Nation-Building Through Science

The TRIP initiative was launched in 2022 as an effort designed to address scientific and societal challenges that are difficult to solve within the scope of a single research field, by promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration.

At the core of this initiative lies the TRIP concept (Transformative Research Innovation Platform of RIKEN platforms), proposed by President Gonokami. The goal is to organically integrate RIKEN's cutting-edge platforms across various research domains and realize "Science that Connects."

Several programs are already underway, including the Data and Computational Sciences Integration Research Program (CoRe) and the Advanced General Intelligence for Science Program (AGIS).

Driven by fundamental science, TRIP aims to contribute to solving global-scale challenges such as the preservation of the global commons, promote social transformation for Japan's economic growth, create a sustainable future, and support the advancement of human society as a whole.

Left: Masashi Kawasaki

Director, TRIP Headquarters

Right: Kazushige Fukushima

Division Director, TRIP Promotion Division

At TRIP Headquarters, officially known as the Transformative Research Innovation Platform of RIKEN platforms, our mission can be simply summarized as "science that connects."

The natural sciences encompass a wide range of fields, and at RIKEN-Japan's only comprehensive research institute for the natural sciences-cutting-edge research is being conducted rather independently in many of these research fields. However, there has traditionally been a lack of strong interdisciplinary collaboration. When President Gonokami assumed the presidency three years ago, he proposed an initiative that would capitalize on RIKEN's unique strengths by connecting different scientific fields through common threads such as data science, mathematical computation, and artificial intelligence (AI).

AI and hybrid computers as tools for collaboration

RIKEN is not only home to the supercomputer Fugaku, but is also actively conducting research in quantum computing. Combining the strengths of both into hybrid computing systems may one day enable us to make near-future predictions. This idea has resonated deeply with researchers across various fields. In other words, through the accumulation of high-quality data, the expansion of computational possibilities using hybrid computers, and the integration of AI and hybrid computing through mathematical sciences, we are able to connect disparate research domains.

I myself have worked on research related to how to utilize quantum computers. Quantum computers excel at finding the best solution from a multitude of possibilities, a characteristic they share with AI. Mathematical science bridges AI and computing, seeking to explain complex phenomena using equations. On the other hand, it is difficult to express phenomena in the life sciences through equations and researchers often rely heavily on image data due to the vast amount of information involved. At first glance, mathematical science and life science might appear to have little in common.

Yet in modern medicine, AI is already being trained on endoscopic images to identify characteristics of cancer and assist physicians in diagnosis. The combination of AI and computing is proving effective not only in life sciences but also in particle physics and many other areas. Even if disciplines appear distant, the right collaborative tools can bring them together.

Attractive research themes in the gaps between fields

Given the nature of specialization in research, a certain degree of compartmentalization is inevitable. I'm not trying to forcefully dismantle those silos. Rather, I believe that the most compelling research themes often lie in the gaps between them. The ideas that leak through those gaps can eventually merge into something larger. When the notion that there's something intriguing in these spaces resonates with researchers, others around them are encouraged to start looking for those gaps as well.

At the TRIP Headquarters, we hold monthly online meetings involving researchers from various fields. When someone shares a current research challenge, four or five people quickly offer suggestions or advice. Principal investigators (PIs) often encourage junior researchers to join by saying, "Dr. X will be attending the next meeting-you might find it useful for your work." Even across vastly different disciplines, valuable insights emerge. In this way, silos can actually be leveraged rather than eliminated.

These kinds of "connections" are a strength of TRIP, but at first, we used computational science and digital transformation (DX) as tools to connect researchers. Today, new research themes have emerged that transcend individual research centers-areas like AI for Science, foundational quantum science and advanced semiconductor science. These are areas difficult to pursue within the existing organizational structure, but possible through cross-disciplinary collaboration. The smooth progress of these new projects is proof that data integration, AI, mathematical sciences, and hybrid computing are powerful enablers of collaboration.

Young researchers, in particular, are acutely aware of this. They know that if they don't try something different, they will not be able to surpass their mentors. And if researchers cannot surpass the previous generation, science cannot move forward. Today, AI, mathematical sciences, and hybrid computing are our tools. But, in five years, new technologies will take their place. One of TRIP's strengths is its flexible and evolving structure: once a research theme is proposed, researchers naturally gather around it.

Global challenges such as climate change, energy shortages, and food insecurity won't be solved by the sudden appearance of a lone superstar. Researchers must find the intersection between their personal interests and broader societal issues. By aligning what they want to do with what society needs from science, they can take pride in knowing their research is making a real-world impact.

A rare and serious effort by top researchers

In this light, I see the TRIP Headquarters' motto as "Nation-building through science." By utilizing RIKEN's cutting-edge research platforms, we aim to lay the foundation for new research and generate new knowledge-not only for Japan, but for the enrichment of humanity as a whole. There are few instances of institutions in the world as large as RIKEN having top researchers so seriously dedicated to the idea of "Science that Connects."

The world faces major challenges, but our children, grandchildren, and future generations deserve to live full lives, to enjoy their work and their time on this planet. We hope to contribute to building a peaceful and sustainable society through science.

Human society and civilization now stand at a major crossroads, faced with challenges such as global warming and environmental destruction. Under the leadership of Director Kawasaki, a leading figure in the fields of physics and engineering, RIKEN has embraced the vision of nation-building through science. By working alongside the world's top researchers, we aim to help shape a future society centered on new science and technology as a winning strategy for Japan. To this end, we hope to advance our initiatives through "Science that Connects" that bridges research domains and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. (Fukushima)

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