About us
This study group is an evolved and reorganized version of the 186th Committee on “Radiation Science and Its Applications” under the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). It aims to further develop this field through collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
Radiation refers to photons (electromagnetic waves) or particles with more than 100 times the energy of visible light, capable of ionizing neutral atoms. Examples include gamma rays and X-rays, which are indispensable tools in modern society, such as for cancer diagnosis and non-destructive baggage inspections at airports. However, since radiation poses exposure risks, proper management, maximum safety, and reliability are essential.
While full-scale radiation research has a history of about 100 years, many aspects remain unexplored, particularly in fields related to modern particle physics.
In recent years, in addition to X-rays and gamma rays, which have long been used in industry, technological advancements such as miniaturized accelerators have enabled the generation of other types of radiation, including neutrons and other particle beams. This has led to progress in research, development, and practical applications of these radiation sources.
At the same time, new materials, synthesis methods, circuit technologies, and artificial intelligence are emerging rapidly, leading to significant advancements in detection technology. These developments have enabled faster radiation measurements, measurements of previously difficult-to-detect events, and even applications using naturally occurring cosmic rays (muons).
Given these trends, radiation sources, detection technologies, and their applications are all crucial. Furthermore, these advancements are supported by numerous fundamental disciplines.
Japan possesses world-class technologies in each of these fields. However, cross-sector collaboration remains weak, and cooperation between academia, industry, and government is still insufficient.
Under these circumstances, we aim to maximize the effective use of radiation by bringing together experts from both academia and industry across a wide range of fields, including:
Study Group History & Policy
Chairman: Hiroyuki Takahashi
Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
The predecessor of the “Radiation Science and Its Applications” Study Group was established in April 2012 as an Industry-Academia Cooperative Research Committee under the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). Its first meeting was held on May 31, 2012.
During its first phase, Professor Tetsuo Iguchi of Nagoya University served as chairman, followed by Professor Ikuo Kamino of Kyoto University in the second phase. Over the past 10 years, the group has been highly active, serving as a meeting point for academia and industry in the field of radiation science. This has significantly shortened the gap between researchers and engineers, leading to numerous industry-academia joint research projects, co-developments, and even the birth of many startup companies.
When the study group was first launched, many other Industry-Academia Cooperative Research Committees were also being established. Large conferences brought together participants from diverse fields, creating a spectacular and engaging environment.
However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person meetings became difficult, and we transitioned to online activities to maintain operations. More recently, due to changes in JSPS policy, Industry-Academia Cooperative Research Committees are being restructured, and this study group will no longer be part of JSPS as of FY2024.
Despite this change, the study group will continue its activities independently, having taken over operations and budgetary management from the former JSPS 186th Committee on Radiation Science and Its Applications. Ensuring the continuity of our initiatives remains a priority, and our initial focus is to faithfully carry forward the same projects as before.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to rely on online meetings, which, although effective in maintaining existing networks, limited opportunities to establish new collaborations.
With the newly launched “Radiation Science and Its Applications” Study Group, we hope to foster closer communication among participants, promoting active exchanges between industry and academia, leading to more joint research projects and the development of new products.
Furthermore, we aim to organize study sessions that reflect industry interests based on frank discussions with participants. We greatly appreciate your guidance and cooperation in these efforts.
