An Inspiring Journey: Interview with Dr. Aï Miyamoto
Dr. Aï Miyamoto, assistant professor at Okayama University, shares her remarkable journey from academia to groundbreaking cancer research. In this interview, she discusses her career, her innovative research, and the recognition she recently received for her work, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of pursuing scientific innovation.
(Could_you_introduce_yourself_and_tell_us_about_your_career_path?_)) I obtained my master’s degree in 2017 and began my career in a pharmaceutical company as a biomedicine analyst. I worked there for three years, gaining hands-on experience in the field. Then, I decided to further my studies and started a Ph.D., which I successfully completed in 2023. Today, I am an assistant professor at Okayama University, continuing my passion for research by being in the team of Junichiro Futami and teaching. In terms of research, I am conducting joint research with Alain Wagner’s team at Strasbourg University.
(Could_you_share_more_details_about_your_research_project?_)) “My research focuses on “developing autoantibody biomarkers against cell surface proteins” and “Innovative concepts to maintain the stability and activity at room temperature of biological agents.” The latter project is crucial in addressing global challenges in drug development and delivery. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine stability became a major issue. Many biotechnology drugs, like vaccines, are temperature-sensitive, requiring cold storage to remain effective.”
“Our goal is to develop solid-state vaccines that overcome these limitations, ensuring stability and effectiveness even in regions where maintaining a cold chain is challenging. This innovation has the potential to apply to various types of vaccines, such as mRNA and antibodies used in targeted therapies. The primary challenges include preserving the activity of the biological molecules and ensuring long-term stability.”
(What_were_the_main_challenges_you_encountered_during_this_project,_and_how_did_you_overcome_them?_)) The biggest challenge is creating a stable, solid-state formulation that retains the biological molecule’s activity, as their structures are highly sensitive to modification. Due to this sensitiveness, it has been over ten months that the team of Alain Wagner are working tirelessly on this project. Their first milestone is achieving stability without altering the active agent, and the second is ensuring long-term conservation.
“An essential step in our journey was participating in the Okayama Innovation Contest 2024, where we sought feedback from the public. This contest provided valuable insights into how our project resonates with a wider audience.”
(Can_you_explain_what_this_award_is_about_and_what_it_represents?_)) 
The Okayama Innovation Contest 2024 is a unique platform for presenting innovative ideas to a diverse audience, including business leaders, entrepreneurs, and even banks. The contest has four categories, with participants ranging from startups to students. It is an essential initiative in Japan, emphasizing collaboration across sectors and age groups.
« I’m really happy to receive this award, and this proposal is a result of joining results between Okayama University and Strasbourg University, and it is important opportunity for us to take a step forward towards an international society implementation. So I want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who supports us. Encouraged by this award, we will continue to make future effort to go deeper in our research and contribute to the real world. »
(What_does_this_recognition_mean_to_you,_and_does_it_change_how_you_view_your_career_or_future_projects?_)) “I am incredibly honored to receive this award. It represents not just my efforts but also the collective achievements of our team and collaborators. This recognition is an important step towards our goal of contributing to international healthcare solutions.
“It also serves as a reminder to keep striving for excellence. I hope this acknowledgment will positively impact my evaluation in 2028 at the end of my tenure-track. It encourages me to deepen my research and continue finding ways to bring our innovations to the real world.”
(What_advice_would_you_give_to_young_researchers_or_students_aspiring_to_follow_in_your_footsteps?_)) “My advice is to search for the purpose behind what you are doing and believe in yourself. Follow your faith and your thoughts. Also, don’t be afraid to try new things, try lots of new things. Staying true to your vision and remaining committed to your goals is the key to success.”
(A_Vision_for_the_Future_)) Professor Ai Miyamoto’s journey is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the power of collaboration. The project she is working on with the research of Alain Wagner with the collaboration of Olivier Tramis has the potential to revolutionize global healthcare.