We interviewed Kazuki Kobayashi, a third-year doctoral student (at the time of the interview) in Division of Electrical, Information and Communication Engineering, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology. As a HaKaSe +Selected doctoral students, he is actively earning the doctor's degree. We interviewed him about the allure and value of the doctoral course and the worthiness of his study. ???
When did you decide to enter the doctoral course, and what motivated that decision?
I made the decision during my fourth year of undergraduate course. I had already planned to continue into the master’s course, but I was unsure whether to enter the workforce after earning my degree or to continue with research. At the time, I was working on my graduation project, which focused on diamond crystal growth technology. I found the research fascinating and wanted to apply the diamonds I developed as substrate materials for devices. That desire led me to commit to five more years of graduate course. Another key factor was my advisor, Professor Norio Tokuda at the Nano Materials Research Institute, who had been guiding me since my undergraduate days. I strongly felt that I wanted to continue learning under his mentorship.
What kind of support does HaKaSe+provide?
Since the first year of my master’s course, I’ve been supported for five years through the?? "HaKaSe + for WISE program" —Kanazawa University’s Nano-Precision Medicine, Science, and Technology. In addition to financial support, one of the most memorable experiences was the “lab rotation”. HaKaSe +for WISE offers opportunities for students in medicine and science & engineering to visit each other’s labs. ? I had the chance to spend time in a medical research lab. In engineering, the approach is often “constructive”—combining existing technologies to create something new. In contrast, medical research tends to be “analytical”—uncovering unknown structures step by step. Experiencing this difference in thinking was incredibly stimulating. By engaging with perspectives from other disciplines, I’ve developed the ability to view my own research from a broader angle. It’s been a valuable part of my doctoral journey. ???
Could you tell us about your study?
I'm conducting research on semiconductor devices that use diamond, a material gaining attention as a next-generation semiconductor. Specifically, my goal is to develop high-performance MOSFETs—transistors that control the flow of electricity—using diamond. A key focus of my work is achieving an atomically flat interface between the diamond and the oxide layer. The smoother this interface is, the more efficiently electricity can flow, which directly enhances device performance.? Silicon, the material currently used in most semiconductors, is reaching its limits. Diamond offers superior properties and is being explored as a promising alternative. By improving energy efficiency and reducing power loss, I believe this research can contribute to solving major societal challenges such as lowering energy consumption and achieving carbon neutrality.
What skills do you feel you’ve gained through your research activities so far?
One of the most important things I’ve gained during my doctoral program is the ability to question assumptions and think deeply on my own. Rather than simply accepting the content of academic papers or conference presentations, I’ve learned to approach them critically and verify their claims myself. In fact, when I ran experiments to test reproducibility, I sometimes found results that didn’t match the original assertions. These experiences taught me the value of seeing things with my own eyes and not taking information at face value. I also learned how to manage myself effectively. Research often disrupted my daily routine, but I found ways to maintain my performance by creating habits and a pace that suited me. Through these challenges, I developed flexible thinking and strong self-management skills—qualities that I believe will continue to support me in both research and life.
Finally, could you share your dreams for the future?
My dream is to establish a globally competitive manufacturer of lab-grown diamonds here in Japan. When I was in the first year of my master’s program, I launched a startup that leverages diamond crystal growth technology. Our aim is to realize the dual value of diamonds —both their beauty as gemstones and their potential as high-performance semiconductor materials. In countries overseas, it’s common for profits from the jewelry business to be reinvested into research and development for industrial applications. However, this kind of business model doesn’t yet exist in Japan. I want to change that. By building a company that can deliver world-class technology and products from Japan to the global market, I hope to contribute to Japan’s economic strength and prosperity. I’m still exploring both paths—researcher and entrepreneur—and I find both deeply rewarding. This journey is ongoing, and I’m excited to see where it leads.??
*Note: All affiliations, academic years, and titles mentioned are accurate as of the time of the interview.
(Yuko Mitera, Science Writer)
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