#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #SPring-8 #Research Collaboration

Okayama University Workshop on Synchrotron Utilization

On November 9, 2025, Okayama University organized the hybrid workshop titled "Utilization of Synchrotron – Let's Utilize It!" at the 50th Anniversary Memorial Hall of the Tsushima Campus. This event aimed to enhance industry-academia-government collaboration surrounding synchrotron technology, attracting 106 participants from various universities, research institutions, and companies across Japan.

The workshop, hosted by the General Technology Division of Okayama University, was particularly beneficial for researchers and technicians who were exploring synchrotron facilities for the first time. During the event, the university introduced its newly launched "Synchrotron Facility Utilization Support Services" and showcased cutting-edge analytical techniques leveraging synchrotron technology.

The event commenced with introductory speeches from Yoshitomo Sato, Vice President of Okayama University, who outlined the event’s objectives and highlighted the new agreement established earlier that day between Okayama University and SAGA-LS, the Kyushu Synchrotron Light Research Center. Following that, Kazumasa Horikane, a coordinator at the General Technology Division, presented the support services offered for synchrotron analysis and the Core Facility Portal (CFPOU), which enables users to locate shared equipment on campus.

In the first session, notable researchers provided insights into their facilities. Tomoaki Tsutsui, a senior researcher at JASRI, discussed SPring-8 and NanoTerasu, while Ichiro Hirasawa, the director of SAGA-LS, introduced their facilities and shared examples of collaboration with local industries.

The second part of the workshop showcased practical applications of synchrotron utilization. Shu Takano Numamoto, an associate professor from the Interdisciplinary Research Institute at Okayama University, spoke about correlation structural analysis using the university’s cryo-electron microscope and synchrotron facilities. Keizo Nishihara, a manager from Tohoku Electrobeam Co., discussed the value and challenges of utilizing synchrotron facilities for SMEs, emphasizing efforts towards carbon neutrality through laser cleaning technology.

Assistant Professor Masafumi Hidaka from Tohoku University examined the potential of synchrotron applications in the analysis of agricultural products, food, and biological samples, entailing new opportunities in food science. Lastly, Taku Watanabe from JASRI presented findings related to organic thin-film devices using synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy and scattering measurements.

The workshop not only provided valuable insights into various techniques and facility utilizations but also facilitated engaging discussions among participants, fostering relationships for future collaborative research and technological partnerships focusing on synchrotron technology. Okayama University is committed to enhancing its role as a core regional research university by promoting advanced analytical technologies and strengthening collaborations between academia, industry, and governmental organizations. As part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's J-PEAKS initiative, this workshop marks one of the several endeavors undertaken by the university to facilitate local and global innovations.

Throughout the workshop, participants were eager to exchange ideas and explore the potential of synchrotron and advanced analytical techniques, showcasing the lively interaction among various stakeholders.

Conclusion

As the day concluded, the closing remarks were delivered by Yoshihiko Tamura from the General Technology Division, emphasizing the importance of continuous support and collaboration in evolving research landscapes. Okayama University invites ongoing engagement with the synchrotron research community and looks forward to further advancements in this fascinating domain.