Nagoya University Campus Stories

In February 2024, the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System officially recognized the "Quantum-Based Frontier Research Hub for Industry Development" (Q-BReD) as a new collaborative center to strengthen the partnership between Nagoya University and Gifu University.

"Quantum" is a term that encompasses atoms, which form matter, as well as smaller particles such as electrons, neutrons, and protons. Technologies leveraging quantum properties are being applied to fields such as computing and sensing. The discovery and application of "quantum dots," which are used in LCD panels, earned the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. As quantum technology becomes increasingly essential for the future, research in this field is accelerating worldwide.

From left: Gifu University President Yoshida and Professor Matsuo, Chancellor Matsuo of the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, and Nagoya University Professor Kiyonaka and President Sugiyama at a press conference on the new research hub.

This new hub will integrate and coordinate the "Nagoya University Institute of Quantum Chemistry Innovation for Future Societies" and the "Gifu University School of Medicine Innovation Research Center for Quantum Medicine."

Nagoya University aims to focus on research integrating chemistry, including the visualization of biological phenomena and pathological diagnosis through photoluminescence properties, the development of high-performance catalysts that do not rely on rare metals, and next-generation solar cells.

Meanwhile, Gifu University is committed to strengthening its research in medical applications, such as the development of MRI with sensitivity tens of thousands of times higher than conventional models and technologies for visualizing in vivo functions and metabolism.

Press conference attended by media representatives and officials.

At a press conference held at the Nagoya University Information Plaza on February 21, 2024, Tokai National Higher Education and Research System Chancellor Seiichi Matsuo, along with Nagoya University Graduate School of Engineering Professor Shigeki Kiyonaka and Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine Professor Masayuki Matsuo who will serve respectively as the director and deputy director of Q-BReD, provided an overview of the new hub and its research focus.

Chancellor Matsuo (center), Professor Matsuo (left), and Professor Kiyonaka (right) responding to questions from reporters.

Professor Kiyonaka emphasized that the new hub would not only conduct research in fields traditionally associated with quantum technology, such as computing and telecommunications, but would also integrate a chemical perspective. He stated, "This is the only research hub in Japan that focuses on quantum chemistry. By leveraging the institution's strengths in chemistry, we aim to drive industrial applications in central Japan."

Professor Matsuo highlighted that increasing MRI sensitivity could make it possible to visualize biological functions and metabolism that were previously difficult to observe. "We aim to translate this advancement into drug development and diagnostics, ultimately fostering industrial innovation," he said.

Professor Kiyonaka surrounded by reporters discussing the hub's initiatives.

Professor Matsuo explaining the hub's objectives and policies to the media.

Related links in Japanese

The International Communications Office, Nagoya University wishes to thank the Public Relations Office, Nagoya University for the use of this article. It was originally written in Japanese for the "Public Relations Meidai" web magazine. It has been translated and edited for clarity and readability by the International Communications Office while preserving the original content's intent. This article was originally published on February 22, 2024, and has been revised to reflect subsequent changes but some information may not be up to date. For the original in Japanese, please see here.

Nagoya University and Gifu University Collaborate on Quantum Research