What Does It Mean to You to Be a Researcher?
NTT’s vision of research and development is both simple and inspirational: the innovation of cutting-edge technologies that contribute to the advancement of society, science and industry.
With an annual spend of over $3 billion, NTT has approximately 2,300 researchers worldwide, developing a wide range of revolutionary technologies, from next-generation all-photonic networks to editing the DNA of algae to better absorb carbon dioxide, from bio-digital twins to cosmic ray barriers, from personalized sound zones to giving ALS patients a brighter future through synthesized voices and acutely precise muscle movement detection.
Those are the dry facts. But what about the people behind the research? What motivates them to come to work? What do they think about what it means to be a researcher at NTT? We asked three of our talented colleagues. Here’s what they told us.
Thibault Chervy, Scientist, NTT Research
While researchers often embark on their scientific journey by following the idealized portrait of Newton sitting alone below a tree, or Galileo watching the stars through his telescope, my day-to-day experience of being a scientist is far from these images. True, there are moments of solitude, usually at night, in my garden, when the mind wanders while the coffee gets cold. These can indeed be truly creative instants when one can think about Nature, outside of the constraining framework of a research lab.
The real resource that fuels these innovative thoughts, however, is found in the vibrant tapestry of human connections that makes a scientific community. Collaboration isn't just about sharing data or ideas; it's about building bridges between diverse minds, cultures, and backgrounds. It's in these interactions, where technical expertise meets empathy and understanding, that the true magic of research unfolds. We celebrate not only the depth of our discoveries but also the richness of our collaborations, knowing that it's through our shared journey across boundaries that we will shape a brighter future for all.
Mika Mori, Researcher, NTT
To me, being a researcher means being an explorer, someone who is curious about the world and driven to understand it better. In our project, we are conducting field experiments on resilient wireless communication for autonomous vehicles. What contributions can a telecommunications provider make to the field of autonomous driving? What value can we offer in a world where autonomous driving is widespread?
To answer these questions, we engage in daily experiments, system design, data analysis, and draw conclusions. Research activities feel like ascending stairs to me, leading towards building a more convenient and comfortable society. We envision the future with our colleagues and strive to expand the boundaries of knowledge.
Doohwan Lee, Senior Distinguished Researcher, NTT
Research is a job that allows me to take self-initiative. Although I work with colleagues, I can also work alone without interruption when necessary. I chose a research career because of this freedom.
Research is something you do by thinking for yourself. Rather than being given a task, you set the problem yourself and solve it. Autonomy is guaranteed to the maximum. Also, in this process you can always encounter new things and meet people who pursue newness. Because there is always something new, I feel like I always live young even as I get older! Just as exercise helps me stay healthy, research is what keeps me mentally healthy and young.
To me, this is what it means to be a researcher: to be able to live with self-direction and always in a new and youthful way.