Robert Triendl Research Articles

A clash of two cultures.

A lack of formal training is hampering Japan's efforts in computational neuroscience, says Robert Triendl.

Attractive forces in Asia.

Pacific Rim countries are vying to recruit scientists, but they face some stiff obstacles, says Robert Triendl.

Breaking down biological borders.

Opportunities in nanotechnology are opening up in Japan — especially for young researchers willing to cooperate across disciplines, says Robert Triendl.

Computerized role models.

Japan's push to create a virtual cell signals a new approach to research, says Robert Triendl.

Chance to make a difference in Japan.

Japan has the computer power for climate-change research — it just needs to attract people to use it, says Robert Triendl. Solving the skills shortage may involve a long-term change in strategy.

Slim pickings for silicon specialists.

Electronics companies in Japan are slashing jobs for silicon physicists — once the veritable elite of the country's corporate R&D world. And public-sector research is only slowly picking up, says Robert Triendl.

Interaction required

It may have profited from the increased interest in environmental issues, but ecology in Japan is still struggling to make ends meet. Robert Triendl crosses the divide within the discipline.

Limited opportunity.

Japan's Brain Science Institute offers young neuroscientists jobs — but doesn't guarantee them long-term employment, says Robert Triendl.

Playing catch-up

Japan's government is belatedly realizing that it needs to increase funding for training in bioinformatics, says Robert Triendl. But lack of specialists in the field could hinder the country's efforts.

Japan in the post-genomics age

Over the past two years, the Japanese government has increased funding for research in structural genomics. Although companies remain uncertain as to how this will benefit them, there will be more job opportunities in protein engineering and structural biology, says Robert Triendl.

Chemists set to gain in Japan

Renewed investment into fields such as nanotechnology should improve job prospects for inorganic chemists in Japan, says Robert Triendl.

Environmental diplomacy, regional security, and the limits of “green aid”

Environmental diplomacy could play a vitally important role in the complicated political world of Northeast Asia, according to Shohei Yonemoto and Robert Triendl. If handled carefully, they argue, environmental objectives could serve as important substitutes for addressing security questions and as opportunities for institution‐building. Shohei Yonemoto is Director of the Science and Society Program at the Mitsubishi Kasei Institute of Life Sciences in Machida, near Tokyo. Robert Triendl is a science policy analyst formerly affiliated with the Center for the Sociology of Innovation at the Paris School of Mines, and is presently a research fellow at the Mitsubishi Kasei Institute.