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1. What prompted you decide to participate in the "JSPS Science Dialogue" program?
I think that nowadays science is not close enough to the "normal" people. Usually they don't understand what is going on in the laboratories and if they hear news, these news are usually bad (because that is all, what the media is interested in). Therefore, it is very important to bring science closer to these people (they are the ones, who pay the taxes and thus, science).
As for young student, there is another reason, why I think the "Science Dialogue" is important. It is possible that this kind of lecture opens their mind to science and research and maybe they will start studying biology and medicine and turn into a great researchers.
2. To what did you give greatest attention in preparing and giving the lecture?
The background knowledge of the students. I asked their biology teacher, what they knew of the immune system and he even gave aspecial lecture about it to prepare the students.
3. Did you find it difficult to give a lecture in English to Japanese students? Could you give some advice to future lecturers on how to facilitate communication with Japanese students?
No, I didn't find it difficult at all. Maybe it is because I am not a native speaker myself and know, how difficult it is for students to understand English. To remind myself to speak slowly and clearly, I had a piece of paper in front of me with "Go Slow!!!" written on it. That helped me to slow down in between.
4. Could you give your impression with regard to participating in this program?
It was very impressing and rewarding. I would advice everybody to do it, if they are interested in getting in contact with young, bright and intelligent people.
5. Was it meaningful in terms of your fellowship activities?
Maybe not on my activities right now, but I could imagine working in public relations in the future.
6. In what ways do you think the students benefited from the program?
First of all they got to know that English is not only a subject taught in school but that it is a living language, which can be used to communicate. And of course the experience to learn something, which is not written in any textbook yet. Something, which is not common knowledge but an exciting new discovery.
7. Could you give some overall advice or comments to future participants in the program?
I would suggest to keep it rather simple, to speak slowly and clearly. It also helps a lot to have a lot of pictures in the presentation or even animations.
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