Dr. Junichi Saito is a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University, USA. His research focuses on the interplay between elastic fibers and smooth muscle cells. We would like to congratulate Dr. Junichi Saito on winning the JCDD 2025 Travel Award. The following is an interview with Dr. Saito:
1. As the winner of this award, is there anything you would like to express?
It was a pleasure to receive the prestigious JCDD Travel Award. I want to express sincere thanks to my mentors, colleagues, and family for their support.
2. How did you first learn about this award, and what motivated you to apply?
I first learned about this award from my mentor, Dr. Daniel Greif, at Yale University. As I was in the job market for a faculty position at that time, I wanted to be recognized by the community of vascular biology. As the JCDD is a well-known journal in this field, I was motivated to apply for this award.
3. Could you introduce your current research direction and provide an update on your progress? In your opinion, what will be the hot topics in your field over the next few years, and why?
My postdoctoral research targeted the interplay between elastic fibers and smooth muscle cells. Through these studies, I found that the physiological development of the ductus arteriosus and the pathological elastin aortopathy utilize similar signaling, such as sphingolipid, in terms of smooth muscle cell accumulation. I think the incoming hot topics in this field will be the spatial and temporal contribution of these pathways during development and disease.
4. What qualities do you believe are essential for a young researcher?
Passion for science and the mind of never giving up.
5. What is your preferred way of sharing your research with the community?
Publication is the best way. In-person presentations at conferences are also a strong way of sharing the findings because they usually lead to having an active discussion and broadening the network. I’m grateful to MDPI and JCDD for providing me with financial support.
6. We noticed that you have published a manuscript in JCDD. How would you evaluate the manuscript publication process in the journal?
The publication process with the JCDD was great. Their response was prompt, and we did not experience any delay.
7. What are your thoughts on the current trends and developments in open access publishing?
As the research fields continue to widen, open access publication would be useful to know more about different research fields and concepts
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