Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences
Tohoku University

When I was a child, I was crazy about Pokémon and soccer. Haha. After school, I would jump into Pokémon cards and games, drinking lemonade and watching the Pokémon anime. I spent those carefree days in a small town in the southern Netherlands. However, around high school, I started to develop an interest in physics and found chemistry intriguing. Driven by a strong curiosity for the unknown, I decided to study physics and astronomy at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

As I deepened my studies in university, I realized that I was more interested in small things rather than the vastness of space. During my bachelor’s research project, I joined a group studying nanoparticles, which I believe determined my path as a researcher. Nanoparticles are extremely tiny particles, but with advanced microscopes, I can actually observe them with my own eyes, making the research feel very tangible. I found that incredibly fascinating. It’s great to be able to see the nano world up close and observe the effects they have with my own eyes.

I am working on organizing nanoparticles to manipulate the path of light and create structures that support catalytic reactions. Nanoparticles are extremely tiny particles, thousands of times smaller than a strand of hair, and they have a variety of unique properties. When materials are reduced to the nanoscale, they acquire special properties that they don’t have at their normal size. First, because their size is close to the wavelength of light, their interaction with light changes. Additionally, as they become smaller, they get a larger surface area. This makes them excellent catalysts, allowing them to facilitate chemical reactions.

By creating specific structures, we can unlock properties that single nanoparticles do not have. Even now, we are seeing new properties emerge, such as the manipulation of light, through structural organization.

Currently, I am working on structuring nanoparticles to create substances that undergo special changes when exposed to specific stimuli. For example, we’re looking at substances that react with light when an electric current is applied or when they are subjected to magnetic fields. We believe this could potentially be applied in energy-efficient displays. Additionally, these properties might be useful for creating fade-resistant inks and paints or as catalysts to simplify chemical reactions. These characteristics also hold potential for alternative energy research, and personally, I want to eventually contribute to new energy research as it is a big topic already in my home country, the Netherlands.

My research is at the forefront of physics and chemistry. Given my background in physics, I first hypothesize and calculate what new substances or materials could be created, and then I use a chemical approach to synthesize nanoparticles and make structures.

Another aspect that might make my research interdisciplinary is the fact that I work with both “small things” and “large things,” which require different types of expertise. I am advancing the study of nanoparticles, which belong to a very small world. However, to make them usable in the real world, we face the challenge of scaling these nanoparticles up to something larger. Although they’re not as different as physics and chemistry, the knowledge and techniques required for different scales of objects vary.

I have always been fascinated by light. In both my bachelor’s and master’s projects, I focused on two different cases of manipulating light using nanoparticles. During my doctoral studies, I researched the interactions between nanoparticles and how they can self-assemble into beautiful structures when these interactions are properly designed. As a postdoctoral researcher, I advanced my research on the catalytic effects of nanoparticles and how they can improve efficiency in the chemical industry. Currently, I am combining everything I have learned to break new ground in this research field.

Take glass, for instance. It’s a common, abundant material, but by altering the structure of its nanoparticles, we can completely change its original properties, as in when its colors change when viewed with the naked eye. This is because glass nanoparticles show different colors depending on their size, when they are organized in certain structures. The appeal is that we can create something entirely different by using simple materials rather than using special and complex ones. I find it fascinating to conduct research primarily using simple materials.

The most remarkable aspect of my research is creating ordered structures of nanoparticles from common materials and linking these structures to various properties that the material exhibits in the real world. I believe the best part of this research lies in being able to actually observe these arrangements using a microscope.

There was a time during my undergraduate years when my experiments didn’t go well for months. Due to my lack of experience, I couldn’t figure out why and felt deeply discouraged. I kept thinking, “Why isn’t this working?” Suddenly, one Friday, the interaction with light worked perfectly, and the experiment succeeded. I was overjoyed. I couldn’t stop smiling on my way back from the lab that day. I’ll never forget that feeling.

In research, there are periods when one doesn’t see results, but that makes the joy of achieving results even greater. Whether one can stay mentally strong and continue challenging themselves during the unproductive periods might be what distinguishes those who are suited for research from those who are not.

Yes, that’s right. And for me, after all, it’s the desire to uncover various new things through research. I believe in any kind of research, being the first person in the world to understand something is a wonderful experience.

I learned about FRIS when a professor from Tohoku University who was in the same research group I was in the Netherlands recommended it. Actually, my wife is Japanese, and she also works in research. After meeting in the Netherlands, we had to live apart for some time due to our respective research situations. Just as I was thinking we’d like to live together in Japan next, I learned about FRIS. Among various positions I considered, I chose FRIS because it allows me to become an independent researcher.

The most significant feature of FRIS is its innovative solutions combining fresh perspectives and interdisciplinarity. This is probably why FRIS is a big part of Tohoku University’s plan, which has been selected as a University for International Research Excellence. I hope that FRIS will continue to grow as a pioneer meeting new challenges in Japan’s research community.

I can be at the forefront, where new things are discovered. Ambitious, young researchers are boldly taking on new challenges every day, making innovation possible. Especially in research, fresh perspectives are essential, so being in a stimulating environment is nothing but beneficial.

If I had to say something, I would like English to be adopted as the official language in the institution, including teaching and conversation. When I talk one-on-one with Japanese researchers, everyone uses English, but I find it strange that Japanese is mainly used in group conversations. If we could converse in English from the beginning, it would be beneficial for Japanese researchers as well.

As a physicist, although his work is not directly related to my research, I am inspired by Dr. Stephen Hawking (British theoretical physicist who passed away in 2018). Despite facing numerous difficulties, his unwavering pursuit of knowledge and his accomplishments are truly remarkable.

As a researcher, I want to be involved in energy research. Developing independent energy solutions that don’t rely on other countries is a crucial issue, and these solutions should be clean and sustainable. I believe this is a critical issue for Japan (and the Netherlands), and because the transition from conventional energy to new energy sources needs to be swift, I hope to eventually progress into such research.

I love Sendai because it is just the right size—not too big and not too small. It has all the conveniences except for English proficiency. Haha. There is no suffocating feeling of a big city, plus it’s nice that people can easily experience nature at the sea and mountains with just a short drive. I’m from a small town in the Netherlands, so Sendai’s size is very comfortable for me. When I feel a bit tired and want to relax, I refresh myself in the countryside areas, such as Zao, which is about an hour from Sendai.

Personally, I like the Japanese way of life. They have a strong sense of responsibility, and most people strive to do their best, often saying “ganbarimasu” (I’ll do my best). Conducting my research in Japan is comfortable because people here have a mentality similar to mine. When researching abroad, it’s important to understand what kind of person you are, what you are seeking, and what makes you happy. Of course, how much you can earn and what facilities are available are important, but understanding whether the place suits you is crucial.

(Interview conducted in May 2024)