Daiwa Foundation Tohoku Scholarship report by Miyuki Sasaki

I currently study the radioactive material state of the soil at Fukushima University.

In autum 2012, I went to the United Kingdom to learn how radiation has been measured in the past. I stayed in Glasgow for one month in order to learn the radiation measurement method.

I studied at the University of Glasgow and the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC). I was taken care of by Glasgow University for one week , and for two weeks at SUERC.

I made experiments to measure the radioactivity at the University of Glasgow.

The contents depend on the detectors, the stopping power of the materials, the identification of radioactive material contained in the mineral etc…

First, I measured the stopping power. I used Aluminum, Iron and Lead.

I saw a difference in the stopping power by changing the type of plate and its thickness.

Also, I observed changes in the stopping power as a result of differences in the energy levels of the radiation.

Next, I changed the measuring device. I observed the difference of resolution by the measuring device. I used a plastic scintillator, NaI (Tl) scintillation detector and Ge semiconductor detector.

I was able to reconfirm the measuring principles and characteristics of the radiation through basic experiments.

Also, I recognised again that independent study is very important and that the class is the place where questions can be resolved.

I will work every day. I do not want to skip independent study.

Along the way, I did some field work. We visited three locations: Inch farm, Castle Kennedy and Wigtown Mese.

We collected soil samples in these areas, and measured the radioactivity by treating the samples and measuring the radioactivity of each. Up until then, I had only made such experiments at Fukushima University. This time, I was able to touch these other environments and places in the United Kingdom.

I was also able to look at myself objectively. I realized that I don’t have enough experience. What should I do now?

I‘ve thought about my experiences at SUERC and the University of Glasgow.

I think it is important that people communicate with each other after announcing their results.

It is not only the results of research that are important. How the results are used, and how they are shared with others, is also very important.

If you do not think about this, the results won’t help you or the people around you.

If the results don’t make sense, then laymen and other experts cannot use them.

This idea of sharing results is not limited to science and technology, absolutely no one can advance something alone.

It is important, to be extremely professional, but similarly, I think that it is important that the results have a relationship or connection to people in other areas.

I think, the idea was born in finding a new relationship with the other.

I understood the importance of sharing with others in the UK. In addition, I felt that I must deepen my knowledge. I will strive to study more.

I gave a presentation about Fukushima at Cumbernauld High School.

I talked about Fukushima, memories of the time of the earthquake, how I entered Fukushima University and my research at Fukushima University. I am very grateful that a piece about my presentation was published in newspapers in Japan and Cumbernauld.

I’m not good at English. But, I felt I was able to communicate with the Cumbernauld High School students. My stories can be transmitted, even if I can’t speak English, if my speech is enthusiastic and full of content.

I disliked studying English. I thought that English was a ‘stiff’ or ‘dense’ subject.

However, my appreciation of English changed substantially during my presentation to the students.

I felt that English is a necessary tool with which to experience the United Kingdom.

It is not just a subject for stuffy academics. English is a means of conveying views and obtaining information. I think how you use it is important.

It is not important to speak neat English or to speak English well. Getting information and conveying information is important. The cup is not as important as what you drink in the cup.

I became less averse to English as a result of this thinking.

During my holidays, I took part in local Japanese language classes and I went to museums, etc…

I sensed many differences between the United Kingdom and Japan in a variety of ways.

In particular, I felt the education systems are different. In Japan we study a range of topics and subjects evenly. I got the impression that education can be more flexible in Scotland.

Also, allocation of time to work is different between the United Kingdom and Japan.

What surprised me most is that the universities in the UK end at 17:00. Japanese work a lot of time. We do not take a lot of rest. I do not have a break when I am very busy. But, British people take rest properly. They are back home when it is time to get off work. They finish their work in a limited amount of time. I want to follow this way of doing things.

My most funny event in the UK happened at a pedestrian crossing. When I was waiting for the signal to change to the ‘green man’, two police officers crossed the road despite the signal being red. Their faces were nonchalant. Looking back, I should have taken a photograph.

The most painful thing is, I cannot understand English. But, I was very happy when I was able to understand what people were saying, and that they understood my English. I want study harder in the future.

At the beginning of l my stay in the United Kingdom, it was very hard because of the different words, different foods, different weather, and different lifestyle. Everything was different. However, the warmth of the people is not different. I was very happy when people were kindly.

Visiting the UK was a very good experience for me. I was able to receive a scholarship, so I was able to go to England. I really appreciate this. Also, I am grateful to all those who helped me in Glasgow. I will strive to contribute to society as a result of my experience in the United Kingdom.

Miyuki Sasaki