トピックス Topics
Kyushu University signs agreement with CNRS to establish OPHELIA, the international joint research laboratory
OPHELIA was established at OPERA, under the leadership of Distinguished Professor Chihaya Adachi, the project’s principal investigator.
2026.04.15
Topics
On April 1, 2026, Kyushu University and the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) signed an agreement to establish the Organic Photonics and Electronics International Laboratory (OPHELIA) at the Embassy of France in Japan (Minato Ward, Tokyo).
The signing ceremony was held in a cordial and formal atmosphere. Professor Antoine Petit, Chairman and CEO of the CNRS, visited Japan on the occasion of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit. Executive Vice President Jun Tanimoto, in charge of research, attended on behalf of Kyushu University President Tatsuro Ishibashi. Distinguished Professor Chihaya Adachi of Kyushu University, the project’s principal investigator, and Dr. Fabrice Mathevet of the CNRS and Sorbonne University, co-principal investigator of OPHELIA, also attended the ceremony.
In the ceremonial address, Executive Vice President Tanimoto highlighted the importance of collaboration with the CNRS, one of the world’s leading research institutions. He noted that the establishment of OPHELIA, the international joint research laboratory at the Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics Research (OPERA), represents a major step in advancing strategic international collaboration. This development deepens the strong research partnership with the CNRS and Sorbonne University and marks a significant milestone for Kyushu University. He expressed his hope that this development will lead to further advancements in organic electronics research and strengthen ties with France.
In response, Professor Petit of the CNRS stated that he was delighted by the establishment of the 15th CNRS International Joint Research Laboratory in Japan and expressed his strong expectations for enhanced future research collaboration.
Backed by the CNRS, OPHELIA will serve as a hub for research exchanges between Japanese and French researchers, including those from Sorbonne University. This will accelerate collaborative research and expand opportunities for shared access to research facilities and equipment. Kyushu University remains committed to promoting academic research and technological innovation between Japan and France.