KYUSHU UNIVERSITY 先生の森 Introduction of Unique Professors at Kyushu University!

Professor and Director of the Research Institute for Information Technology　Director of Pan-Omics Data-Driven Innovation Research Center

Scientist and professor Kenji Ono is the director of the Research Institute for Information Technology, where information is collected from all across the university, and operator of the supercomputer system ITO at Kyushu University. A pioneer in large-scale fluid mechanics simulation analysis, the mild-mannered Prof. Ono has an intense passion that has led him from corporate life to government research institutes and universities in search of the right platform for his research. He is truly a “seeker of truth” in the field of fluid mechanics.

Prof. Ono was born in Hita City, Oita Prefecture. In junior high school, he got his hands on an early computer model, which sparked an interest in machines, spending hours alone on personal electronics projects. In 1984, he began studying at Kumamoto University in what was then the Resource Development and Engineering Department. He decided to major in fluid mechanics, inspired by his experiences playing in the river as a child. That was when he first became intrigued by fluid mechanics—how some parts of the river would flow faster than others, or how some areas would be safe while others could be quite dangerous. At university, he first worked on wind tunnel experiments but was later surprised to discover that these simulations could be carried out on a computer and was soon fascinated by computer simulations. He completed his master’s degree at Kumamoto University in 1988 and began working at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. in 1990. At Nissan’s vehicle laboratory, he was engaged in thermal-fluid sciences research and simulator development. In 1999, he was accepted into a postgraduate program at Kumamoto University, which he completed early the following year to receive his Doctor of Engineering. In 2001, he transferred his research to the University of Tokyo. He has served as a visiting professor at RIKEN, Hokkaido University, Kobe University, the University of Tokyo, and Wakayama University. Prof. Ono has also held the position of visiting researcher at many universities, including University of Washington. Prof. Ono assumed his current post at Kyushu University in 2016. He holds several concurrent positions outside the university and is widely published, having received numerous awards for his research. He played a large role in launching the Kyushu University Research Institute for Information Technology's Pan-Omics Data-Driven Innovation Research Center, the first of its kind in Japan, established in April 2019 as an education and research facility jointly serving five disciplines within Kyushu University.

Prof. Ono explains his research in a calm and metered tone using plenty of illustrative examples.

A simulation of human breathing that includes a visualization of the eddies in the air caused when people breathe out of their nostrils.

Supercomputer system ITO supports the field of data science at Kyushu University. Prof. Ono had a hand in designing it and made sure that it was flexible enough to be used in data science research.

Prof. Ono explains his research in a calm and metered tone using plenty of illustrative examples.

I can describe my research in three words: fluids, supercomputers, and visualization. Fluids, in a word, means vortexes. There are many different kinds of vortexes, from the giant spirals of typhoons to the microscopic eddies that form above the wings of an airplane. I use a supercomputer to analyze these vortexes and simulate a variety of phenomena. To understand what is really happening, however, visualizations are vital. By turning data into a picture that people can see and understand, it becomes possible to explain it, improve it, and apply it to other fields.

A simulation of human breathing that includes a visualization of the eddies in the air caused when people breathe out of their nostrils.

When I graduated from university and started work at a company, my very first task was to simulate the air resistance of automobiles. Numerous experiments are carried out when designing an automobile, but it would be extremely costly and time-consuming if for every experiment a car had to be built and physically tested. That's when you need to start using simulation technology. The more sophisticated something becomes, the larger the computations. That's why we use supercomputers to solve them. If you've noticed that weather forecasts seem more accurate now than they were in the past, it's because the accuracy of computer-generated numerical simulations has increased.

Supercomputer system ITO supports the field of data science at Kyushu University. Prof. Ono had a hand in designing it and made sure that it was flexible enough to be used in data science research.

My research changes so much, you could almost say it’s fluid! [laughs] But I am currently concentrating on the topic of physical modeling, which integrates data science and high-performance computing (HPC). Traditionally, researchers would take a deductive approach to the problem by first running a simulation of a basic equation on a supercomputer, then running data analyses and visualization before finally understanding a phenomenon. My recent research, however, uses an inductive method, where the governing equations themselves are derived from vast amounts of data using HPC, through a repetitive cycle of modeling, simulation, and reconsideration of equations, followed by additional re-modeling, re-simulation, and so on. In this way, I strive to explore new interpretations of phenomena and the governing equations for phenomena that we have yet to understand. This work requires interdisciplinary coordination and knowledge from a broad range of academic disciplines that include not only data science but also physics, dynamics, and others.

These days, areas of advanced academic research require collaboration between researchers, each contributing their own expertise. Now is a time when researchers must work together to find solutions to the problems facing humanity, problems that have until now been unsolvable. At Kyushu University, for example, the Pan-Omics Data-Driven Innovation Research Center is a joint research facility established in 2019 and shared by the five institutes of the Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Institute of Mathematics for Industry, and Research Institute for Information Technology.

I am happiest when I’m surprised by a discovery. That’s why I love what I do. The visualizations I make are fun to look at and are an integral part of fluid mechanics. Especially the behavior of fluids, which are so fascinating to me— I never get tired of looking at them. It is quite calming.
Discoveries do not appear out of nowhere. I'm constantly thinking about the problems and, perhaps on a subconscious level, am always on the lookout for clues, and that's when inspiration strikes. I will then make a hypothesis about my discovery and use simulations to verify its accuracy. Visualizations are at the root of my inspiration. Sometimes I even hit upon a hypothesis just by looking at one. I find the process of creating ideas and discoveries from many different approaches, then verifying each of them, very interesting.

The field of fluid dynamics is actually a very relatable one. It's fascinating the extent to which cutting-edge computer technologies are connected to the human mind. And there are many opportunities to work with researchers across various fields where we are able to bring out the potential in each other's work.

The university is a gateway to active learning. I never tell my students what to do. It may seem like a lot of freedom from the outside, but freedom can be difficult and unforgiving. Students cannot find a research topic unless they actively look for one, and their research won’t last long unless they can stay motivated. My role is to provide students with as many opportunities and challenges as possible. And Kyushu University is not afraid to try new things. Our latest initiatives include leading Japan in the creation of organizations that emphasize lateral, interdisciplinary collaboration, such as the Pan-Omics Data-Driven Innovation Research Center, a joint research facility shared by five institutes in the university where I serve as director. Kyushu University is brimming with potential, full of the challenges and opportunities that allow students to grow into genuine active learners. But I believe it is ultimately up to students to take advantage of this learning environment.

Coffee set

Prof. Ono loves coffee, and he has a full-scale coffee set that includes a Kalita electric coffee mill, scale, and dripper. Several more drippers line his bookshelves. He buys his beans from Petani Coffee in Itoshima and Tokado Coffee in Onojo.

Swimming cap and goggles

In his twenties, Prof. Ono was a triathlete. He likes to stay active and still manages to get to the pool on a regular basis.

Calming greenery

These decorative yucca elephantipes (center), purchased for just 100 yen at the local discount shop, thrive in this stress-free and sunny environment and have grown to four times their original size in just two years. Prof. Ono loves greenery and only grows edible plants that he can use in the kitchen.

Trust your instincts and nurture your intuition.
Find motivation in the things that inspire and excite you!

Research should never feel forced; it just won't last unless you find it fun or exciting. In that sense, I would really like students to keep considering what kinds of things resonate with them.
Logical thought is a vital part of any type of research. However, logic alone cannot drive research forward. Even as a scientist, I place great importance on my intuition because that is what motivates my research. Students should also do their best to develop their intuition. When they are confronted with external information that surprises them, I would encourage them to reflect on their reaction and delve into the reasons why they may have felt surprised. Once they have made a habit of this self-reflection, they will gradually become able to absorb information unconsciously. I would also encourage students not to allow themselves to be swamped or carried away in busy times. Taking a moment to stand back and think can often lead to new research ideas. There are also ideas that simply cannot be reached through logical thought or reasoning alone. I'll be thinking about something else when suddenly something clicks in my brain, and the ideas start flowing. I believe that this is thanks to the years I've spent honing my intuition.

With ever-evolving computing technologies and the abundance of information available through the internet, it is now easier than ever to find answers to our questions. But we must also consider how trustworthy that information really is. Of course, it’s fine to get answers using a search engine. It is the process of finding the answer that is important. It all comes down to using the information, not being used by it. I hope students will trust their intuition and place value on those things that inspire them because that is where they will find the motivation that will stay with them for years to come.

This interview was conducted in November 2019.