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Joint Research Agreement for the Pioneering R&D with Quantum Beam Technology The aim of Agreement: Three Organizations will progress mutual utilization of their quantum beam facilities and interchange of personnel, in order to promote pioneering R&D by utilizing quantum beams, and to accelerate the return of R&D outcomes to the society. (1) Development of key materials for fuel cell system (2) Elucidation of the �complex quantum phenomena� towards the development of the functional materials of new generation The expiry date of Agreement is March 31, 2009. ♦ Background Quantum beams, such as photon radiation, electron beam, ion beam, neutron beam and so on, are expected to contribute to the evolution of nanotechnology and life science, which are defined as prioritized areas in �Framework for Nuclear Energy Policy� as decided by the Atomic Energy Commission of Japan, as well as in �Science and Technology Basic Plan� as laid out by the Government. On the other hand, in order to enforce strategic plans of these prioritized areas, importance of network between different research institutes is emphasized. In the light of above, Three Organizations concluded to collaborate and promote innovative research that would lead to strengthening of the national power, because they have taken advantage of the quantum beam facilities and their novel research results have contributed to the development of science and technology and promotion of Japanese industry. ♦ Outline of the Agreement The areas of cooperation include: (1) Research cooperation based on joint research, consigned research, information exchange, etc. (2) Interchange of personnel. (3) Other business that may be necessary to promote research cooperation smoothly and efficiently. The Research Cooperation Council will be established to discuss the important issues regarding promotion of research cooperation. The Council will also investigate and exchange information on specific research topics. ♦ Expectations Three Organizations have utilized quantum beams from their own standpoint. Bilateral joint research has been carried out in several research topics. From now on, by further expanding these researches and taking advantage of the R&D potentials and the quantum beam facilities, it is expected that R&D activities would enhance to produce research outputs with strong impact in the important areas of science and technology. Moreover, Three Organization will become an original core of quantum beam research and strengthen the collaboration with industry and academic world. ♦ Research Subjects (1) Development of key materials for fuel cell system It is aimed at developing membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) of fuel cell with high electric power output, which operates in the range of 100-500 degrees Celsius but greatly reduces platinum consumption. It is expected that this would lead to solve the issues of global warming and energy crisis. (2) Elucidation of the �complex quantum phenomena� towards the development of functional materials of new generation Electronic devices with ultra-high speed and super energy saving characteristics must be developed to realize the highly information-technology based and environment-friendly sophisticated society. Towards this end, it is aimed at elucidating the complicated behavior of quantum phenomena, in which strong correlation of electrons in the matters induces valuable properties, such as superconductivity, magnetic properties, etc. - BACK - |
