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What Drives the Development of the Brain and Brain Scientists?
Reflections from the 2026 RIKEN CBS Summer Program

Potential and possibility. These two words captivate me most when I think about the dynamic process of development. As an attendee of the 2026 summer program held under the theme ‘Development and Disorders: Genes, Networks, and Behavior Across Life’, I believe these words also perfectly capture how RIKEN CBS cultivates the potential and growth of future generations in neuroscience.

My connection to this program actually traces back 17 years, when my current principal investigator, Dr. Deanna Greene, participated in the lecture course in 2009. Now that she leads her own Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, at UC San Diego, she (and our recent lab alumna Dr. Ali) encouraged me to apply, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity and become part of RIKEN's enduring legacy of nurturing and transmitting scientific knowledge.

From the start, the program amazed me with the breadth of speakers and depth of scientific discussions. Beginning with the opening lecture by Dr. Konopka to the closing lecture by Dr. Monje, we explored cognitive neuroscience, genetic and molecular mechanisms, network dynamics, developmental psychology, and research ethics for studying brain development and neuropsychiatric disorders. Now halfway through my Ph.D., I found myself thinking more deeply about my career and the direction I want to pursue, whether in academia or industry. This led me to seek out opportunities that would challenge me to push the boundaries of my knowledge. Every lecture, open lab, and postdoc discussion was invaluable in that regard as I came to appreciate that neuroscientists can uniquely contribute to society using their own backgrounds and training. By the end of the program, I was reflecting on fundamental questions as a developmental cognitive neuroscience researcher: how can I best use my skills and knowledge, and what kind of impact do I want to make?

If the lectures formed the intellectual heart of the program, another essence of this program was the people. Getting to know 39 talented and highly motivated researchers from around the world through poster sessions and hangouts in Wako and Tokyo was a true privilege. The joyful conversations we had while waiting for Matcha Lista, gyoza and sashimi made my time in Japan far richer and more memorable. Although we spent only a week together, it felt very natural to become close since we share the same curiosity about the brain and a strong commitment to neuroscience. I genuinely believe this is just the beginning of our lifelong relationships.

Above all, much like my takeaway that there are countless components essential for a developing brain, this program could not have been possible without the incredible efforts of the organizing committee, welcoming staff, RIKEN CBS faculty and postdocs, the outstanding lineup of speakers, and everyone involved. I am deeply grateful for their support in making it a truly unforgettable experience filled with inspiration, potential and endless possibilities!

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