On January 8, the Institut national de la recherche scientifiqu (INRS), which undertakes international joint research in the field of optics, and Okayama University held the Global Future With Canada-based INRS Session-High-Performance Terahertz Project Kickoff Symposium on the campus of Okayama University. The symposium was held to not only deepen discussions on technological developments and basic research related to biotechnology that makes use of and applies cutting-edge terahertz wave but also to further related international joint research.

Okayama University Deputy Vice-Executive Director (Research) and University Research Administrator (URA) Professor Shuichi Furuya and INRS Professor Tsuneyuki Ozaki introduced their respective organization and efforts on various fronts including strengthening research and international joint research. Researchers from both universities gave talks on innovative technological developments and basic research in several fields including terahertz engineering and the life sciences.

INRS researchers also visited Okayama University research facilities. At the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology’s Measurement System Engineering Laboratory, Associate Professor Toshihiko Kiwa explained the development background and application of the terahertz chemical microscope that he was the first to Invent.

Not only have sessions been held on the campuses of both universities since 2013, but researchers at the universities have had numerous detailed exchanges of opinions regarding their research. In addition, INRS, one of the few organizations in North America with high-power laser facilities, conducts the most cutting-edge research in the world. There are future plans for personnel exchanges between the two universities, and both universities will move forward with their efforts to become leading centers for optical technology in terms of both research and education.

Inquiries regarding the above should be directed to:
Associate Professor Toshihiko Kiwa, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology (Engineering)