Materials Science

Outstanding facilities for energetic young researchers

The Graduate School of Materials Science is the newest research department at NAIST, Japan’s top-ranked national university, and as such is a pristine, spacious environment fully equipped with the very latest research facilities. Young, energetic researchers are encouraged to pursue their own interdisciplinary research in a wide range of fields, including physics, chemistry, devices, and biomaterials, utilizing this ideal environment for integrated research.

Sophisticated equipment and unique analytical techniques for the development of new materials and devices

The sophisticated display-type analyzer (DIANA) used in the Surface and Materials Science Laboratory, for instance, makes it possible to take three-dimensional photographs of atomic configurations, a technique unique to NAIST. The laboratory is also capable of analyzing orbits in the valence band for each atomic layer by using two-dimensional photoelectron spectroscopy, another of the new methods being explored by NAIST researchers in order to elucidate previously incomprehensible physical phenomena.

“Photonic nanoscience,” such use of broad-spectrum photon energy from X-rays to microwaves to study the interaction between light and materials, provides a new perspective for the reorganization of materials science conducted in the Graduate School of Materials Science. By promoting materials science from the viewpoint of “see with light,” “create with light,” and “transmit with light,” it enables researchers to gain a fuller understanding that can lead to the creation of new materials, constructs, and functionalities at the electron, atomic, and molecular levels in an interdisciplinary research field. These achievements are put to use in the development of new functional materials, innovative devices, and novel techniques, which are expected to play key roles in future technological breakthroughs. The Intellectual Properties Division provides significant support for patent applications and patent maintenance.

Research achievements in the department to date have included photon induced chemical reactions, medical treatment and diagnosis utilizing light, photon-energy transformation using organic molecules, unconventional semiconductor devices such as bio-medical photonic sensor chips, and bio-material induced memories. Current research on functional thin-film technologies is expected to have applications in fields as diverse as electronics, healthcare, and optical engineering. Students are expected to experience the entire process, from designing and prototyping devices to evaluating and presenting the results, leading them to develop both a wide range of skills and the mental resilience required to succeed in the highly competitive global job market.

Outstanding courses taught by internationally renowned faculty

In the Graduate School of Materials Science, master’s and doctoral students from a wide range of backgrounds are taught by internationally renowned professors in a low faculty-to-student ratio learning environment and are supported by expert staff at the Research and Education Center for Materials Science, a research facility shared by the department. Core lecture courses covering fundamental subjects in materials science are taught according to a small-lecture system. In addition, joint courses are also offered in collaboration with corporate research institutions in the neighboring Kansai Science City, with which the university has strong ties, offering students the opportunity to experience practical, cutting-edge research for themselves.

Scholarships and other funding available for overseas students

Overseas students are strongly encouraged to apply to the Graduate School of Materials Science, with scholarships and research funds available from both the university and the department. More than 60% of students in the master’s program and all students in the doctoral program are able to live in on-campus dormitories. Travel expenses to attend international conferences overseas are also covered for all doctoral and some master’s students. In addition, exchange agreements are in place with numerous institutions worldwide, providing opportunities for further study in other countries.