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Lab Visit
Most students probably don't have a clear sense of what research is really like before entering graduate school. Because of this, some may feel uncertain — even if they're interested in research — about what they'll actually be doing in graduate school or whether they can thrive in that environment. We welcome lab visits at any time, so please feel free to contact us if you're interested. However, please make sure to schedule your visit in advance.
For Prospective Graduate Students (Master’s/PhD)
Our laboratory conducts research in cosmology. Unlike undergraduate studies, graduate school is a place for conducting research — in other words, a place where we uncover things that are not yet known. Of course, studying is also very important, and one must continuously strive to learn, but this should be regarded as a means to pursue research.
In the master’s program, students first study the fundamentals of cosmology and gradually transition into research. Research topics are decided through discussion with the academic advisor, while also taking into account the student’s preferences. The main objective of the master’s program is to acquire the full range of skills necessary for completing research, including choosing a topic, formulating a problem, developing a strategy for solving it, and writing papers. The research results are then compiled into a master’s thesis. If the thesis is recognized, the student receives a master's degree. Even if the research is still in progress, as long as the work is coherently compiled, it can qualify for a degree. At this stage, if a student finds another path they wish to pursue, or realizes that research may not suit them, they can graduate and move on to a different field.
If you find research interesting and want to pursue it further, you can continue into the doctoral program. The doctoral course is a training period to become an independent researcher. An independent researcher is someone who can handle all aspects of research alone — from setting the topic, formulating an approach, defining the goal, to writing and publishing the results. By producing original research, publishing it in academic journals, compiling it into a doctoral dissertation, and successfully presenting it in an oral defense, one can earn a PhD. If at this point you discover something else you would rather pursue, or feel a limit in continuing research, you may choose to step away from research after graduation. But if you still wish to go further, it will mean pursuing research as a professional — as your career.
Science is the human endeavor of discovering and explaining natural phenomena, and accumulating that knowledge for the benefit of all humanity. It consists of various activities — conducting research and making discoveries, clearly explaining results and sharing them with society, and supporting science through policy and infrastructure. Therefore, the advancement of science requires a wide range of talents. While our laboratory mainly contributes to science through fundamental research on the universe, we also aim to nurture diverse individuals who can contribute to science in various ways.
There is no better place than graduate school to undergo the training of setting realistic problems, carrying them out, writing logical papers, and presenting research results. The joy of discovery and the sense of accomplishment after completing a project are hard to find elsewhere. Such experiences will become valuable assets in your life, regardless of the career path you choose after graduation. Why not try doing research with us?
The Suyama Laboratory is accepting students for both the master’s and doctoral programs.
If you are interested in applying, please attend the graduate admission information session of the Department of Physics, School of Science, Institute of Science Tokyo.