[Okayama University] J-PEAKS Special Seminar 'New Horizons in Advanced Materials Science' Held on Materials Science - Leading Researchers from Japan and Abroad Discuss Materials Development and Applications

May 31, 2026 Okayama University

◆Overview

On April 3, 2026, Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Yasutomo Nasu) held the 'J-PEAKS Special Seminar: New Horizons in Advanced Materials Science' at the Co-creation and Innovation Lab 'KIBINOVE' on its Tsushima Campus, inviting distinguished researchers from Japan and overseas to share the cutting edge of advanced materials science. The seminar was hosted by Professor Yuta Nishina of the Institute for Advanced Research (Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science), with about 40 researchers from the materials and chemical engineering fields attending.

At the seminar, lectures were given by four researchers from the university and abroad. At the beginning, Professor Nishina introduced the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's (MEXT) 'Japan Program for Enhancing Research Universities with Regional Core and Distinctive Characteristics (J-PEAKS)' and discussed materials research at the 'Plant and Light Energy Development Hub' promoted through J-PEAKS, presenting on topics such as carbon nanomaterials, hybrid materials, and their applications in sustainable technologies.

In the following lectures, Professor Daisuke Suzuki from the Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology presented on the 'Precise Design and Assembly of Functional Polymer Microgels.' He explained the properties of microgels with uniform nanoscale structures, different from conventional ones, and announced his aim to realize recyclable materials with low environmental impact.

Professor Zhengtang Luo from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology gave a lecture titled 'Graphene and Functional Polymer Materials for Energy and Sensing.' He introduced a research approach that uses computational science to obtain guidelines for material design, such as catalysts for carbon dioxide conversion. Furthermore, Professor Luyi Sun from the University of Connecticut in the USA lectured on 'Nanostructured Polymers and Composites for Energy and Catalysis.' He introduced the development of variable functional materials that mimic the structures of organisms like octopuses and sharks, and presented materials that exhibit durability even in high-temperature environments.

President Yasutomo Nasu, who attended the seminar, commented based on his own experience, 'Our university is promoting innovative material development while utilizing J-PEAKS, and exchanges with overseas researchers like those in this seminar provide mutual good stimulation and are extremely important for advancing research and technological development,' encouraging the participating researchers.

Okayama University will actively promote innovative material development that can contribute to the world through the promotion of J-PEAKS. Please look forward to the continued challenges and initiatives of Okayama University as an open regional core and distinctive research university.

This information was released on May 31, 2026.

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