Professor / PI / Deputy Director
Aiko Fukazawa
Research Interest
Physical Organic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis
One of the most rewarding missions of chemistry is the manufacturing of novel substances which have a potential for solving several issues facing human beings. In particular, optical and/or electronic functions, such as luminescence, charge-carrier transport, and light (or heat)-energy conversion are crucial to realizing next-generation technologies for a sustainable society. We are particularly focusing our attention on molecular materials based on organic pi-conjugated systems, and we are trying to propose rational molecular design of organic optoelectronic materials which have been difficult to be achieved in the conventional way.
What I like about my science
The characteristics of our research are that (1) we design novel molecules with unusual structures and electronic states of which nobody has ever seen rather than slightly modifying or combining molecular scaffolds that we have seen elsewhere, and (2) we produce them for the first time in the world by taking advantage of state-of-the-art synthetic technology. Moreover, our aim is to contribute to the development and deepening of both fundamental organic chemistry and materials science by providing rational molecular design of optoelectronic functional materials through research on the properties and functions of the novel compounds we produce.
Researcher Q & A
Where are you from?
Nara, Japan
Why did you become a researcher?
I started thinking about majoring in chemistry when I was a high school student, but I didn’t really want to become a researcher in academia until I joined a research group at university. As I work on my research, I have been deep into the beauty of academic research, and I come to the present.
What is your favorite experiment, theory, device, reagent, lab equipment? Why do you like it?
My favorite experimental procedure is recrystallization. This is one of the most basic operations in chemical experiments, yet it is very profound technique that significantly depends on the researcher’s power of observation and skills.
What is your hobby?
I like listening to music, collecting stationery with good design and functions, and handcrafting (i.e., making fashion accessories such as bags, earrings, bracelets, etc.).
