Maciej Barycki (UG) in National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) in Tsukuba

From 01^st March to 27^th May 2014 I was seconded to National Institute for Environmental Sciences (NIES) in Tsukuba, Japan, within the NanoBRIDGES project. During this three month period I was fulfilling the WP4: Development of novel Nano-QSAR methodologies. I was hosted by fate modeling specialist – Dr. Noriyuki Suzuki and his group.

My main objective to achieve during the secondment was to get familiar with basic techniques of fate modeling. Throughout my stay I was introduced to the main rules of creating environmental models and was taught how to design them properly. Scientists from NIES taught me how to use existing models they created. They taught me the differences between each model, pointed out their main features and explained the mathematical background of mechanisms used in simulations.

Thanks to cooperation with Dr Suzuki and his team I greatly expanded my knowledge about the environmental modeling. With their help I learned how to design proper models in perspective of their expected purpose. I also learned how to accordingly validate the results of my work.

Secondment at NIES was a great opportunity, not only to broaden my scientific horizons, but also to meet fantastic, inspiring people, full of passion and dedication. Besides the priceless academic experience I gained in Japan, I also returned with a lot of fantastic memories from this beautiful country.