KYUDAI NEWS KYUSHU UNIVERSITY CAMPUS MAGAZINE Spring 2013 No.24

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On December 7, 2012, the International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER) hosted the I2CNER in Tokyo Symposium at the National Center of Sciences in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The symposium focused on the Japan–US Collaboration on Energy, and was attended by approximately 150 people, including representatives from MEXT, various embassies from around the world, the US embassy, and energy-related companies. Opening addresses were given by President Setsuo Arikawa of Kyushu University, MEXT Research Promotion Bureau Director-General Daisuke Yoshida, WPI Program Director Toshio Kuroki, and US Ambassador John V. Roos. In the keynote address, I2CNER Director Petros Sofronis outlined the Institute’s current basic research projects. Distinguished speaker Dr. Katsuhiko Hirose, Project General Manager of the Toyota Motor Corporation R&D Management Division, explained the initiatives at Toyota to help achieve a low-carbon society, including current and future research directions. Professor Kazunari Sasaki, Lead Principal Investigator of the I2CNER Fuel Cells Research Division, and Professor Kenneth Christensen, Associate Director of the I2CNER Satellite at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, each explained the work that is being done in their respective research divisions in I2CNER to actualize the Institute’s vision for a carbon-neutral society. Dr. Monterey Gardiner, Technology Development Manager of the US Department of Energy, gave a special invited lecture on the current state and future prospects of hydrogen energy in the United States. The day concluded with a panel discussion on energy issues, which was moderated by I2CNER visiting professor Mark Paster, and included open debate and discussion on the basic science to enable the hydrogen-powered society. Closing remarks were given by WPI Program Officer, Professor Nobuhide Kasagi, who stressed the importance of fostering the US-Japan collaboration on research and development for energy and sustainability, suggesting that not only both countries, but also our “human-dominated planet” stand to gain from this relationship.The Centennial of Hashimoto Disease Discovery was held in Fukuoka from Saturday, December 1st to Tuesday, December 4th, 2012. Hashimoto disease was discovered by Dr. Hakaru Hashimoto, one of the first graduates of the Kyushu University School of Medicine. Within five years of graduating, he observed a new thyroid disease and single-handedly published his findings in eloquent German in a 1912 German journal of clinical surgery. A British research group later confirmed that this was the first auto-immune disease to be discovered in humans. The causes of the disease still remain somewhat of a mystery, even in today’s advanced world of medicine.In an attempt to solve this mystery, 550 of the world’s best researchers attended the commemoration to discuss auto-immune responses and develop new treatments. Enthusiastic discussions were also held with young researchers. In order to remind the next generation of the keen insight into this young medical pioneer from 100 years ago and the discernment of a young group of professors at the dawn of a new era in medical science that confirmed Hashimoto’s discovery, 11 current medical students were invited to the ceremony, commemorative lecture, and reception. The four-day event was a success, inspiring physicians and researchers to explore new pathways.28Kyudai News No.24I2CNER Tokyo SymposiumTopics 8Topics 9TopicsKYUDAI NEWS No. 24US Ambassador John V. RoosCentennial Celebration forHashimoto Disease Discovery

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