Call for Proposal
Basic information of the Research Area
[Fluctuation-based Materials]Creation of Functional Materials through Introduction/Control of Fluctuations
Research Supervisor
Takayoshi SasakiFellow, National Institute for Materials Science
Strategic Objective
Creating novel materials by controlling and utilizing fluctuations
Overview
This research area focuses on spatial and temporal fluctuations, which are critical factors in determining the functions and properties of materials. It promotes the creation of materials guided by the principle of controlling and utilizing these fluctuations. With the modern advancements in measurement technologies and computational science pertinent to materials science, we are now capable of visualizing and analyzing fluctuations in an advanced, multifaceted, and precise manner, which was previously unattainable. Leveraging these cutting-edge technological developments, our objective is to elucidate the intricate relationship between fluctuations and material functions, thereby utilizing this understanding to create groundbreaking materials. The scope of this research is comprehensive, encompassing a diverse range of materials, including metallic, inorganic, organic, polymeric substances, and their respective composites. The primary goal is to achieve a profound understanding of the spatial and temporal fluctuations inherent in these materials, to deliberately introduce and control these fluctuations to realize novel functionalities, and ultimately to develop revolutionary materials. A special emphasis is placed on avant-garde, strategic approaches that synergize advanced measurement techniques, computational science, data science, and state-of-the-art material synthesis processes.
In this research area, fluctuations encompass heterogeneities and irregularities in atomic arrangements, compositions, and orientations of atoms, ions and molecules, as well as non-equilibrium states and dynamic behaviors. Examples of such fluctuations include point defects, dislocations, interfaces, hierarchical structures, and molecular arrangements and orientations. However, the scope is not confined to these examples; fluctuations are examined from a comprehensive perspective. Additionally, through collaborative efforts across various research disciplines and the merging of insights derived from diverse material systems, we aim to deepen our understanding of currently unexplained fluctuations in materials and to establish fundamental principles that are applicable to a wide range of materials. Furthermore, our objective is to generate functionalities and develop novel materials that were previously challenging to achieve with existing materials.
Research Area Advisors
| Hideki Iba | Chief Professional Engineer, Advanced Material Engineering Div., TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION |
|---|---|
| Hiroshi Kitagawa | Professor, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University |
| Toshiyuki Koyama | Group Leader, Research Center for Structural Materials, National Institute for Materials Science |
| Toshifumi Satoh | Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University |
| Kazuki Nakanishi | Professor, Institute of Materials and System for Sustainability, Nagoya University |
The list of Research Area Advisor will be updated later.
Schedule of Selection Process
| Deadline for application | 2025/06/03 at 12:00 noon, Japan time |
|---|---|
| Document-based review | Late June – Middle of July |
| JST will contact to the interviewees no later than | Early July - Late July |
| Interview-based review（ONLINE） ※Interview date and time will be assigned by JST. |
Middle of July – Early August |
Research Supervisor's Policy
Research Supervisor's Policy of this Research Area can be downloaded from below.