I define a researcher as a man who remains motionless in the current. He is standing still and observing the rapid change of complex systems of the world on the firm ground of his own co-ordinates.

For instance, in this "Information Era", it is not only scientific knowledge but also diversified information that fills society. The advanced technology of communication and data processing makes it easier to access any information. We lead a convenient life taking advantage of the benefit of information technology. If this is the norm to you, you are on the vehicle called “Information”. Then, anything associated with information technology including the rapid progress of the field are accepted as the natural order of things. However, if you are not on the vehicle and look at the present situation of information technology based on your values, can you really be sure that this is the only possible way for the field to progress?

In fact, we have come through the age in which the size of a computing machine had increased as performance improved. Our dream of developing a computer comparable to human intelligence was seen as an extension. We did try to realize the dream. However, computer development did not actually follow the path of “upsizing”. Instead, it needed a turn toward downsizing and networking, which has become the new buzzword in this field.

Although the technologies, which did not take this turn, have also achieved much progress and have been put into practice, we should note that this very turn broadened the unexpected horizon of computers, enabling penetration of the technology into society. I assume the people who aimed at the miniaturization of a computer device despite the trend toward "jumbo-sizing" of computers are those who did not get on the vehicle of the time.

In the field of technology and perhaps that of basic science, those who have made great achievements in directing the path of progress and pioneered new scientific frontiers often stand still at their co-ordinates and let go of the vehicles flowing with the mainstream. The notable examples in the 20th century include the physicist who opened the field of molecular biology and researcher in material processing who finally laid the foundation of nanotechnology by pursuing the concept of controlling individual atomic elements. These people do not follow after the development of the traditional scientific disciplines they have acquired. Alternatively, they set up their co-ordinations of values with a different point of view. Ultimately, they opened a new field of science; established a new track of development of the existing technologies.

Common Language

Having said that, I must admit that the researchers also take a vehicle. A unique idea or a good academic essay is not enough to gain recognition as an innovation of science/technology. The novel field must create the current of the time. A number of researchers are to start researches in this area. And at least such studies must earn recognition of the academia. If it is a new technology, it has to be utilized in the society. It is not easy for the researchers to wait and see until such conditions are met. Their efforts can be ignored or even defamed. They have to develop endurance and persistence to struggle with adversity.

In this context, the researchers belonging to a research unit of AIST may or may not be on a vehicle. Some are seeking after a subject, which has not been recognized as a scientific/technical field. They continue with such publicly unrecognized studies. On the other hand, some researchers get social credit for their research achievements. Furthermore, there are those who embark on an enterprise by setting up an industry-academia joint research project, establishing their own venture businesses and so on.

And these researchers who belong to one unit of AIST need a commonality in their goals and standards i.e. a common language amongst the researchers. A group of such researchers can be called "the coherent researchers". In this coherent group, some are the explorers of the field of basic research, some are the designers who integrate the results to accomplish a set goal and some break through various obstacles and ultimately translate such inventions into practical application. The roles are not fixed. The researchers may play a double role. They may exchange their parts. In any case, they will press on toward the same goal in co-operation.

I hope the AIST will provide the best opportunity for all the member researchers, on vehicles or not, to exert themselves. Wishing that our unity would bring solutions to the challenges of this world in the new year, 2002.