Shotaro Torii - CH

What made you decide to apply for a grant at the Leading House Asia?
Since I did all the studies, undergraduate, master, Ph.D., only in my country, I had been looking for an opportunity to step outside for interacting with researchers worldwide for expanding my scientific insights. I had been actually very interested in the host’s research before knowing this funding scheme. So, I felt like what an attractive opportunity it is when I found the notification. After discussing with my Japanese supervisor and host professor, I started to think about the proposal and contact the host via email.

How did you secure a host professor?
What was lucky for me in the application process was that the host and I had been known each other before. In 2019, I have visited her laboratory as a visiting Ph.D. student and stayed there for a while. I did some experiments with laboratory members, gave a seminar in front of lab members, and had a discussion with her. We also meet at an international conference six months later. So, she recognized me to some extent before the process started. I think such kind of relationship allowed me to “secure” my host and proceed the things smoothly.

How would you describe your experience of the programme?
The research experience in EPFL was simply magnificent. First, I had full access to any EPFL resources and a good working environment. Also, the host, administration staff, and laboratory members are very kind and approachable. So, I basically did not have any trouble regarding my research. Also, I appreciate my host for providing me with a lot of scientific opportunities (e.g., research experience in CHUV and seminar at EAWAG). I was able to have a discussion with not only my host but also other postdocs and professors in the same department. Of course, the beautiful lakes and mountains in Switzerland are my unforgettable memories!

What role did the Leading House Asia play in the programme?
They kindly handle all the procedures related to this funding.
Once you are accepted into this program, a round-trip ticket of airplanes and living expenses (CHF 2’500 per month) were supported through the Leading House Asia in ETH.
The financial aid was sent to the EPFL administration office and monthly transferred to my bank account.

What were the impacts you made through the project/partners/individual?
The proposed program, “Impact of capsid mutation on free chlorine resistance of Enterovirus as revealed by reverse genetics”, allowed me to understand the inactivation mechanism of viruses more in-depth and to gain the advanced experimental technique (i.e., reverse genetics). I have previously worked on the disinfection kinetics of viruses and revealed the difference in disinfection resistance among laboratory and environmental isolates (Torii et al. 2021). Ours and hosts’ previous progress provided suggestive clues of genetic features related to disinfection resistance. However, the impact of the proposed amino acids was not conclusively confirmed. The project can provide a mechanical explanation of our previous results.

The host offered me a postdoctoral researcher position at EPFL even after this funding finished. I can fortunately further proceed with my research in Switzerland.

Testimonial: what were your personal experiences/thoughts on the bilateral cooperation experience?
Everything is different between Switzerland and Japan. Initially, I tended to get a bit confused and stressed every time I found a problem or something that I have never experienced. But it is obvious that complicated problems happen here because of the high diversity; every people have different cultural background, language, and way of thinking. What impressed me is that people are tolerant of problems and open-minded to those who have different ways of thinking and backgrounds. Any problems are always constructively discussed and solved by close communications and support. This experience is very inspiring and one of the most important learning during my stay.
Science has no borders and thus communication skill with anyone is essential. I think EPFL and Switzerland are quite attractive training places to experience such an international and diverse atmosphere and improve both your research skills and communication skills.