Do you think the experiences as a postdoctoral researcher under JSPS’s Research Fellowship for Young Scientists at Hokkaido University affect your current research?

Absolutely it does. The present study is based on the understandings of a previous project funded by the JSPS. It included a collaborative work with members of current affiliation. At that time, I was not supposed to work as a postdoc in Norway, however, I got the great opportunity to do continuous and advanced research, fortunately.

Compared to Japan, what is your impression of the research environment in Norway?

I was really impressed by the size and diversity of available budget, facilities, and human resources for progressing fisheries science. In addition, there are a lot of applicable grants/funds for aquaculture fields because the Norwegian government is trying to increase the production of aquaculture as a national direction. As a result, this field seems to be very attractive for students, thus, the entire fisheries industry including the research circulates and works well. On the other hand, I also feel so great for Japanese researchers because they produce excellent research results even in a limited environment.

Do you have any advice for young scientists who dream of going to Norway to do research?

I can highlight some great advantages for working in Norway; good public safety, a stable climate (in Bergen, it is mostly cloudy or rainy), and a good work-life balance, high potential demand for a researcher in fisheries science and relevant fields. In addition, the experience worked in other countries would improve your ability to acclimate to a new environment, as compared to a short-term research stay. Of course, I sometimes feel inconvenience, but the key is an attitude to enjoy the inconvenience.