I am originally from Tunisia, and I first came to Japan in 1997. I donot need to tell you how much JAPAN is different from Tunisia, that was a real culture shock! Tunisia is a country the third of which is occupied by the Sahara desert. So, I had a dream to make the desert green! After working on light stress during my Masters degree at Okayama University, I wanted to do a PhD that deals with improving plants against abiotic stresses. I luckily found the right lab at the National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB), where my life in Okazaki has started.
During my PhD course, I discovered that salt stress specifically inhibits cell division in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis and that the compatible solute glucosylglycerol provides a protection against salt stress inhibition. After finishing my PhD in 2003, I had a strong interest to understand how cell division is regulated. Therefore, I moved to the lab of Prof. Hirokazu Tsukaya since 2004 as Postdoctoral Fellow to investigate the molecular mechanisms of leaf-size control in Arabidopsis, with special emphasis on cell division and expansion processes.

My stay in NIBB. I spent three years as a PhD student and another three years as Postdoctoral fellow. When I was student, half of my labmates were foreigners from several different countries. English was used as the official language during lab-seminars and meetings. That is not rare in NIBB, since a large number of non-Japanese scientists and students join the institute for variable periods of stay. As a student, I had full support in my own lab concerning technical advice on my work and also personal affairs. I also had several discussions with professors from different labs in NIBB, when I felt that I needed additional advice. After graduating, I had to look after students in the lab providing advice about experiments, and writing scientific papers or dissertation theses. That was a good experience that helps me now after moving to Tokyo University, where a larger number of undergraduate and graduate students need my help and support.

What kind of institute is NIBB? NIBB is among the highly-ranked institutes in JAPAN. You will certainly enjoy working with a large number of leading Japanese scientists who will provide you with guidance and support. A large spectrum of scientific fields is covered in NIBB, and I believe that you will find the lab of your choice. In the Okazaki conference center (OCC), a few minutes walk from NIBB, scientific events such as workshops and international conferences are frequently held. The NIBB-seminar provides another opportunity to meet with scientists from different corners of Japan as well as from abroad. Finally, in the institute library, which is open 24 hours, you will be able to search for the old papers and books of your needs, and have access to a large number of scientific journals. Finally, you will be fully supported to present your work at national and international meetings that will open the doors for your future work.

How is life in Okazaki? Okazaki is a medium-sized city with a rich history, being the hometown of the first SHOGUN “Tokugawa Ieyasu”, and having a delightful countryside. By living in Okazaki you can also enjoy larger cities, just take the train for only 30 min to be in Nagoya, the third largest city in Japan. There are two major events in the city of Okazaki: The cherry blossom festival in March and the fireworks festival in August. Don’t miss wearing a “kimono” and enjoying fireworks on the riverside. As well, two major welcome parties for newcomers are organized by NIBB in May and October every year, which is a good opportunity to make new friends. Finally, if you are interested in learning Japanese, a group of volunteers will certainly help you.
I personally feel lucky to have experienced working at NIBB. Do not hesitate to come to NIBB if you have the chance. NIBB is a family that will warmly accept you as a new member. I wish good luck to all of you.

1998-2000: Okayama University Department of Biology (Master)
2000-2003: The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (PhD)
2003-2004: Postdoctoral Fellow (NIBB)
2004-2006: Postdoctoral Fellowship for Foreign Researchers (NIBB)
2006-2008: Postdoctoral Fellows (The University of Tokyo)
2008 -2012: Assistant Professor (Tokyo Gakugei University)

2013 - : Associate Professor (Tokyo Gakugei University)