Next, we will hear from Dr. Michitoshi Hayashi, who worked at IAMS during 1994–2000. Presently, he is a research fellow as well as the Director of the Center for Condensed Matter Sciences at the National Taiwan University.
“Loving science in Taiwan”
From 1994 to 2000, I worked as a postdoctoral researcher under Dr. Sheng H. Lin at IAMS. My research interests were the ultrafast dynamics of large molecules such as charge transfer complexes and bacterial photosynthetic systems. During that period of time, my research approach was based on both theoretical formulations and numerical simulations with computational codes developed on my own. I applied this approach to various molecular systems and learnt about some of the interesting properties specific to each system. I intended to obtain the basic knowledge and vital experiences that were needed for carrying out theoretical research (physical chemistry) in Taiwan. This type of approach needs plenty of time and in fact I devoted most of my time to it, but somehow, I enjoyed it very much. I even recall that, for the first few years at IAMS, I did not remember the national holidays of Taiwan except for New Year. The six years at IAMS made me realize that I loved science more than anything else. Therefore, my life style at that period was the simplest of my whole life so far.
At IAMS, I had many opportunities to get to know students, research assistants, PIs, administration staff members, and even foreign visitors. I enjoyed long discussions on science with some of the students and colleagues that continued until we were exhausted. These have become wonderful memories of my time at IAMS. I appreciate those who had and/or have helped me in many cases under various circumstances indirectly and directly. Without their help and support, I truly feel that I could not have made it today.
At the end of July of 2000, I left IAMS and started the next chapter of my academic life by joining the Center for Condensed Matter Sciences (CCMS), National Taiwan University. My research quest gradually shifted from simple molecules to molecule-involved surfaces, interfaces, and solids. Therefore, it has evolved to research that combines chemistry and physics. Currently I have several collaborations with condensed matter scientists. As you can see, however, there is one thing I cannot give up: the “molecule.” The central theme of my research focus is always related to molecules because I remember where I came from: IA“M”S. In 2018, I was appointed as the Director of CCMS and now I reserve my time for both research members at CCMS and my own research work, trying to create an exciting research atmosphere in which a person who spends even an hour will have learnt something valuable and can boldly face new challenges.
Last, but not the least, I sincerely hope that I can pass on the research knowledge that I gained in Taiwan to future generations!
