Education
This page describes the educational philosophy and research supervision practices of the laboratory. The laboratory emphasizes student initiative and intellectual independence, while supporting the development of the fundamental skills required of researchers: critical thinking, experimental practice, and international communication. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their research—from formulating research questions to presenting results—while maintaining high standards of research integrity and responsibility. For an overview of the laboratory’s research themes, please also see Overview.
Educational Philosophy
In the laboratory, we respect and strongly expect students’ autonomy and independence. Research cannot advance by simply completing assigned tasks. Students are encouraged to think deeply, formulate hypotheses, work with their own hands, and generate new questions based on evidence. Through this iterative process, we cultivate the intellectual foundations of a researcher.
We place particular emphasis on integrity. Effort is valued, but not blind effort. Careful consideration of purpose, method, and priority is essential, along with the willingness to challenge new ideas. While AI and digital tools are useful, students are expected to make final judgments themselves and take responsibility for their own research decisions.
Supervision and Academic Record
We supervise students from the undergraduate to doctoral levels. Thesis supervision experience (as primary or secondary supervisor/examiner) includes:
- Primary supervisor: 1 Bachelor’s thesis / 13 Master’s theses / 4 Doctoral dissertations
- Secondary supervisor or examiner: 2 Bachelor’s theses / 3 Master’s theses / 16 Doctoral dissertations
The laboratory has produced 4 doctoral graduates under primary supervision. For a list of completed theses, please see Theses.
International Engagement
Students are actively encouraged to present their work at international conferences. Positioning research within a global academic context and communicating in English are considered integral parts of research training. In several cases, students have independently secured internal competitive funding to support international travel and presentation of their research.
Integration of Future Design
Concepts from Future Design are incorporated into laboratory seminars and research discussions. Students are trained to design research questions from a future-oriented perspective while maintaining academic rigor and empirical verifiability.
To date, three students have conducted neuroscience research related to Future Design. Two have completed their Master’s theses, and one is currently engaged in a challenging research project applying Future Design concepts to the field of sports science.
First published: August 20, 2014.
Major revision: February 23, 2026.
Last updated: April 18, 2026.
