For prospective graduate students:

• Are you accepting applications for Science Tokyo?
• No, because I’ll be moving to the University of Cambridge.
• Are you accepting applications for the University of Cambridge?
• Yes. Applicants can apply to CST (Department of Computer Science and Technology, formerly the Computing Lab) or CHIA (Centre for Human-Inspired Artificial Intelligence).
  • Those interested in CST can find more information by level of study:
    • Master’s programme (M.Phil)
    • Doctoral programme (PhD)
  • Those interested in CHIA will need to have a CHIA-based secondary supervisor. More information can be found by level of study:
    • Master’s programme (M.Phil)
    • Doctoral programme (PhD)
• What should I do to apply?
• Good question! You won’t make much headway without:
  • Doing your research on my research. This will involve not only going through this website but also reading up on my work (current and past), especially research papers. Asking me how is a bad sign.
  • Narrowing your focus to a specific research topic within the scope of my current research interests that is also of interest to you.
  • Drafting up a research question in a 1-page proposal that makes a clear and exciting contribution to the research topic, clarifies the fit with me, and evinces the feasibility of the research for us both. This will mean substantial engagement on your part with the literature, both academic and grey, as demonstrated through non-superficial citations (including to my work).
  • Motivating why you wish to undertake the programme of study (especially PhD students) with me and in computer science. You may have a stellar background in ML, but if it’s not relevant to HCI and critical computing and my background, then I can’t supervise you.
  • Being excellent. If you’re not an A-class student, you’ll need to have gained comparable academic or work experience (like publishing to top-tier academic venues or working at an esteemed company).
  • Relying on your own abilities instead of generative AI, whether in ideation or writing. Speak from the heart, in your own words.
• I’ve done the above. What’s the next step?
• Send an introductory email that clearly states your intentions with:
  • A brief introduction and statement of intent in the email itself
  • Your current or last programme and university (and expected graduation timeline, if relevant)
  • Which programme you’re interested in and for which cycle
  • Whether you have funding or scholarships (or will apply)
  • The 1-pager in PDF format
  • Your CV, transcripts, and English test scores (if needed), as PDFs
  • This code in the email subject line:【CASPR26】
  
  I may ignore emails without the code, without the above materials, with materials that deviate substantially from the above, with generative AI use, from those whose background is too distant or who propose a topic that we can’t do together, etc. Life is too short and time is precious!

For other prospective applicants:

• What about undergraduate students?
• You’d better take a gander at the information here and acquaint yourself with the Cambridge system, notably colleges.
• I’m interested in doing a postdoc with you.
• If you have an excellent track record and our interests mesh, I may consider you. Be on the watch for postings when I receive funding or contact me with an opportunity you can apply for, with me, and a plan of action. Be sure to include【PDCASP26】in the email subject line. I can’t accept postdocs without funding.
• Are you accepting international exchange students?
• Yes, if you apply and are accepted to a funded programme. You will have to research these yourself on the University of Cambridge website. If you wish to apply or have been accepted to another programme (perhaps one at your university), you can contact me with all of the details (including the official website, timelines, and any visa requirements), but I can’t guarantee acceptance on my end.
• Do you accept visiting students?
• No.
• Are you accepting student interns or research assistants?
• If there’s a job posted and you’re already at Cambridge; refer to the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP) programme website.

On working with me:

• I want to join your lab! What skills do I need?
• You’ll need at least two of: (a) demonstrable critical thinking skills; (b) knowledge of theory, notably in critical studies, psychology, or another relevant science; (c) interface design or prototyping skills; (d) programming skills or development experience; and/or (e) research experience, whether quant, qual, or mixed. A keen interest in one of the lab’s research themes or a specific project is almost a must, although I entertain wild ideas from superb candidates on occasion.
• What’s the lab like?
• This is TBD because of the move to Cambridge and cultural shift from Science Tokyo slash Japan. The lab has been highly team-oriented and interdisciplinary, with opportunities for local and international collaborations.
• What’s your supervision style?
• I have regular 1-1 meetings with my students, sometimes weekly but typically every two weeks. Everyone joins the weekly lab seminar. I’m on Slack during the week. I’m told I’m rather more hands-on than other professors.

On general matters:

• What language/s do you use?
• Primarily English. I can speak conversationally in Japanese.