The second phase of the "Fusion Oriented Research for Disruptive Science and Technology Program" started in 2023, and the fifth call for applications began in August 2024. This is a unique open call that is not restricted by specific issues or short-term goals and is an attractive program that allows each researcher to continue their free and challenging "fusion-oriented research" for seven years in principle and up to ten years, without being bound by existing frameworks.

The starting point of research is insatiable curiosity, which invariably leads to encounters with novel phenomena and researchers, and the development of novel and diverse research.

Therefore, we would like to invite researchers, mainly young researchers who are independent or are expected to become independent at universities and other institutions, to submit research proposals that are essentially novel, robust, and full of individuality, with ideas that they have been ready to pursue if the opportunity arises.

Condensed matter physics, materials science, and advanced measurement and analysis techniques, which form the basis of this panel, have been developed through the diversity of materials and systems in chemistry, the universality of physical properties in physics, the potential of novel materials and devices in engineering, and the recent addition of new perspectives through interdisciplinary collaboration among disciplines. While each researcher has his/her own originality in his/her own specialized field, it is inevitable to develop collaborative research in cooperation with researchers in other fields.

Young researchers on this panel, who specialize in diverse fields, are scheduled to conduct research from this fall through the fourth open calls. The Fusion Program Officers (POs), Advisors (ADs), and Fusion Research Promotion Division will work together to build and support a "place of fusion" where each fusion researcher can make the most of their individuality and demonstrate their abilities through interactions with a variety of researchers, including those from other fields.

By inviting colleagues, including researchers from different fields, and promoting exciting and stimulating research, we hope to create the next generation of science that will enrich humanity. We welcome medium- to long-term and challenging research proposals that create something out of nothing.