In this interview, we interviewed with Martin Cheung, a microbiology researcher from the UK who is a key member in the R&D (Research and Development) team at EF Polymer. After establishing his academic career in the UK, he took on a new challenge in Okinawa. We will delve into his journey so far, his current research, and his collaboration with CEO Narayan and the team.■ From the UK to Okinawa: The Career Path of a ResearcherQ：Can you tell us about your career as a researcher?I have always been passionate about improving people's health. I built my academic career in the UK, where I studied medical microbiology—a field that covers bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites related to medicine—and earned my master's degree.After that, I had two exciting career paths to choose from: becoming a medical doctor or pursuing a PhD. I have always had a strong passion for making new discoveries through scientific research, so I chose to study for a doctorate in microbiology.During my doctoral studies, I focused on developing new strategies to fight infectious diseases, particularly for the treatment of dysentery. As part of my research, I had the opportunity to work at Osaka University, marking my first time working in Japan. In a well-equipped and inspiring environment, I conducted bacterial research using high-resolution electron microscopy. I also became fascinated with life in Japan, which made me want to continue working here even after completing my PhD.Q： What led you to work at OIST, and what research did you conduct there?While conducting research at Osaka University, my colleagues introduced me to a pioneering new research institute in Okinawa, the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), and I was impressed by the institute’s state-of-the-art facilities. However, what captivated me the most were the beautiful islands of Okinawa and their warm climate. Having grown up in the UK, where it is often cold and rainy, I felt a strong attraction to Okinawa’s mild and pleasant environment, which made me eager to relocate there.At OIST, I was involved in the development of a novel electron microscope based on the design of Professor Tsumoru Shintake (https://groups.oist.jp/ja/qwmu/tsumoru-shintake). Specifically, we were working on a microscope utilizing low-energy electron holography, which allows for the observation of tiny particles such as viruses and bacteria in hydrated, physiological states. I was particularly interested in utilizing this novel microscope to study pathogenic bacteria, so I focused on investigating its capabilities.Q：What led you to join EF Polymer, and what motivated your decision?During my eight years at OIST, I was introduced to EF Polymer’s CEO, Narayan, through my wife.Narayan was looking for a researcher in the field of microbiology, and at the same time, I felt that I had achieved what I set out to do with my electron microscopy research at OIST. The prospect of returning to microbiology research was highly appealing to me.Another key reason was that Narayan’s vision—"helping farmers suffering from drought"—aligned perfectly with my lifelong passion for using science to benefit people.Narayan has a charismatic personality that naturally attracts people in. I felt that working alongside him would not only be valuable for the company but also contribute to my personal and professional growth.■ Our Mission at EF Polymers: Saving Agriculture and Society with ScienceCurrently, the EF Polymer R&D team, including Martin, is working on the following three research objectives:Improvement of Agricultural PolymersResearch aimed at enhancing the performance of EF Polymer’s existing agricultural polymer products and optimizing their usage. The goal is to improve efficiency in agricultural applications while promoting sustainability.2.Exploring New ApplicationsInvestigating the potential use of polymers beyond agriculture, such as in construction materials, medical fields, and environmental protection.*For more details, check out this article: ▶ [Beyond Agriculture: A New Challenge – Interview with EF Polymer R&D Specialist, Yasu Nakagawa]3.Diversification of Raw MaterialsIn addition to the current raw materials, such as orange and banana residues, the team is exploring ways to utilize waste products more effectively, aiming for a circular production system and expanding material options.Among these objectives, Martin is particularly focused on the diversification of raw materials and is working tirelessly on this research every day.There is a vast amount of waste in society. I believe that by utilizing these materials as raw ingredients, we can make a significant contribution to a sustainable circular economy.Q：You originally researched pathogenic bacteria. How does that connect to your current work at EF Polymer?I believe there is a strong connection between my previous research on bacteria and my current work.In my previous research, I focused on developing strategies to prevent pathogenic bacteria from causing diseases. This required specialized skills and techniques to manipulate bacteria effectively.At EF Polymer, I continue to apply these techniques, but instead of studying how bacteria can harm humans, I now explore how bacteria can benefit society. My research focuses on the positive aspects of bacteria and how they can contribute to sustainable solutions.As our motto states, "Mother Nature has a solution for every problem," and I firmly believe that many of these solutions come from bacteria.■ Differences Between Academic Research and Corporate ResearchQ：What are the differences between working as a researcher in a university and in a company?In academia, researchers typically aim to publish papers and pursue professorships. While academia allows for deep focus on research, it often takes years to see its real-world impact.Corporate research, on the other hand, has its own unique appeal.In a company, your skills directly contribute to results, and you can immediately see the impact of your work on the company and society, which is highly rewarding.However, this also comes with pressure. In corporate research, teamwork is essential for problem-solving, making strong communication skills just as important as scientific expertise.Unlike in academia, where research tends to focus on long-term goals, in a company, we also need to handle short-term challenges that arise from the dynamic nature of the environment.I frequently meet with Narayan to strategize, solve problems, and drive progress toward our goals.■ An Efficient Research Environment Built on Trust and FlexibilityQ：What kind of company is EF Polymer? How would you describe the corporate culture and team atmosphere?Narayan places great trust in his employees and empowers us to optimize our work. For researchers, producing results is the most important thing, so having the flexibility to focus on our work at our own pace is incredibly valuable.EF Polymer is a relatively small company, which allows for frequent communication not only within the research team but also with members from other departments.As researchers, we spend a lot of time in the laboratory, so daily conversations with colleagues are incredibly meaningful. By maintaining close communication and working together, we build a strong team dynamic, which makes working in a company even more rewarding.■ A Workplace That Supports Work-Life BalanceQ：How do you balance work and personal life?I have a three-year-old son, and my wife also works. Before joining the company, I told Narayan that spending time with my family is a top priority for me. Narayan has been very understanding, both before and after I joined the company. For example, if my son falls ill or my wife has a busy work schedule, he is always willing to accommodate schedule changes or adjust my working hours. This level of flexibility and support is made possible by the trust and open communication within the company, and it greatly contributes to my motivation at work.■ Saving the Future of Farmers with the Power of ScienceQ： What message would you give to researchers who are considering working at EF Polymer or building a career in Japan?EF Polymer is headquartered in Okinawa, but we also have an office in India, making us a truly international team with employees from diverse backgrounds. For those who thrive in an international environment, EF Polymer offers a dynamic and comfortable workplace.Our market is rapidly expanding, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, with even greater growth expected in the future.Our research is dedicated not only to helping farmers affected by drought but also to promoting sustainability by efficiently utilizing agricultural waste.I’m grateful to be in an environment where I can apply the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my career while also taking on challenges in new fields. I look forward to meeting many more farmers and researchers as we continue our work.〜Editor's comment〜Martin Cheung, originally from the UK, is an impressive researcher with a gentle demeanor and a strong passion for using the power of science to help people, which shines through in his words.He loves European cars and lasagna, and has a wide range of hobbies, including playing the guitar, tennis, and gaming. He also enjoys leafy vegetables.His research in biotechnology is crucial to EF Polymer's success, and we have high hopes for his future contributions!