Message from the Director
Without materials, our society cannot function. Metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers, and various other materials are utilized in all contemporary technological domains including energy, ICT, medicine, healthcare, and high-speed transport. In fact, many technological fields have developed together with the invention of high-performance materials. Promoting materials science as an academic platform will continue to be essential to accelerate this materials creation.
The Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR) was established in 2007 with support from the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) as a center to bring together world-class researchers in physics, chemistry, and other fields in addition to materials science. Since then, we have integrated mathematics in order to discover common universal principles among different materials systems, and AIMR has greatly contributed to the development of the field of materials science including the establishment of “materials science based on predictions.” From 2024, AIMR launched the “3 Fields × 3 Tops” Strategy, established the three priority research fields of Quantum/Spin Materials, Soft/Bio Materials, and Energy Materials (3 Fields), and is advancing cutting-edge Top Science, Top Innovation to create value for society, and Top Fusion aimed at bold integration across disciplines (3 Tops). Moreover, we are pursuing high-level application of advanced metrology, AI, robotics, and other technologies in collaboration with NanoTerasu as a “Math-driven Research Asset” to accelerate this 3 × 3 Strategy and expanding our research organization and research infrastructure for that purpose.
Tohoku University was officially accredited as a University for International Research Excellence in 2024, and it is advancing initiatives focused not only on the promotion of individual research but also on diverse systemic reforms that enable the University to grow as part of the world’s leading institutions. Amid these efforts the roles played by AIMR have greatly increased centered on “Campus for Aspiring Minds” and “Full-Scale Global Readiness.” The specific goals set forth – increasing the ratios of international researchers, female and young researchers, and staff with international expertise – are precisely the initiatives AIMR has been promoting since its foundation. I am confident that we can feed that experience back to the University and achieve internationalization and strengthened research capabilities across the University. AIMR will continue to steadily move forward as an institute that can lead Tohoku University as a University for International Research Excellence.
AIMR continues to boldly take on challenges transcending research fields, organizations, and national boundaries, striving to bring advanced materials science to the world. We deeply appreciate your continued support.
Shin-ichiORIMO
Director
Advanced Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University
