TOPICSMicromachine Seminars in Europe
Seminars were held in Helsinki and Athens as part of an industry trade
mission dispatched to Europe by the Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO) from June 16 to 24, 2001. The seminars were organized jointly withlocal research institutions and organizations involved in the micromachine
field in Finland and Greece. The objective of the two seminars, which aredescribed below, was to disseminate information about micromachinetechnology in Japan and to provide opportunities at each location forinteraction with specialists in this field.
Lectures by members of the Japanese missionSpeakerOrganization

Takayuki Hirano

Micromachine Centerby representatives of Finnish private sector, including Nokia, and the National
Research Center(VTT). The following day (June 19), visits were made to VTT,automobile sensor maker VTI, and Tampere University of Technology.

2. Greece-Japan Joint Workshop on Microsystems
This seminar was held at "NCSR-Demokritos",Greek National Center for
Scientific Research, on June 21, 2001. Approximately 50 participants
attended and Greek speakers made six presentations. The following day(June 22), visits were made to IMEL (Institute of Microelectronics) and IMS(Institute of Material Science).

Presentation Title
The Future Prospects of Micromachines

Haruo Ogawa

OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD.

Tatsuaki Ataka(Only in Finland)

Seiko Instruments Inc.

The Experimental Microfactory System in Japanese
National R&D Projects

Shinichiro Kawakita

DENSO CORPORATION

Development of Autonomous Mobile Microrobots

Munehisa Takeda

MITSUBISHI ELECTRICCORPORATION

Multiple Distributed Micromachine Systems

Masaya Kakimoto

Micromachine Center/
SUMITOMO ELETRIC
INDUSTRIES, LTD.

Applications of Deep X-ray Lithography

Micro-Assembly Systems

1. Japan-Finland Summit Seminar
The Helsinki seminar was held on June 18, 2001 as part of the PRESTO
program sponsored by Finnish National Technology Agency(TEKES). Morethan 110 participants enjoyed this grand event. Five presentations were madeWith Greece-Japan Joint Workshop participants atNCSR-Demokritos

Application Deadline Approaching for the 9th (Fiscal 2001) Research Grant Themes on Micromachine Technology
The Micromachine Center, through the establishment and diffusion of basic
technology in the micromachine field, aims to contribute to the growth of Japan's
industrial economy and to international society. To this purpose, the center conducts
studies and research in a wide range of fields involving micromachine technology,gathers and provides data, and in conjunction with micromachine-related organizations
both within Japan and overseas, is involved in research exchange and collaboration, thediffusion of micromachine technology, and public education activities.
This research grant program has been offered every year since its inception in 1993.
The program's purpose is to assist college and university staff engaged in basic research on
micromachines, as well as to promote further development of micromachine technology
and communication between academics and people in the industrial world. The program isbeing offered again this year and applications from researchers in micromachine-related
fields are welcome. Prospective applicants should refer to the details below.

1. Objective of the research grant
Basic research on basic technology, functional element technology, andsystematization technology for micromachines

2. Research period
Theme A: April 2002 - March 31, 2003 (1 year)
Theme B: April 2002 - March 31, 2004 (2 years)

3. Application period, theme decision, and funding grant date
Application period: July 10 October 31, 2001
(Valid if postmarked on or before October 31.)
Theme decision: Middle of March 2002
Funding grant date: End of March 2002

4. How to apply
Send a fax requesting an application form to the Micromachine Center. Be sure toinclude your own fax number or a fax number where we can contact you.
Micromachine Center Fax : +81-3-5294-7137

5. Qualifications
College or university faculties (professors, associate professors, lecturers, orresearch associates) who belong to any of the following societies or associations:Intelligent Materials Forum; The Japan Society of Applied Physics; The Society ofInstrument and Control Engineers; The Society of Polymer Science, Japan; Japan
Society of Next Generation Sensor Technology; The Japan Society for Precision
Engineering; The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan; Japanese Society for
Medical and Biological Engineering; The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers;
Japanese Society for Artificial Organs; The Biophysical Society of Japan; Japan Societyof Drug Delivery System; Japanese Society for Biomaterials; The Robotics Society ofJapan;Personal Computer Users Association; Micromachine society; ResearchCommittee on Micromechatronics

6. Other(1)Total funding granted: Approximately 10 million yen(The upper limit for a single research project is ¥2 million for theme A, and ¥3
million for theme B.)(2)After the grant is decided, we may ask recipients to carry out their research incollaboration with supporting member enterprises of the Micromachine Center, asone of the objectives of this project is to encourage communication between
enterprises and academics.
(3)Contact: Research Department, Micromachine Center
Niikura Bldg. 5 F, 2-2 Kanda Tsukasa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. 101-0048
Tel : +81-3-5294-7131
Fax: +81-3-5294-7137
Contact Personnel: Mr. Hodono
E-mail: hodono@mmc.or.jp

Pictures on the cover : The Computer Revolution Enters the Hamster Lifestyle, Plant Expert, Straight to the Pore! DirectInjection hair-Growth Stimulant, Dioxin EliminatorMICROMACHINE No. 37
MICROMACHINE is published quarterly by Micromachine Center (MMC) to promote the international
exchange of information related to micromachines, R&D and other technical topics, and is circulated free ofchange. Please send your comments about MICROMACHINE to the publisher :Takayuki Hirano, Executive Director, Micromachine Center (MMC)
5-F, Niikura Building, 2-2, Kanda-tsukasacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0048, Japan
Tel : +81-3-5294-7131, Fax : +81-3-5294-7137
Internet Home Page h t t p : / / w w w . i i j n e t . o r . j p / M M C /Change of Address : Please send old address lebel and new address to the publisher.
Editorial and Production Management : Japan Technical Information Service (JATIS)
Date of Issue : October 19, 2001

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