Jittraporn Saengkaew

I had the chance to participate in the Sakura Science Exchange Program in 2016 at Hirosaki University, Aomori. In 2018, I received the opportunity to study for a doctoral degree at Hirosaki University. At present, I am a postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) in Japan. I was glad to attend the Science and Technology in Society forum (STS) and Forum’s Young Leaders Program (YLP) 2023 as an alumni of the Sakura Science Club (SSC). Many interesting people with a variety of careers participated in this forum; thus, we can discuss such ideas and share our valuable views and insights. Especially STS Young Leaders Program, I am deeply honored and excited to meet many Nobel laureates. Our group discussed major issues in research such as potential solutions to research funding issues in each country, the impact of cooperation, language barriers, research issues, incorporating new perspectives about research, and casual topics about the work-life with Prof. William E. Moerner who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2014. A key point of discussion was the reflection on the issues in research of science and technology. Moreover, we had the chance to discuss with Prof. Wolfgang Ketterle (The Nobel Prize in Physics 2001). Prof. Wolfgang Ketterle told his story and experience during his study and work life and perspectives on career growth. I learned many things from his experience and received many pieces of advice such as the importance of building a corporation and networking, giving yourself chance for abroad to learn the research culture in each country and luck also is required. Based on the discussion on luck, this topic included for example the luck of meeting people who can support and improve our ability, and luck in work and life. During the official dinner, I had the chance to talk with Prof. Morten P. Meldal (The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2022) and his family that it was a great time and experience for me. In addition, many sessions were interesting in this forum, which we can participate in and discuss with Nobel laureates and participants. The group talked and conducted to exchange of knowledge together. That is what more attracted me to science and technology in a variety of fields. I gained a lot of experience in this forum. Moreover, I can meet SSC members and many people and we can build networking and cooperation in our career. The impact this program can have is huge, and that keeps me motivated in research and networking. Such a program provided new challenges to keep me growing professionally. Thank you truly for the opportunity from SSC to be a participant in the STS forum and Young Leaders Program 2023. I will be delighted to have the chance again to attend this kind of program involved in SSC activities in the future.