Opening Ceremony of the Rigaku/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core
The opening ceremony of the Rigaku/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core took place in Tokyo on September 4. The event was hosted by Kyoto University in partnership with Rigaku Corporation and JEOL Ltd.
The Rigaku/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core is a new collaborative research unit established within the iCeMS Analysis Center. It will make use of the electron diffraction platform XtaLAB Synergy-ED, which combines Rigaku’s single-crystal X-ray diffraction technology with JEOL’s transmission electron microscopy technology. By enabling molecular structure analysis of extremely small crystals, the Innovation Core aims to contribute broadly—from advancing fundamental research to returning scientific outcomes to society and fostering the next generation of researchers.
The opening ceremony welcomed members of the press and started with remarks from the representatives of the three organizations. Kyoto University President Nagahiro Minato stressed that this initiative aligns with the university’s concept of developing core facilities, noting its importance in strengthening research capacity and addressing societal challenges. Jun Kawakami, President and CEO of Rigaku, expressed his wish to contribute to scientific progress and human resource development through the application of electron diffraction technology for microcrystals. Izumi Oi, President and CEO of JEOL, emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing structural analysis with electron microscopy and contributing to research and social development across diverse fields.
Following the remarks, iCeMS Distinguished Professor Susumu Kitagawa—Kyoto University’s Executive Vice-President for Research and Director-General of the university’s Office of Research Acceleration—gave an overview of the university’s “core facility” concept. Professor Shuhei Furukawa, Deputy Director of iCeMS and Director of the iCeMS Analysis Center, then introduced the details of the Rigaku/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core.
In the latter half of the ceremony, the three parties signed a formal agreement, officially confirming their joint commitment.
The Rigaku/JEOL-iCeMS Innovation Core will serve as a hub for creating new analytical technologies and research approaches. Through this innovative framework, iCeMS will continue to pursue challenges that open new horizons in science.
