私は九州大学大学院生時代、毎年夏に「論文合宿」なる行事がありました。記憶はやや曖昧ですが、3泊4日ほど大学の宿泊施設に缶詰めになり、ひたすら論文を書くイベントです。
博士課程最終年度の論文合宿では、先生が夜遅くまで論文を添削してくださいました。お互い寝ては起き、起きては書き…という日々。必死だったあの時間と、恩師の偉大さを今も鮮明に覚えています。改めて感謝です。
その習慣を引き継ぎたく、信州大学に異動してからも「論文合宿」と称して合宿をしています。といっても、1回目は3年前、今回は2回目。どちらも長野県の白馬での開催です。
When I was a graduate student at Kyushu University, we had an annual summer event called a “paper writing retreat.” My memory is a little hazy, but it was about four days and three nights of being holed up in the university’s lodging facilities, devoting ourselves entirely to writing papers.
In the final year of my doctoral program, during that retreat, my Ph.D. supervisor stayed up late into the night editing my manuscript. We would take short naps, wake up, and go straight back to writing—over and over again. I can still vividly recall those intense days, as well as the greatness of my mentor. I remain deeply grateful.
Wanting to carry on that tradition, I have continued to hold what I call “paper writing retreats” after moving to Shinshu University. That said, the first was three years ago, and this time is only the second. Both have been held in Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture.
今回お世話になったのは「Hakuba Third Place Lodge」さん。受付はとても親切なお兄さん。同行した2人も長髪＆ひげ面で、受付のお兄さんも同じスタイルだったので、思わず笑ってしまいました。
共有のダイニングとラウンジがあり、今回はダイニングを利用。気になるWi-Fi環境も完璧で、どこでも快適につながりました。ダイニングの水やお茶は無料で、100円で美味しいコーヒーが飲めます。部屋にはトイレと洗面台があり、お風呂は共有の浴場。貸し切り風呂もあるので、家族利用にも良さそうです。
リフォーム仕立てのようで内装はとてもきれい。過ごしやすく、受付の方もとても親切で、おすすめできる宿です。食事はつきませんが、近くのスーパーで買ってきてもいいですし、軽食や飲み物も販売しています。私はマックスバリューのお惣菜を堪能しました。
This time, we stayed at Hakuba Third Place Lodge. The reception was handled by a very friendly gentleman. The two colleagues I traveled with both had long hair and beards, and the receptionist had the exact same style, which made me chuckle.
The lodge has a shared dining area and lounge, and this time we made use of the dining area. The all-important Wi-Fi connection was flawless, with a stable connection everywhere. Complimentary water and tea are available in the dining area, and you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee for just 100 yen. Each room has its own toilet and washbasin, while baths are shared. There is also a private bath, which makes it a good option for families as well.
The place seemed freshly renovated, with very clean interiors and a comfortable atmosphere. The staff were extremely kind, making it a place I can heartily recommend. Meals are not provided, but you can buy groceries at a nearby supermarket, and light snacks and drinks are also available for purchase. I enjoyed some ready-made dishes from MaxValue.
三日間ほとんど雨で、まさに缶詰作業日和。雨音が心地よいBGMとなり、集中が続きました。私は11日締め切りのGAPファンド応募準備に追われ、実質「助成金準備合宿」に。夫とNくんは実験（情報科学）や科研費の申請書に取り組んでおり、名前は「論文合宿」ですが実態は「もくもく合宿」でした。
It rained almost the entire three days, making it the perfect weather for a “stay-inside-and-work” kind of retreat. The sound of the rain served as a pleasant background soundtrack, helping me stay focused. I was busy preparing my application for the GAP Fund, which was due on the 11th, so in reality it became more of a “grant preparation retreat.” My husband and Dr. N.H. were working on experiments (in information science) and writing a KAKENHI (JSPS) grant proposal, so although we called it a “paper writing retreat,” in practice it was more of a “heads-down work retreat.”
1日中机に向かうのは意外ときついものですが、ラウンジでの休憩がいい息抜きに。2日目の昼は近所の「ラーメン髙橋家」で端麗醤油ラーメン。3年ぶりでしたが、やっぱりおいしい。開店と同時に行くのがおすすめです。
Spending the entire day at a desk is surprisingly tough, but taking breaks in the lounge was a nice way to recharge. On the second day at lunchtime, we went to a nearby place called Ramen Takahashiya for their tanrei shoyu ramen. It was my first visit in three years, and it was just as delicious as I remembered. I recommend going right when they open.
雨で散歩はあまりできませんでしたが、周囲は森林に囲まれていて、晴れたらお散歩でリフレッシュできそうです。
I couldn’t go for many walks because of the rain, but the lodge is surrounded by forest, so on a sunny day it would be perfect for a refreshing stroll.
そして、11日に無事GAPファンドの応募を完了しました。WISERという女性研究者コミュニティ主催で、女性研究者の起業を支援する制度です。今回は「キノテックカンパニー」というチームで、「キノコパルプ」の機能性分析を主軸に応募しました。採択されると約6ヶ月後にDEMO DAYということで、高速進行が求められるプロジェクトとなります。
今後は8月中旬に書面審査、通過すれば8月末に面接審査。9月上旬には採択が決まるという超スピーディー進行です。ドキドキしますが、審査委員の皆さま、どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
今は夏季休暇期間なので、ブログの更新が続いております。良い調子です。引き続きどうぞよろしくお願いします。
On the 11th, I successfully completed my application for the GAP Fund. This program, organized by WISER, a community for women researchers, is designed to support the entrepreneurial efforts of women in research. Our team, called Kinotech Company, applied with a project focused on analyzing the functional properties of “mushroom pulp.” If selected, the project will lead up to a DEMO DAY in about six months, so it will be a fast-paced undertaking.
Next, there will be a document screening in mid-August, and if we pass, an interview screening at the end of August. The final selection results will be announced in early September—an incredibly speedy process. It’s nerve-wracking, but I truly appreciate the consideration of the review committee members.
Since it’s currently the summer break, I’ve been updating my blog more frequently. It feels good to keep up the momentum, so I hope you’ll continue to follow along.