Shota Izumiyama

What is your research topic?

Particle physics, especially uncovering the properties of neutrinos, one of the elementary particles, through experiments.

Can you expand on the content of your research?

In particle physics, our goals are to clarify what constitutes the universe in which we exist, and seek to identify the most elementary constituents. (Ancient Greeks thought that the universe is made with four components, air, solid, fire and water.) As more precise we see the world, we see molecules, then atoms and then electrons and nuclei. Elementary particles are the end of the line. They are most fundamental components of nature. We believe that understanding the different types elementary particles, and their properties, will help uncover the mystery of the origin of the universe.

What attracts you to this field of research?

We know very little about the components that make up the universe. Have you ever wondered how the universe will end, or what the beginning was like? For me, thinking about such things, and trying to clarify mysteries that are rooted in the universe, is both exciting and motivating!

Tell us about your future plans at Tokyo Tech and beyond.

Experiments in particle physics are massive in scale, and require cooperation between hundreds if not thousands of people. I aim to uncover the origins of the universe while collaborating with others from all over the world.

The content of this article was accurate at the time of the interview.

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