June 28, 2026 National University Corporation Okayama University

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆Overview

The Equipment Collaboration Division of the Task Force for Strengthening the System for Shared Use and Maintenance of Research Equipment at National University Corporation Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Yasutomo Nasu) held a "Helium Recycling Workshop" on June 22, 2026, in a hybrid format combining in-person and online participation at the Co-creation Innovation Lab (KIBINOVE) on the Tsushima Campus. Approximately 200 people participated from across the country, including online.

This workshop was held with the aim of introducing advanced recycling and recovery initiatives from used equipment for helium, for which price hikes and supply instability are becoming serious issues. It also aimed to foster discussions among researchers and technical staff involved in helium recycling regarding the challenges and solutions for stable helium supply, thereby leading to the formation of new recycling networks in various regions and the establishment of a nationwide network to address helium-related issues.

In his opening remarks, President Yasutomo Nasu of Okayama University emphasized the importance of helium recycling in research infrastructure and stated, "I hope that active discussions for future development will take place at this workshop."

The workshop consisted of two parts: lectures and a panel discussion. In the first part, Mr. Hiroki Okumura, Chief of the Research Equipment and Support Section, Research Promotion Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, gave a lecture titled "Status and Expectations for Research Infrastructure at National University Corporations and Other Institutions." He discussed the outline of the 7th Science and Technology Basic Plan, trends in related budgets for strengthening research infrastructure, and the direction of functional enhancement for national university corporations.

Following this, lectures were given on helium recycling initiatives. First, Associate Division Head Makoto Ishii (Head of the Analytical Instrument and Biological Resource Technology Section, General Technical Division) and Associate Division Head Hideaki Yamazaki (Specialist, Research Cooperation Section, Office of Research and Innovation Co-creation Management) from Okayama University presented "Okayama University's 'He3' Project." They spoke about the initiatives of the "Chushikoku-Harima HeReNet (Chushikoku-Harima Helium Recycling Business Network)" and the establishment of the Helium Consortium of Japan (HeliCon-J) (articles of association formulated on June 11), for which Okayama University serves as the secretariat. The consortium aims to form helium recycling-related groups, disseminate and share information on initiatives and challenges, and strengthen collaboration.

Additionally, Mr. Eiichi Hino, Technical Specialist at the Center for Technical Education Support, Yonago National College of Technology, and Professor Toshiyuki Kamei from the Department of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Nara National College of Technology, introduced the recycling initiatives at their respective institutions.

Subsequently, Mr. Hiroki Okuno, Deputy Director and Head of the Nuclear Transmutation Technology Research and Development Office, Advanced Accelerator Research Division, RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science, lectured on the helium recycling project from used MRI (RIKEN-HeLP) and other initiatives. Mr. Hisashi Chiba, Head of the First Technical Office, Faculty of Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Iwate University, and Mr. Mitsuteru Nakamura, Technical Specialist, presented on helium recovery from used MRI at Iwate Medical University and helium sensor development. Mr. Toshiaki Kobayashi, Academic Technician at the Low Temperature Division, Research Facility Center, The University of Electro-Communications, spoke on the necessity of building a nationwide helium network.

The panel discussion in the latter half, themed "Challenges and Solutions for Recycling and Recovery from Used Equipment in Each Region," was facilitated by Mr. Koji Hatanaka, Deputy Task Force Leader, Head of the Equipment Collaboration Division, and Chief URA of Okayama University's Task Force for Strengthening the System for Shared Use and Maintenance of Research Equipment. Mr. Katsuhiro Irie, Customer Support Group Service Engineer, MRI Business Division, Oxford Instruments Co., Ltd., Mr. Hiroki Okuno (RIKEN), Mr. Mitsuteru Nakamura (Iwate University), and Mr. Toshiaki Kobayashi (The University of Electro-Communications) engaged in a lively discussion. During the discussion, various issues were shared, including the necessity of helium recovery from used equipment due to soaring helium prices, stakeholders involved with MRI, profit distribution, and the brand power of helium as a commodity. They confirmed their commitment to collaborate on addressing these challenges and to take action towards establishing the Helium Consortium. Following each lecture, there were Q&A sessions between the speakers and participants both in person and online, during which active discussions took place. The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Masanori Koumoto, Director of Okayama University's Office of Research and Innovation Co-creation Management.

Following the closing, an information exchange session was held at Okayama University's J-Terrace Cafe, and the next day, a tour of the on-campus recovery and liquefaction facilities and an MRI device without a gas recovery line installed (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences) was conducted.

Dr. Norihito Sato, Vice President (Research and Industry-Academia Co-creation), Vice President (Academic Affairs), and Senior URA, and Leader of the Task Force for Strengthening the System for Shared Use and Maintenance of Research Equipment at Okayama University, stated, "Amidst supply uncertainty and price hikes, cooperating with other institutions to enable recycling in other regions of Japan is important from the perspective of economic security. We aim to promote the establishment of an all-Japan system for helium, triggered by this workshop, and to significantly expand the base for research and development using liquid helium."

As an open, regional core, and featured research university, Okayama University aims to significantly expand the base for research and development using liquid helium by supplying liquid helium not only within the university but also to neighboring universities, research institutions, colleges of technology, and companies through "Chushikoku-Harima HeReNet" and "HeliGet." Furthermore, since helium is 100% dependent on imports, this initiative is extremely important from the standpoint of economic security.

In addition, Okayama University is developing "HeliSET," a human resource development program for helium-related fields, with the aim of nurturing next-generation helium users and stabilizing helium prices. The university will continue to promote these initiatives as the "'He3' Project," integrating "HeReNet," "HeliGet," and "HeliSET."

Please continue to look forward to the challenges undertaken by Okayama University, an open, regional core, and featured research university, and its participating institutions, to enhance Japan's research capabilities, foster innovation, and contribute to the framework of economic security.

President Nasu giving opening remarks

Lecture by Chief Okumura of Research Equipment and Support Section

Panel discussion by Deputy Task Force Leader/Division Head Hatanaka (Chief URA) and others

Group photo of speakers after the workshop

Co-creation Innovation Lab KIBINOVE (KIBINOVE), the venue

Overview of Initiatives

Poster

◆References

- Okayama University Vision 3.0 / Okayama University Long-Term Vision 2050

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/tp/profile/ou-vision.html

- National University Corporation Okayama University Declaration of Research University

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003808.000072793.html

- Okayama University Co-creation Innovation Lab (KIBINOVE)

https://www.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/kigyo/kibinove/

- Okayama University Program for the Enhancement of Regional Core and Featured Research Universities (J-PEAKS)

https://j-peaks.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/

- Okayama University Organization for Research and Innovation Co-creation

https://www.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/

- Okayama University General Technical Division

https://techall.okayama-u.ac.jp/

- Okayama University Core Facility Portal Site (CFPOU)

https://corefacility-potal.fsp.okayama-u.ac.jp/

- SX Platform ~From "Ownership" to "Sharing." An advantageous research equipment rental/lease platform~

https://sxplatform.jp/

◆Reference Information

- [Okayama University] Implementation of Recovery and Supply (Phase 2) of the Regional Core and Featured Research University Initiative "Chushikoku-Harima HeReNet" at Yonago National College of Technology

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000004066.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] Implementation of Helium Recovery from MRI Devices Without Gas Recovery Lines Installed on Campus as part of the Regional Core and Featured Research University Initiative

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000004048.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] Implementation of Recovery (Phase 1) of "Chushikoku-Harima HeReNet," a Regional Core and Featured Research University Initiative, at SPring-8

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000004031.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] Commencement of Recovery (Phase 1) of "Chushikoku-Harima HeReNet," a Regional Core and Featured Research University Initiative, at Kagawa University and the Okayama University Planetary Material Research Center

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003968.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] Visit by Technical Staff from Iwate University to Okayama University ~Exchange of opinions towards the expansion of the Regional Core and Featured Research University Initiative "Chushikoku-Harima HeReNet" to the Northern Tohoku Region~

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003955.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] "Chushikoku-Harima HeReNet" - Okayama University Begins Helium Gas Recovery (Phase 1) at Okayama University of Science

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003826.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] "Chushikoku-Harima HeReNet-HeliGet" - Okayama University Participates in Helium Recovery from Used MRI Devices at Iwate University and Iwate Medical University ~Over 500L of Helium Recovered~

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003825.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] Commencement of Helium Gas Recovery (Phase 1) at Yonago National College of Technology, Tottori University, and Tokushima University under "Chushikoku-Harima HeReNet"

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003739.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] Exchange of Opinions with The University of Electro-Communications on Helium Recycling Business, etc.

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003624.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] Exchange of Opinions with Iwate University on Helium Recycling Business

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003540.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] Recovery of Helium Gas from Used Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Devices ~A Major Step Towards the "Chushikoku-Harima Helium Recycling Network"~

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003541.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] "Chushikoku-Harima Helium Recycling Network" Launched - Demonstration Experiments for Helium Recovery Begin

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003365.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] External Briefing Held Towards the Launch of the "Chushikoku-Harima Helium Recycling Network"

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003329.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] Internal Briefing Held Towards the Launch of the "Chushikoku-Harima Helium Recycling Network"

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003254.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] Exchange of Opinions with the Director of the Science and Technology Policy Bureau, MEXT, etc., Towards Promoting the Use and Stable Supply of Liquid Helium ~Exchange of Opinions with Universities, Research Institutions, and Colleges of Technology on Specific System Design for the Realization of the "Helium Supply Hub Concept"~

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002564.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] Exchange of Opinions with 11 Universities, Colleges of Technology, etc., Towards Promoting the Use and Stable Supply of Liquid Helium Supporting Japan's Research Capabilities

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002451.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] Selected for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's "Program for the Enhancement of Regional Core and Featured Research Universities (J-PEAKS)" ~Accelerating the realization of Okayama University as a research university that co-creates the future of regions and the planet and becomes a core of global innovation, while building a "mountain range" of world-class research universities in Japan~

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001935.000072793.html

- [Okayama University] "Task Force for Strengthening the System for Shared Use and Maintenance of Research Equipment (Team Kyoyo)" Launched to Strengthen Research Infrastructure for "Human-Machine Integration"!

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003103.000072793.html

Okayama University Tsushima Campus (Kita-ku, Okayama City), where the Co-creation Innovation Lab KIBINOVE is located

◆Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Matter

Task Force for Strengthening the System for Shared Use and Maintenance of Research Equipment, National University Corporation Okayama University (Team Kyoyo), Equipment Collaboration Division 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama 700-8530, Okayama University Tsushima Campus

TEL: 086-251-8705

E-mail: herenetoffice◎adm.okayama-u.ac.jp (Please replace ◎ with @)

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/tp/news/news_id15464.html

<Regarding Collaboration with Okayama University Hospital, etc. (For Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Company Representatives)> Okayama University Hospital, Center for Advanced Medical Research and Development 2-5-1 Shikada-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama 700-8558 Please inquire about relevant matters via the URL below http://shin-iryo.hospital.okayama-u.ac.jp/ph_company/

<Regarding Collaboration with Okayama University Hospital, etc. (For Medical Professionals and Researchers)> Okayama University Hospital, Research Promotion Division, Industry-Academia Collaboration Promotion Office 2-5-1 Shikada-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama 700-8558 TEL: 086-235-7983 E-mail: ouh-csnw◎adm.okayama-u.ac.jp (Please replace ◎ with @) http://shin-iryo.hospital.okayama-u.ac.jp/medical/

<Inquiries Regarding Industry-Academia Collaboration, etc. at Okayama University> Okayama University Organization for Research and Innovation Co-creation, Industry-Academia Collaboration Headquarters 1st Floor, Main Building, Okayama University Tsushima Campus, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama 700-8530 TEL: 086-251-8463 E-mail: sangaku◎okayama-u.ac.jp (Please replace ◎ with @) https://www.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/

<Inquiries Regarding Shared Use of Research Equipment (Core Facilities), etc. at Okayama University> Task Force for Strengthening the System for Shared Use and Maintenance of Research Equipment, National University Corporation Okayama University (Abbreviation: Team Kyoyo) 1st Floor, Main Building, Okayama University Tsushima Campus, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama 700-8530 TEL: 086-251-8705 FAX: 086-251-7114 E-mail: cfp◎okayama-u.ac.jp (Please replace ◎ with @) https://corefacility-potal.fsp.okayama-u.ac.jp/

<Inquiries Regarding Startups and Ventures at Okayama University>

Okayama University Organization for Research and Innovation Co-creation, Startup and Venture Creation Headquarters

1st Floor, Main Building, Okayama University Tsushima Campus, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama 700-8530 E-mail: start-up1◎adm.okayama-u.ac.jp (Please replace ◎ with @)

https://venture.okayama-u.ac.jp/

Okayama University Media "OTD" (App): https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000011.000072793.html Okayama University Media "OTD" (Web): https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000215.000072793.html

Okayama University Original Goods Online Shop: https://okadaigoods.official.ec/

Okayama University Integrated Report 2025: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003715.000072793.html Okayama University SDGs Homepage: https://sdgs.okayama-u.ac.jp/ Okayama University SDGs ~Considering the Sustainability of Local Communities (YouTube): https://youtu.be/Qdqjy4mw4ik Okayama University Image Movie (YouTube): https://youtu.be/pKMHm4XJLtw

Okayama University Program for the Enhancement of Regional Core and Featured Research Universities (J-PEAKS): https://j-peaks.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/

Industry-Academia Co-creation Activity "Okayama University Open Innovation Challenge" Partner Recruitment for April 2026 Period: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003912.000072793.html

Advantageous Research Equipment Rental/Lease "SX Platform" with no setup, maintenance, repair, or removal costs

https://sxplatform.jp/

National University Corporation Okayama University supports the United Nations' "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" and received a Special Prize at the first "Japan SDGs Awards." We ask for your continued support for Okayama University, which promotes co-education and co-creation as a regional core and featured research university.

Okayama University Selected for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's "Program for the Enhancement of Regional Core and Featured Research Universities (J-PEAKS)" ~Accelerating the realization of Okayama University as a research university that co-creates the future of regions and the planet and becomes a core of global innovation, while building a "mountain range" of world-class research universities in Japan~

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001935.000072793.html

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 研究