natural sciences have the power to profoundly influence humanity’s worldview and values, and to inspire people with grand dreams. Questions surrounding the origin and evolution of the universe and life are symbolic examples of this. For instance, the discovery of exoplanets has significantly transformed our view of the universe.It is becoming increasingly clear that planetary systems like Earth and our solar system are widespread throughout the universe. Currently, observational research and future projects aimed at detecting traces of life in the atmospheres of exoplanets are being vigorously pursued around the world. In this way, scientific inquiry capable of profoundly transforming humanity’s worldview symbolizes the appeal of the natural sciences.

On the other hand, technologies such as lasers, semiconductors, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), mRNA vaccines, and AI (artificial intelligence) all originated from basic research that once seemed to have little direct practical application.Next-generation technologies, such as quantum computers and nuclear fusion energy, are also built upon advances in basic science. If we trace the origins of many of the innovative technologies that underpin modern society, we find that they stem from research in basic science.

The School of Science and the Faculty of Science have implemented various reforms to support vibrant research activities based on the free thinking of students and researchers. In particular, since nurturing the next generation is the university’s most important mission, we are focusing our efforts on expanding international education programs for students and enhancing various forms of financial support.What we value above all else is safeguarding an environment where the next generation of researchers can boldly tackle unknown questions without fear of failure or being constrained by precedent.In such an environment, our most important mission is to nurture researchers—from among the students and early-career researchers studying and conducting research here—who will one day produce groundbreaking achievements capable of transforming humanity’s understanding of nature.

The year 2027 marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of the University of Tokyo and the School of Science. Guided by the principles of “Creation and Transmission of Knowledge”“Human Resource Development,” “Autonomy and Institutional Structure,” “Elimination of Discrimination and Prejudice,” and “Contribution to Society”—we will continue to pursue world-class education and research. At the same time, we will strive to promote internationalization, diversity, equity, and inclusion, while continuing to explore the mysteries of the natural world and expand the horizons of human knowledge.

Published in Faculty of Science News May 2026