Congratulations, graduates. You have reached the pinnacle of academic achievement during an era defined by global uncertainty. In such times, the pursuit of scientific truth and bold innovation are not merely academic exercises. They are the essential tools we must use to build a resilient future. Your research and personal skills prove that human ingenuity can provide clarity amidst complexity.

As you transition from students to colleagues, I urge you to carry the spirit of Ichariba Choodee, the Okinawan belief that once we meet, we are family. No matter where your research takes you, never forget that this university will always be your academic and inspirational home. May the unique ties you have formed here in Okinawa remain a lifelong source of inspiration and a reminder of the community that supported your growth. We look forward to the lasting impact you will make on the world. 

Congratulations, Doctors. The OIST community is immensely proud of you. 

Recognized globally as a business and technology thought leader, Mr. Senapathy “Kris” Gopalakrishnan served as Vice Chairman of Infosys, a leading multinational technology company, from 2011 to 2014, and as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director from 2007 to 2011. He is currently Chairman of Axilor Ventures, an accelerator supporting early-stage start-ups.

Mr. Gopalakrishnan chairs The Council at the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore and the Board of Governors at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore. He also leads several key initiatives, including the Vision Group on Information Technology for the Government of Karnataka, the Reserve Bank of India Innovation Hub, and the Confederation of Indian Industry Centre of Excellence in Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Start-ups.

His leadership has earned numerous accolades: he was named Top CEO (IT Services) in Institutional Investor’s inaugural ranking of Asia’s Top Executives and honored with the Asian Corporate Director Recognition Award by Corporate Governance Asia in 2011. He served as President of the Confederation of Indian Industry in 2013–14 and was a Co-Chair at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2014. In 2011, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan, the nation’s third-highest civilian honor.

Mr. Gopalakrishnan is deeply committed to advancing research in brain sciences and aging-related disorders, while actively investing in start-ups and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. He holds master’s degrees in physics and computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineers and an Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers. A longtime supporter of OIST, he served on the OIST Board of Governors from 2017–2025.
 

Yuki, originally from Okinawa, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and obtained a pharmacist license at the University of Shizuoka. During his undergraduate training, he developed a strong interest in fundamental life science research, and his participation in the OIST Science Challenge 2018 motivated him to pursue a PhD at OIST. 

In his doctoral studies, Yuki investigated the pathophysiology of diabetes, focusing on mRNA turnover in pancreatic β-cells to advance understanding of disease mechanisms and explore potential therapeutic targets. His research was carried out under the supervision of Prof. Vincent Laudet and Prof. Tadashi Yamamoto. 

His achievements include receiving the JSPS DC2 Research Fellowship, as well as the JSPS Research Fellowship Incentive Allowance for outstanding research performance. In parallel with his research, he has been actively involved in STEM outreach activities, engaging with more than 900 students. 

He is currently a JSPS Postdoctoral Research Fellow at OIST and plans to continue contributing to research and education in Okinawa.