#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #Helium Recycling #HeliCon-J

Okayama University Hosts Groundbreaking Workshop on Helium Recycling

On June 22, 2026, Okayama University, located in the city of Okayama, held a pivotal workshop aimed at establishing a helium recycling consortium. This event took place at the university's Tsushima Campus in a hybrid format, hosting approximately 200 participants, both in-person and online. The workshop focused on the pressing issues surrounding helium, including skyrocketing prices and supply shortages, which have become significant concerns in recent years.

The primary objective of the workshop was to introduce innovative recycling methods and recovery practices from used equipment, fostering discussions among researchers and technical staff on the challenges and potential solutions for ensuring a stable helium supply. The university's president, Yasutomo Nasu, opened the session by emphasizing the critical importance of helium recycling in research infrastructures and expressed hope for vibrant discussions that would lead to future advancements.

The workshop featured a two-part structure, beginning with engaging presentations followed by a panel discussion. In the first segment, Kouki Okumura, Head of the Research Facilities and Support Office at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), delivered an insightful talk titled, "Status and Expectations for Research Infrastructures at National Universities." Here, he covered the outline of the 7th Science and Technology Basic Plan, funding trends related to strengthening research infrastructure, and the future direction of national universities.

Following his presentation, two members from Okayama University, Deputy Head of the Collaborating Institutions Division, Makoto Ishii, and Deputy Head, Hideaki Yamazaki, presented the "He3 Project" alongside the initiatives of the Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima Helium Recycling Network. They detailed the formation of the Helium Consortium of Japan (HeliCon-J), which intends to strengthen networks and share information regarding helium recycling efforts nationwide.

Subsequently, representatives from Yamagata Technical College and Nara National College of Technology shared their respective institutions' ventures into helium recycling. Notably, Hiroki Okuno, Deputy Department Head of the RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science, discussed the helium recycling efforts from used MRIs, and technicians from Iwate University highlighted their experiences in developing helium sensors.

The panel discussion addressed “Challenges and Solutions for Recycling and Recovery from Used Equipment in Various Regions,” facilitated by Koji Hatanaka, Deputy Head of the Task Force on Research Equipment Sharing. Panelists included experts from Oxford Instruments, RIKEN, Iwate University, and the University of Electro-Communications. During this segment, they deliberated on the necessity of helium recovery due to the rising costs and the role of stakeholders in the MRI sector.

Throughout the event, active dialogue emerged, including question-and-answer sessions that engaged both onsite and online participants. The workshop concluded with remarks from Masaki Kawamoto, Director of Research and Innovation Management at Okayama University, underlining the collective commitment towards tackling the challenges associated with helium supply.

Post-workshop, attendees gathered at the J-Terrace Cafe for networking, and the following day, participants observed helium recovery operations from MRI units lacking gas recovery lines in the pharmaceutical department.

Satoshi Masuda, the Vice President in charge of research and collaborative innovation at Okayama University, noted, "In light of supply uncertainties and rising prices, our cooperative efforts aim to facilitate recycling across regions, vital for Japan's economic security. This workshop marks the beginning of establishing a comprehensive helium framework, significantly advancing research and development utilizing liquid helium."

Okayama University's dedication as a core regional research university aims to broaden the scope of research and development using liquid helium, emphasizing the importance of domestic resilience for helium supply, entirely dependent on overseas sources. Additionally, the university is advancing a workforce development program named “HeliSET,” targeting the training of the next generation of helium users and stabilization of helium prices.

In conclusion, the continued efforts of Okayama University and its partner institutions represent a significant stride towards enhancing Japan’s research capabilities, fostering innovation, and addressing economic security challenges, highlighting an exciting future for helium recycling initiatives in the region.