ArCS III Project Assistant Professor

To support the next generation of researchers who will play active roles internationally, early-career scientists have been appointed as project assistant professors at institutions such as the National Institute of Polar Research. With guidance from experienced mentors, they will develop their skills through international conferences and collaboration with research institutions worldwide. These opportunities will help strengthen Japan’s presence in Arctic research and contribute to advancing the field globally.

Meet ArCS III Project Assistant Professors

  • Research Fields: Marine mammalogy
    Field Sites: Greenland
    My childhood dream was to become a veterinarian. After discovering scuba diving at university, I became fascinated by the world of the ocean, and I had found my way into marine mammal research. My love for the sea and animals has always been the starting point of my research. I am currently studying the ecology of narwhals, humpback whales, and bowhead whales.

  • Research Fields: Glacial Biology
    Field Sites: Alaska, Svalbard, Greenland
    I first encountered snow and ice microbes in a university lab, and I have been conducting research on Arctic glaciers ever since. I find it fascinating how microscopic organisms have the power to influence vast glacial environments. Through ArCS III, I hope to uncover new facets of the Arctic!

  • Research Fields: Forest ecology
    Field Sites: Noth American boreal forests
    I aim to contribute to the advancement of climate justice through precise science. My research focuses on improving carbon accumulation estimates in boreal forests to provide a more reliable basis for global climate policy. My interest in complex boreal ecosystems was sparked during my first fieldwork in the Mongolian larch forests. I believe that even small improvements in scientific accuracy can serve as the seeds of meaningful change.

  • Research Fields: Glaciology, Quaternary Science
    Field Sites: Greenland, Svalbard, and others
    I have studied glaciers and glacial lakes particularly in Patagonia and Antarctica. Since I was involved in a hot-water drilling campaign held in Svalbard, I started Arctic research. Now, I am involved in sea level variations in the Arctic. I would visit the Arctic to find something new happening there.

  • Research Fields: Atmospheric Environmental Science
    Field Sites: The Arctic Ocean, southern Greenland, the Antaractic Ocean
    My research focuses on observational studies of atmospheric and oceanic particulate matters. I have participated in multiple polar field campaigns, including ground-based and aircraft observations in the Arctic, as well as ship-based observations in the Antarctic. By further developing my expertise in particle analysis and related techniques, I aim to strengthen my research capabilities and establish a strong presence on the international stage.

Activities

Glacial Feast: Seals Caught Closer to Glaciers Had Fuller Stomachs

“A Moment from the Arctic” Now Running in Kodomo no Kagaku (in Japanese)

Atsushi Yoshida, ArCS III project assistant professor, received the Aota Award.

ArCS III project assistant professors contribute to NIPR’s web magazine “Kyoku” (in Japanese)

Narwhals hit moorings—questioning safety assumptions of oceanographic monitoring in the Arctic

Summer School 2025 in Tromsø, Norway

A visit to the International Arctic Research Centre (IARC) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (in Japanese)

Greenland observations started!!

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