Have you ever been on a lab trip? If not, I encourage you and your lab mates to start planning one. It will not only enhance your understanding of your field, but also bring your lab mates together and help create great memories!
During summer vacation, our lab mates planned a two-day, one-night trip to an offshore wind power plant in Chiba, near the coast of Choshi. This plant was chosen because renewable energy acceptance is a hot topic for us in the Murayama-Nishikizawa Lab, which focuses on environmental policies and planning. Researching public acceptance of renewable energy is crucial for successfully transitioning to a sustainable energy system. As renewable energy technologies are implemented on a larger scale, public perception and acceptance play a significant role in their deployment and long-term viability. Understanding the factors that influence public opinion — such as social, economic, and environmental concerns — enables policymakers and developers to design more inclusive and effective strategies. By addressing barriers like misinformation, aesthetic impacts, and local opposition, we can foster greater community engagement and support, which are essential for achieving global climate goals, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, and building a resilient energy future.
The trip started with everyone going to the location individually; however, some of us happened to meet on the train or bus on the way there. It was fun to break the ice before the trip, have lunch, and walk around the area together. In the afternoon, we took a tour led by a staff member of Choshi Offshore Wind Power Plant Co., Ltd. The tour guide was patient and understanding of our many questions: “How is the noise?” “Do the people living near this area have any problems with the wind turbine?” “What about the water pollution?” “How often do you maintain these wind turbines?” and more. Personally, I was surprised that the wind turbines do not actually make noise; if they do, it means they are old and need maintenance or replacement.
The weather became cooler in the evening, so after the tour we headed to the beach. It was calm and easygoing compared to the morning, and we were able to take a lot of pictures and talk about non-research-related subjects. This was my favorite time because I learned a lot of exciting things about my lab mates, such as their hobbies, achievements, skills, and funny stories.
By nighttime, some members surprised us with fireworks! They were unexpected yet entertaining, and there were so many types and colors. They also prepared a bucket of water to drop the fireworks into afterward, so as not to cause an actual fire. This was very considerate and mindful. It reminded us that while we can enjoy ourselves, we must also protect our environment.
After the fireworks we had a delicious dinner, with jokes and laughter filling the air. We also celebrated our supervisor’s birthday! I believe that this was an unexpected, pleasant surprise for him. We ended the day with after-party snacks, games, and talks until midnight.
Our lab trip to the wind power plant was both an educational experience and a refreshing break from the often solitary journey of doctoral research. It provided us with a valuable opportunity to deepen our bonds with each other and reconnect with ourselves. From the insightful tour to beachside fun and surprise fireworks, the trip allowed us to step back from the daily research grind, gain new perspectives, and return with renewed energy. These moments of shared learning and self-discovery are also essential to the research process, making a lab trip a perfect blend of reflection and growth. If you haven’t planned one yet, I highly recommend it!
