iCeMS Crossing 4 – Introductions, Junior Fellows Program, and Rapping Research
On August 19, iCeMS Crossing fourth online retreat took place. It followed a now familiar mold of introductions to various research groups and an overseas onsite laboratory, punctuated by a few memorable moments and followed by a virtual networking opportunity in Gather.
The event began by introducing iCeMS Kyoto Junior Fellows Program. The program supports young researchers in pursuing their own independent research as an Assistant Professor modeling the role of a Principal Investigator. The program provides mentorship and opportunities for international collaborative research. Dr Thidarat Imyen from Thailand, who specializes in material chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis, is the first Assistant Professor under the program and is involved with the VISTEC on-site laboratory.
Hiroki Ubukata from the Kageyama Group presented this month’s research highlights.
He was the first author on a publication in Science Advances, “Anion Ordering Enables Fast H- Conduction at Low Temperatures.” Ubukata explained not just the science behind the research, but also told an interesting story about how a shift in perspective, in this case changing a diagram’s focus from the cation to the anion, can lead to new insights.
This month’s group introductions showcased the Furukawa Group, which studies the chemistry of porous materials with the goal of developing solutions for health, the environment, and energy. Furukawa explained how they were building cell inspired materials with many components in precise arrangements which gave the materials dynamic structures. Tang Phattharaphuti, a master’s student in the group, presented a humorous collage of the group member’s hobbies and interests.
Next up was the Tamanoi Group, which focuses on the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles in radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer with the goal of minimizing side effects related to the therapy. Group members explained Auger therapy, use of the chicken egg tumor model and boron neutron capture therapy, three areas in which the group is making innovations.
Jun Suzuki presented the Center for Integrated Biosystems, an on-site laboratory at the Academia Sinica, Taiwan, the most preeminent academic institution of the ROC. The center’s goals include advanced research in the fields of biology and chemistry, expansion of collaboration with local institutes, and recruitment of international students. The presentation gave an overview of unbiased screening-based exploration of biology, a slideshow tour of Taiwanese food and culture, and debuted a music video featuring iCeMS PI’s rapping about their research and inviting collaboration, “our doors are open, please join us.”
The next iCeMS crossing will be held September 17 with plans to introduce “the other side of iCeMS,” those who work behind the scenes to support the research activities at the institute.
