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Eugenio H. Otal is a father of two and husband to a wonderful woman, serving as the Chair of the MCAA Japan Chapter. He is an Assistant Professor at Shinshu University, Japan, specialising in materials chemistry and water quality sensor development. He holds a 2nd Dan in Aikido and a 1st Dan in Kendo.
How does it feel to win the award?
It feels good. In my humble opinion, an award isn’t the ultimate goal; it’s more like a compass pointing you north. When you receive one, it’s a clear sign that the work you’ve put in—through persistent struggles—is aligning with something meaningful, that you’re on the right track. But it’s not about feeding the ego; it’s a tool for calibrating your efforts, a reminder to sharpen your focus and refine your approach. It’s a call to improve your methods with care and precision, and to strengthen your discipline so that you can keep moving forward – not only for yourself, but for the greater purpose behind it all: the adventure.
Of the three elements of the journey—goal, path, and companions—I am only mildly curious about the ultimate goal; I prefer to focus on the path and my MCAA colleagues.
Eugenio H. Otal
What journey led you to this award?
All my love goes to the MCAA—this Association is a truly remarkable community. My journey began with my first meeting in 2024 in Milan, where I encountered an exceptional group of individuals. Unlike other academic conferences, where egos often clash over whose equation is more elegant or whose experiment more groundbreaking, this gathering was different. We were united by a shared commitment to improving the MCAA. How could anyone not get inspired in such an environment?
How will this award propel you in your future endeavours?
The award has affirmed that the actions I’ve taken are effective, and it has brought greater clarity to my path. Rather than being limited to a single direction, I now see a spectrum of meaningful possibilities. I’ve developed a deeper understanding of where to focus my energy, which tools to use to generate results, and how to make things work with intention and precision. While some options are clearly promising and others can be set aside, the unknown journey of life still holds infinite potential. These yet-untested paths should be embraced with a renewed spirit— what Shunryu Suzuki called the beginner’s mind: "In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind, there are few."
Eugenio H. Otal receiving the MCAA Outstanding Contributor Award 2024 from Gian Maria Greco, Chair of the Marie Curie Alumni Association, in recognition of his significant contributions to the MCAA community.
What are your future goals?
Continue the initiatives already underway, refine them, and embark on new adventures. The AsiaConnect initiative was stressful, exhausting, and relentlessly demanding— yet when we saw that our talks had reached thousands of viewers, the fatigue was replaced by a profound sense of joy. Now, we must uphold this momentum, year after year, bringing in more researchers and working toward a grand in-person gathering.
What will the new adventures be? No one knows—life is uncertain, but with courage and collaboration, we can embrace the unknown. What matters most is that, no matter how bold or unconventional an idea may seem, there is a supportive community behind it. The MCAA is there to advise, correct, and encourage us – and, just as importantly, to inspire us to raise the bar together.
What advice do you have for the MCAA?
If I may offer one piece of advice, it is this: stay close to those who remind you why you began. I always had the desire to pursue meaningful endeavours, and true guidance came from the experienced voices—the old wolves—who illuminated the path ahead. Being part of this Association is truly a gift. With nearly 23,000 members and continuously growing, you will always find support and encouragement to illuminate your path. It is like a warm embrace that stretches across the globe, a constant reassurance that you are never alone.
Apart from this humble piece of wisdom, I have no grand lessons to impart—only profound gratitude. My thanks could span 23,000 lines. I deeply appreciate my Chapter members, the generous Chairs of the Asian Chapters, the Argentina Chapter, the dedicated members of the Research Funding Working Group, and the MCAA Board— especially Gian Maria, whose inspiring passion drives us forward, and Hakim, whose wisdom and advice have consistently guided me. I can’t help but smile warmly when I recall remarkable souls like Kira, Pooja, Ruben, Gledson, and Ashish. I am deeply fortunate to have crossed paths with you, and I sincerely apologise if I've omitted names equally cherished and forever etched in my heart. And to Fernanda, who first ignited that precious spark—our farewell in Milan remains a cherished memory I will carry with me always.
Christina Makoundou
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MCAA Newsletter Editorial Board Member
christina.makoundou@uantwerpen.be
Polat Goktas
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MCAA Newsletter Managing Editor
polat.goktas@ucd.ie