Reflecting on Peace: WPI-SKCM² Members Participate in Hiroshima Peace Tour
On August 6, around 20 members of WPI-SKCM²—including students, postdoctoral researchers, principal investigators, and administrative staff—came together for a Peace Tour to commemorate the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and reflect on the role of science in building a more peaceful future.
The tour began at the Yamato Museum in Kure, which recently reopened following an extensive renovation. Through its exhibits, participants explored Japan’s maritime history and reflected on the realities of war, the importance of learning from history, and the value of peace.
The group then visited the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where they learned about the devastating impact of the atomic bombing and Hiroshima’s remarkable journey of reconstruction as a global symbol of peace.
Representing WPI-SKCM² researchers and tour participants, Vijay Pratap Singh, a postdoctoral researcher from India, and Tansilu Altay, a 1st year doctoral student from Tatarstan, reflected on how the tour deepened their understanding of Hiroshima’s history of war and peace. Drawing on their experiences as researchers from different cultural backgrounds, they highlighted both the responsibility of scientists to ensure that scientific progress serves humanity and the power of science to connect people across borders. For both, the tour offered an opportunity to reflect on how researchers, through the responsible pursuit of science and collaboration built on respect and openness, can contribute to a more peaceful world.
“Developing technology and exploring science is one thing, but using them in the right way is equally important. Whatever we develop, we should strive to use it for humanity, for peace, and for the whole world.”
— Vijay Pratap Singh, WPI-SKCM² Postdoctoral Researcher, India
“Science can connect people across borders. At our institute, researchers come from different backgrounds, cultures, and religions, but we see each other first as scientists and as human beings working toward common goals. By working with respect and openness, we can contribute to a more peaceful world.”
— Tansilu Altay, WPI-SKCM² 1st year Doctoral Student in Mathematics, Tatarstan
Beyond deepening their understanding of history, the tour encouraged participants to reflect on the responsibility of scientists to contribute to society. At WPI-SKCM², we believe that scientific research, international collaboration, and mutual understanding are essential to building a more peaceful future.
Photo by WPI-SKCM² and Arunkumar Bupathy