A Biologist’s Dilemma: To Stay Wet or Get Dry
─A Perspective from a Researcher in Japan─
Johannes Nicolaus Wibisana Updated in April 2024

As a biologist, you will likely face a significant decision before choosing a research topic or a laboratory: should you become an experimentalist or focus on computational work? For some, the choice might come easily. For others, particularly those just starting out, there may be a temptation to pursue both paths—just as I did when I began my research journey. While this dilemma is universal, I’d like to share my perspective as a student studying in Japan. Before beginning my fourth-year bachelor’s research at Osaka University, I encountered the challenge of selecting a laboratory, a common experience for students in Japanese universities. At the time, I had limited experience with biological experiments but was skilled with computers—though I had no background in computational biology either. In the end, I chose a laboratory where I could explore both experimental and computational work, believing that both skill sets would benefit my future as a researcher.

Doing both was demanding, requiring long hours to gain proficiency in wet-lab experiments while also honing my computational analysis skills. Despite the intense workload, I believe the effort was worthwhile. The experience not only strengthened my abilities but also laid a strong foundation for my career as a biologist. Now, as a PhD student at OIST, I work primarily in computational biology in the Genomics and Regulatory Systems Unit. I chose this path because I recognized gaps in my experience, particularly in terms of reproducibility—an important yet often overlooked aspect of computational biology. I am also blessed to be working in an environment where other scientists support me by generating data for my research. My role focuses on processing and analyzing this data, which has allowed me to deepen my expertise in computational approaches. For many, sticking to either experimental or computational work might seem like the more straightforward choice when starting out in research. However, for those seeking a challenge, I highly recommend immersing yourself in both fields. This can provide valuable insights into your preferences and future direction. For me, the decision to pursue both experimental and computational work has paid off. Even though I now focus solely on computational biology, my background in experimental techniques allows me to collaborate effectively with experimentalists and contribute ideas that support my research.