The second phase of the “Fusion Oriented Research for Disruptive Science and Technology” program will begin from FY2023. This is a unique program that is not restricted to any specific issue or short-term goal, and is an attractive program that allows researchers to continue their free and challenging “fusion project research” for seven years in principle, up to a maximum of ten years.

The starting point of all research is boundless curiosity, which invariably leads to the discovery of new phenomena in the natural world, and to encounters with researchers, which in turn leads to the development of new and diverse research.

Therefore, we would like to invite researchers, mainly young researchers at universities and other institutions who are independent or will soon become independent, to submit research proposals that are new, robust, and full of individuality, including ideas that they have always wanted to try if they had the opportunity to do so.

The study of physical properties, matter, materials science, and the measurement and analysis technologies that form the basis of this panel includes topics such as the diversity of materials and systems in chemistry, the universality of physical properties in physics, the possibilities of new materials in engineering, and the recent development of new perspectives through interdisciplinary collaboration. While every researcher expresses their own personality in their field of expertise, the joy of developing collaborative research in collaboration with researchers in other fields is irreplaceable.

This panel also brings together young researchers specializing in a variety of fields. The fusion program officer, advisors, and the FOREST program division will work together to create and support a “Place for Fusion” where each individual fusion project researcher can make the most of his or her individuality and demonstrate his or her abilities through interactions with researchers from a variety of fields, including other fields.

We look forward to receiving challenging research proposals that will create something out of nothing and that will be conducted over the medium to long term. We hope that by stimulating each other with researchers from other fields and by promoting exciting and inspiring research, we will be able to create a new academic discipline for the next generation that will enrich humanity.