Delegates from Science & Technology Diplomatic Circle (S&TDC) of foreign embassies in Tokyo visited AIMR

02/24/2026

On February 19, 2026, AIMR welcomed a delegation from the Science & Technology Diplomatic Circle (S&TDC) from foreign embassies in Tokyo.

The S&TDC is an organization composed of diplomats and members of government agencies from over 80 countries and regions stationed in Tokyo. It aims to facilitate the exchange of scientific and technological information within Japan.

The purpose of this visit was to gain insight into the current activities of AIMR—one of the WPI (World Premier International Research Center Initiative) Academy centers leading the cutting-edge materials science research in Japan—and to explore potential avenues for international collaboration. A total of 21 participants from 13 countries participated in the event.

The program began with a presentation by Director Shin-ichi Orimo, who introduced AIMR and its research strategy. Subsequently, the participants were divided into four groups for laboratory tours. Based on their respective interests identified in advance, each group visited relevant laboratories: the Sato Laboratory (Quantum/Spin Materials Field), the Yabu Laboratory (Soft/Bio Materials Field), and the Orimo, Kato, and Ando Laboratories (Energy Materials Field). The visit concluded with a networking session between the science and technology diplomats and AIMR Principal Investigators (PIs), Junior PIs, and early/mid career researchers. Participants from a wide range of disciplines raised enthusiastic questions, making it a highly valuable opportunity for exchange and mutual understanding.

This visit is expected to strengthen networks with international research institutions and industry, further advancing global collaborative research and industry-academia partnerships. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for their visit.