At this panel, we look forward to receiving a wide range of research proposals, mainly in the field of informatics. Since this is an opportunity for young researchers to engage in research based on their own ideas for a continuous period of seven years as a general rule, we hope that you will propose what you most want to accomplish as a researcher. If you make an eccentric proposal, you will have a hard time later, so I recommend that you make a straightforward proposal that addresses a big challenge you genuinely aim to pursue throughout your career as a researcher. We hope that you will passionately convey how interesting and exciting your research project is, how challenging it is, and what kind of future you want to open up through your research.

If you are selected, you will surely be grateful for the sustainable research funding, but more than that, you will have the opportunity to enjoy stimulating interactions among young researchers through the “Place for Fusion” and other FOREST events where we discuss each other's research, and you will be glad to receive advice from the FOREST Advisors. I supported young researchers from 2016 to 2022 as the Research Supervisor (Program Officer) of JST ACT-I “Information and Future” program, and the ACT-I researchers enjoyed such interactions and discussions. Although it was a different program, my greeting https://youtu.be/PiRK_RJCMsA, in which I introduced innovations that encouraged such active interactions, will serve as a reference for the atmosphere of this panel.

Informatics is a field that plays a central role in creating the future society. A wide spectrum of basic to applied research and development is important. Informatics encompasses diverse academic approaches, including research aimed at scientific clarification and research focused on practical engineering. No single person can cover the entire field on their own, so we encourage you to ensure that the appeal, originality, and challenges of your research project are effectively conveyed to researchers outside your field of expertise when making a research proposal and communicating with them.

The FOREST (Fusion Oriented Research for Disruptive Science and Technology) is a wonderful program that makes young researchers feel compelled to apply since it allows them to pursue challenging research with creative ideas. If you are interested in this opportunity, please do not hesitate to apply.