Exploring the Frontiers of Science: An Event at the University of Tokyo

On December 13, 2025, the University of Tokyo’s Institute of Solid State Physics will host a pioneering lecture titled "Exploring the Extremes: The Adventure of Science". Attendees can participate in-person at the Kashiwa-no-ha Campus Station Satellite or online via Zoom and dive into the latest advancements in scientific research.

The event runs from 14:30 to 16:00 and features two esteemed professors, Yasuhiko Matsuda and Hiroyuki Kagi, who will uncover the mysteries of extreme environments—conditions that are typically impossible to replicate in our daily lives, such as ultra-strong magnetic fields and high temperature and pressure situations. Participants can attend free of charge but must register in advance.

Unveiling the Unknown: The Power of Magnetic Fields

Professor Yasuhiko Matsuda will present his research titled "The World is Full of Magnetic Fields". He will illuminate how the magnetic field, an often-overlooked phenomenon in our daily environments, plays a crucial role in nature. The Earth's magnetic field protects us from cosmic radiation and guides migratory birds during their travels.

Moreover, magnetic fields are integral to the medical field (as seen in MRI technology) and electric vehicles, while the cosmos contains celestial bodies exhibiting magnetic fields millions of times stronger than Earth's. Professor Matsuda's research is on creating magnetic fields amplified a million times beyond Earth’s, allowing him to delve into mechanisms that shape matter under conditions akin to those found beyond our planet.

Through engaging discussions, he aims to clarify fundamental questions about magnetic fields, emphasizing their significance in our universe.

Investigating Our Planet's Hidden Depths

In the second segment, Professor Hiroyuki Kagi will delve into the tectonic and geological phenomena deep within Earth, focusing his talk on "Exploring the Hidden Water Deep Inside the Earth through High-Pressure Science". He plans to demonstrate how matter dramatically transforms under varying temperatures and pressures. For instance, at a depth of 10,000 meters in the ocean, the pressure exceeds 1000 atmospheres, while 150 kilometers beneath the earth's surface, it surpasses 50,000 atmospheres, conditions where diamonds are formed.

The dialogue will explore how the behavior of water and hydrogen is essential in understanding the various ongoing processes within the Earth. Water may be a catalyst for seismic events and volcanic eruptions. While the center of our planet predominantly consists of iron, it's understood that lighter elements—such as hydrogen—are also dissolved into this matrix. By investigating the relationship that water maintains under extreme pressures, Professor Kagi aims to illuminate the nature of this previously invisible water saturating the Earth's interior.

This lecture series promises to captivate all guests eager to expand their awareness of cutting-edge scientific research. Join us to explore how scientists are navigating the boundaries of extreme environments to uncover the secrets of matter and the Earth itself!

For those interested, registration is required, and more information can be found through the University of Tokyo's Institute of Solid State Physics website. Don’t miss out on this insightful opportunity to witness the frontiers of science being unveiled.