Summary of Proposal

Host institution nameTohoku University

Head of host institution Akihisa Inoue, President, Tohoku University
Center director
Administrative director
Title of center projectCenter name

Project Summary

Research fields

Yoshinori Yamamoto
Professor, WPI Advanced Institute for Materials Research
Toshio Sakurai
Professor, WPI Advanced Institute for Materials Research
The WPI Research Center for Atom・Molecule・Materials
WPI Advanced Institute for Materials Research
The aims of the WPI research center for atom⋅molecule⋅materials are (1) tocreate new materials and substances through deep understanding andcontrol at atomic and molecular level, (2) to construct the processes anddevices through those materials, and (3) to construct new systems using
those devices and materials leading to social welfare. Cooperation andunification of the existing institutes on individual discipline (physics,
chemistry, material science, and engineering) at Tohoku University, whose
activities are already at world-top level, together with incorporating world
top-class researchers from abroad and from domestic institutes, must
organize a dream team for material science. Through this WPI research
institute, we create entirely new materials and substances with innovative
functions, contributing the welfare of mankind.
Atom・Molecule・Material Science

Integration of the five research fields on Physics, Chemistry, Material
Science, Electronic / Informational Engineering, and Precision MechanicalEngineering
The main objective of the Center is to promote the development of newmaterials under a world-leading organization for interdisciplinary research infunctional materials, by use of an innovative method of atomic andmolecular control, departing from the typical approaches and moving
towards the next generation. In addition to basic research, the Center will
pursue (1) to create new compounds and materials with innovative
Research objectives
functions which exceed existing ones, (2) to construct devices based upona new fundamental paradigm, and (3) to promote applied research projects
on materials and system architecture that will generate direct societal
impacts. In addition, the Center will establish innovations in understanding
diverse material functions through the creation of new basic materials andcompounds which brings significant benefits for the future of humanity.
In the bid for a rapid and flexible decision making process, we do not launcha decision making organization, but set up a top-down command systemgoverned by our center director. Aimed for the support of a center director’s
top-down decision making system, an “International Advisory Board” which
includes Nobel Laureate board members, is to be established directly under
the center director position. We will also prepare strong staff backup
functions for accounting, personnel, research support, liaison and public
Outline of management relations works so that the researchers can devote themselves to research.
To secure the independence of the center administration, the host institution
will limit its authority to extremely important items such as the appointment
and dismissal of the Center Director, and leave all other personnel, budget
execution and other items effectively under the discretion of the Center
Director. Also, the university will activate environmental improvements
concerning flexible approaches, revisions and betterment of the university’ssystem upon the center director’s request.

・30 PIs (including 12 People from abroad); the number of total researchers
is 120 including 36 foreign people; the number of total people of theCenter is 213 at the final goal.
Researchers and other・The final goal is set in October, 2008.
center staffs
・Major PIs; Akihisa Inoue, Takashi Takahashi, Masashi Kawasaki, Masaki
Esashi, Toshio Nishi, Tomihiro Hashizume, A.R.Yavari, A.L.Greer,
Q.K.Xue, Paul S. Weiss
As to administrative tasks, we will prepare strong staff backup functions foraccounting, personnel, research support, liaison and public relations works
so that the researchers can devote themselves to research, and also
prepare an environment which permits researchers to carry out their workduties in English. A Program Officer, Project Manager, and other senior
positions will be occupied by excellent and experienced personnel fromvarious fields including researcher evaluation, international researchcoordination, activating expansion and public relation of research results,
planning and support of research workshops.
The performance of center researchers will be strictly evaluated and theresearchers’ salary assessments will be determined based on theevaluation results. Employment of researchers including PIs will bebasically determined by international recruitment once every 5 years. The
necessary start-up funds will be provided in cases when the invitedresearchers require funds to vigorously continue their own research when
they are initially transferred to the center.
In the recruitment of post-doctoral researchers, we will secure personnel via
international recruitment. The term of employment is 1 year in principle andOutline of research
the researchers will be strictly evaluated at renewal time. We will provide
environment
the researchers with research support from senior mentors and otherwise
promote the organic development of research.
In addition to the existing research space of our university, we will operate a
new core facility (building) for the center’s activities.
To introduce a compensation system that reflects researchers’ abilities, wewill introduce new systems including a “Fellow Professor” (tentative name)system for professors playing leading roles in the research, as well as asystem for preparations payments or contract conclusion payments whenabsolutely necessary for the invitation of Nobel Prize class researchers, etc.
We plan to establish an international advisory board, including Nobel Prize
recipients as members, which will report directly to the Center Director to
support top-down type decision making by the Center Director.
We will advance international development via researcher and otherpersonnel exchanges and institutional relations for international joint
research by positively utilizing Tohoku University’s overseas offices andbases, and via liaison with global universities which have academic
exchange agreements with Tohoku University, and members of university
consortia.
We evaluate each PI and researcher by the following indicators; publication
in internationally well-recognized top-class journals, citation number of
those papers, invited and plenary lectures at the well-recognized
Outline of indicators for international symposiums, receiving international awards, and acquisition ofevaluating a center’s research funds. As possible as we can, we want to use numerical andglobal standing
objective factors for evaluation. The center’s global standing is primarily
evaluated by the ranking of institutions of each discipline, based on citation
analysis made by ESI. Besides, other factors, such as visible contribution tosociety by providing really useful materials, are used for evaluation.
Further, the fund for research, setting up instruments and equipments
necessary for research at the Center, renovation of research space andlaboratory, and smooth management of the Center will be supported by TU.
Securing research
For this purpose, TU will prepare approximately 1700000 US $ annually.
funding
Besides the supports from TU mentioned above, the PIs joining from TU
have obtained the research funds of approximately 11000000 US $ fromoutside in 2006 fiscal year, so we expect that similar amounts of researchfunds (or even greater amounts) will be obtained by them in future.
（Host institution： Tohoku University

Title of Center Project： The WPI Research Center for Atom·Molecule Materials）

2

Tohoku University will clearly stipulate the advance of research andorganizational development based on this program as a priority in its interim
plan. The Tohoku University action plan “Inoue Plan 2007 (Toward
Becoming a World Leading University)” released in April 2007 alreadyclearly stipulates that the university will apply for the World PremierInternational Research Center (WPI) Initiative as a measure forstrengthening Tohoku University’s research foundations as a
research-centered university.
The host institution will provide the necessary space in accordance with theadvance of the research and the expansion of the center’s researchorganization by operating a new core facility for the center’s activities andresearch space will also be secured within the host institution’s existing
facilities. Additionally, the host institution will pay the personnel expenses,
other required items as research expenses and other researcher support,
the installation of apparatus required for research at the center, therefurbishing of research space.
To secure the independence of the center administration, the host institution
will limit its authority to extremely important items such as the appointment
and dismissal of the Center Director, and leave all other personnel, budget
execution and other items effectively under the discretion of the Center
Director.
In applying for this program, Tohoku University established a coordinating
committee within the university to assemble researchers from within thehost institution, and this council has fully completed the coordination within
the host institution.
Summary of hostAfter Tohoku University is selected for this program, the committee will
institution’s commitment
continue to actively support the Center Director, as needed to secure thecooperation of the related departments for the greater vitality of the center
research activities.
We plan to establish an international advisory board, including Nobel Prize
recipients as members, which will report directly to the Center Director to
support top-down type decision making by the Center Director. To theseends, the president of the host institution will make the necessary requests
for cooperation from Nobel laureates and establish the necessary
environment.
Also, so that work at the center can be conducted smoothly in English, wewill assign staff with superior English skills, in addition to expertise in suchfields as accounting, personnel and research assistance, as administrative
staff on a priority basis.
To introduce a compensation system that reflects researchers’ abilities, wewill urgently examine the introduction of new systems including a “Fellow
Professor” (tentative name) system for professors playing leading roles in
the research, as well as a system for preparations payments or contractconclusion payments when absolutely necessary for the invitation of Nobel
Prize class researchers, etc. A standing task team will also be establishedwith the office of the President taking the lead of it for rapid examinations
and responses in cases when the Center Director requests the flexible
administration, revision, improvement or adjustment of the host institution’s
systems, and the host institution will otherwise prepare an environment forthe smooth conduct of top management by the Center Director.

（Host institution： Tohoku University

Title of Center Project： The WPI Research Center for Atom·Molecule Materials）

3

Research Center Project
Host institution nameTohoku University

Head of host institution

Akihisa Inoue, President, Tohoku University

Title of center project

The WPI Research Center for Atom・Molecule・Materials

Center name

WPI Advanced Institute for Materials Research
Brief Description of the Project Plan
The main objective of the Center is to promote the development of
new materials under a world-leading organization for interdisciplinary
research in functional materials, by use of an innovative method of atomic
and molecular control, departing from the typical approaches and moving
towards the next generation. In addition to basic research, the Center will
pursue (1) the creation of new compounds and materials with innovative
functions which exceed existing ones, (2) the construction of devices based
upon a new fundamental paradigm, and (3) the promotion of appliedresearch projects on materials and system architecture that will generate
direct societal impacts (see the Figure shown below). In addition, theCenter will establish innovations in understanding diverse material functions
through the creation of new basic materials and compounds which brings
significant benefits for the future of humanity.

Objective of the Research Center
Triangle
Conceptof Research Area

Project summary

The
Themainmainobjective
objectiveofofthe
theCenter
Centerisistotopromote
promotethethedevelopment
developmentofofnew
newmaterials
materials
under
underaaworld-leadingworld-leadingorganization
organizationsystemsystemofofinterdisciplinaryinterdisciplinaryresearch,
research,bybyuse
useofofaninnovative
methodofatomicandmolecular
control,
departingfroman innovative method of atomic and molecular control, departing from thethestereotypestereotypeandandheading
headingforward
forwardthe
thenext
nextgeneration.
generation. InInaddition
additiontotobasic
basicresearch,
research,
theCenterwill
attempt
to(1)createnewsubstancesandmaterials
withinnovative
the Center will attempt to (1) create new substances and materials with innovative
functionsfunctionswhich
whichexceeds
exceedsexisting
existingmaterials,
materials,(2)(2)constructconstructdevice
devicebased
basedupon
uponaanew
newfundamental,
fundamental,andand(3)(3)promote
promoteapplied
appliedresearchresearchprojects
projectson
onmaterials
materialsand
andsystem
systemarchitecturearchitectureininorder
ordertotoreturn
returnoutcomesoutcomestotosociety.
society. The
TheCenter
Centeralso
alsoendeavors
endeavorstoto
establish
establishinnovations
innovationsininunderstanding
understandingdiverse
diversematerialmaterialfunctions
functionsthroughthroughcreation
creation
ofofnew
newbasic
basicmaterials
materialswhich
whichbrings
bringsbeneficial
beneficialinfluences
influenceson
onthe
thesafety
safetyandandfuture
futureofofhumanity.
humanity.

・Creation of New
Substances andMaterials
・Device Construction
based upon a New
Fundamental
・Materials and System
Architecture

Method of Atomic andMolecular Control
Creation of New
Substances andMaterials

Device Construction
based upon a New
Fundamental

Materials and System
Architecture

4

A wide range of materials including metals, semiconductors,
superconductors, ceramics, and organic and biological compounds will be
the subjects of our investigation, aiming at the creation of innovative
functions: (1) the creation of new structural materials, electronic materials,
nanomolecular materials, materials for surface and interface systems, andmaterials having molecular assembling properties;. (2) the development
and elaboration of these materials leading into devices and systems; and(3) the construction of new architectures, using these devices and materials
leading to the betterment of society. The synergy of the above three
stepwise strategies is anticipated, and the merging of the five research
fields (physics, chemistry, materials science, electrical engineering, andmechanical engineering) is strongly thrust to the forefront, thereby we areconvinced that the WPI Research Center for Atom·Molecule·Materials
must be established at Tohoku University. “From atom and molecule tosocial welfare through materials” is the guiding principle for the center as
outlined in the detailed items on the research theme and the organization of
the center as shown in the attached presentation.
The Center’s Overall Structure Including its Collaborative Linkages
The overall structure is shown in the Figures shown below. The worldclass Principal Investigators (PIs), whose specialties are physics, chemistry,materials science, electronic and informational engineering, andmechanical engineering, gather at the Center in Tohoku University, fromother domestic universities and institutes, and from abroad. Aimed for the
support of a center director’s top-down decision making system, an“International Advisory Board” which includes Nobel Laureate board
members, will be established directly under the Center Director.

The WPI Network Administration System
The Chief centerproject officer

International materials cooperation support
committee

International advisory board(seven people, 6 countries)

Administrative
Department

Cooperation

Research
Department

PI

PatentPractical use
University technology
base support

PI PI PI PI
Section for
theory, calculation,
prediction...... ...... ...

PI
Section formeasurement,
evaluation, analysis

Promote integration ofinternational world-classscientific organizations

Overseas foothold cooperation...... ...... ...

PI

Study environment support

Contribution to society

PI PI PI PI

Director office

Study environment support

International Recruiment

Section forsystemconstruction

International public information

Section fordeviceconstruction

Section for
creation of newmaterials

Outside evaluation committee

University office
work support

PI

Section for process
technique and technology

The strong leadership to
support cohesivesynergies in researchInternational
collaboration support
The 1st, 2nd network(previous page)

Efficient administration
supported byinternational experts

Concerning collaboration linkages, the merging of the five disciplines
mentioned above through collaboration between PIs is thrust forward.
Based on the intra-collaboration in the WPI research center and the many
overseas offices (liaison office and overseas office), we plan to promote andoperate a unique formula for a successful international research center(seeFigure shown below).

Overseas Network
Overseas Footholds of Tohoku
University around the World

Europe• University of Cambridge• University of Oxford• Royal Institute ofTechnology in Stockholm• University of Lyon
• University of Heidelberg• Moscow State University• Russian Academy of Sciences• ETH• IBM Zurich

Tohoku University WPI
Total number about 200 (2007)

North
AmericaTohokuUniversity
WPI

Asia

• Tohoku University US Office(California)• Harvard University• Stanford University• Columbia University• University of California (SB)• University of Illinois• University of Wisconsin• University of Iowa
• Argonne Natl. Lab.
• IBM Watson and Almaden• MIT• Johns Hopkins University• Penn State University•Tohoku University China Office(Beijing)• Seoul National University• Korea Advanced Institute of Scienceand Technology• University of New South Wales• Chinese Academy of Sciences• Tsinghua University• Indian Institute of Science• Sydney University

through global cooperation

WPI researcher groups
encompass many regionsof the world (2017)）

External Evaluation, and Management Framework
As for the evaluation of researchers, Tohoku University has alreadystipulated a university-wide method for the assessment of individual faculty,
with a researcher evaluation scheme at each department. The performanceof center researchers will be strictly evaluated in accordance with thissystem, and the researchers’ salary assessments (pay-raise system anddiligence allowance) and incentives such as priority allocation of researchfunds will be determined based on the evaluation results. We will establish
an international advisory board, including Nobel Prize recipients asmembers, which will report directly to the Center Director to support
top-down type decision making by the Center Director. The Center Director
and the international advisory board will organically cooperate andexchange opinions, and positively implement reforms to build up a global
top-level research center. The environment provided by the WPI research
center, in which the PIs can devote themselves exclusively to theirresearch, is similar to that for Distinguished Professors in USA. We will
arrange a flat research organizational structure with as few hierarchicalrelations as possible to create an environment where even young
researchers can develop their own ideas. We will assign the necessary
technical staff to ensure the smooth development of research apparatus to
support superior state-of-the-art research and creative research.
(1) Research fields
Research Field“From Atom and Molecule to Materials,” means the merging of physics, chemistry, materials
science, and engineering to generate functional materials.
Interdisciplinary Fields
Chemistry, Material sciences, Electronics engineering and information sciences, Precisionand mechanical engineering, Physics. Our project addresses the interdisciplinary fields
consisting of the above 5 disciplines.
ImportanceMaterials science is one of the most important fields for future of science and technology inJapan as well as in the world. Materials science is the most important basis for all materials in thepresent society and should be continued as a core technology in future in order to maintain thepresent high technology endeavors in our country.
The research activities of materials science at Tohoku University have been world class. Ourpresent research activities and their excellence, over those of European and American countries, inmaterial science should be maintained and, in the next 10 years, extended to the discovery of newmaterials and compounds with innovative functions by the combination of the above five disciplines
and to produce devices and systems applicable and useful to the benefit of society. Furthermore, it isexpected that an entirely new paradigm is born through the fusion approach.

Expected Achievements with the Ten-year WPI Program

Motivations:¾Novel design and Development of New Materials at the atomic and molecular level.
¾Multidiscipline Collaboration in basic and applied materials research:Innovating materials with advanced functions and discovering new physical and chemical
phenomena which lead to new systems.

Expected Achievements:¾Invention of various new materials with innovative functions by multidiscipline
research among physics, chemistry, materials science, electronic informationengineering, and precision mechanical engineering.
¾Discovery of new dimensions in physics and chemistry based on the newly
developed materials.
¾Development of a new academic discipline and contribution to the welfare andprosperity of mankind.

）However, to create truly innovative materials in the future and to be the world leader in material
and related research fields, the construction of the WPI research center is urgently needed based on
this new paradigm. The basic concept for accomplishing the mission is to thrust forward theamalgamation of the above mentioned research areas.

Research Strategy I : From Atom/Molecule Control to Benefiting Society
Development of New, Novel
Compounds and Materials

Materials and System
Integration

Device Development
based upon a New Fundamental

TheoryComputersimulations

through design and evaluation

Measurement
Evaluation
Analysis

Process
technology
Processing
techniqueToh
Tohoku University WPIContribution to society
Development
Development ofof Innovative
Innovative Materials
Materials by
by Atom/Molecule
Atom/Molecule Level
Level Control.
Control.
Establishment
Establishment ofof WPIWPI onon Materials
Materials Research
Research based
based upon
upon
Innovative
Innovative andand Creative
Creative Materials
Materials Research
Research Projects
Projects

The creation of entirely new materials and systems, with innovative functions, through control
and deep understanding at the atomic and molecular level and through the fusion of 5 disciplines
must become feasible and beneficial, leading to contribution to social welfare. We already haveestablished strong research in the following individual fields; materials science, No 3; physics, No 9;chemistry, No 18, based on the citation analysis of ISI.

）

(2) Research objectives
Expected Impact
The research objective is summarized in the Figure shown below.

Objectives of the WPI Materials Research Center
The
Themainmainobjective
objectiveof
ofthe
theCenter
Centerisisto
topromotepromotethethedevelopment
developmentof
ofnew
newmaterials
materialsunder
underaaworldworldleadingorganization
systemofinterdisciplinary
research,
by
use
of
an
innovative
leading organization system of interdisciplinary research, by use of an innovative method
method ofofatomicatomic andand molecularmolecular control,
control, departing
departing fromfrom thethe stereotypestereotype andand heading
heading forward
forward thethe next
next
generation.
generation. InInaddition
additiontotobasic
basicresearch,
research,thetheCenter
Centerwill
willattemptattemptto
to(1)(1)createcreatenew
newsubstances
substancesandandmaterials
materialswith
withinnovative
innovativefunctions
functionswhich
whichexceeds
exceedsexisting
existingmaterials,
materials,(2)(2)constructconstructprocessprocess
based
based upon
upon aa new
new fundamental,
fundamental, andand (3)(3) promote
promote applied
applied researchresearch projects
projects on
on materials
materials andandsystemsystem architecturearchitecture inin order
order toto return
return outcomesoutcomes toto society.
society. The
The Center
Center also
also endeavors
endeavors totoestablish
establishinnovations
innovationsininunderstanding
understandingdiverse
diversematerialmaterialfunctions
functionsthroughthroughcreation
creationof
ofnew
newbasicbasic
materials
materialswhich
whichbrings
bringsbeneficial
beneficialinfluences
influenceson
onthe
thesafety
safetyandandfuture
futureof
ofhumanity.
humanity.
Atom and Molecular-Level Control

Inventive Development of
New Compounds and Materials
Realization of Devices

Design and Evaluation

Materials and System
Integration

Construction based upona New Fundamental

TheoryComputer
Simulations

Process
technology
Processing
technique

Measurement
Evaluation
Analysis

It is expected that a new domain between atomic and molecular levels is pioneered by the fusionof the five disciplines (physics, chemistry, material science, electronic and informational engineering,and precision mechanical engineering), although physics at the atomic level and chemistry inmolecular level are becoming mature in their individual discipline. Therefore a new domain ofmaterials science is based on deep and fundamental understanding from atomic and molecular
stages. For example, the following scientific issues are sought to be solved; (1) controlled growth ofmaterial structures, (2) surface and interface control, and (3) molecular assembly and ordering.

Research Strategy II : From Atom and Molecule to New Materials---- Establishing a World-Leading Center for the Generation of Innovative Materials --(1) Initiate Control of Material Structure and Growthwith the aim of constructing materials from nano- to macro- scale(2) Initiate Surface and Interface Control
with the aim of materials and system architecture(3) Initiate Molecular Organization and Self-assemblywith the aim of constructing molecular systems

Material Structure and Growth Control

Surface and Interface
Control
Theoretical andComputational
simulations

Molecular Organization
ControlMeasurement,
Evaluation, Analysis

Process Techniques
and Technology

Creation of innovative materials that benefit the future welfare & prosperity of mankind
Superconductive
wires
Innovative
displaysSuperultra- LSI

Meter grade bulk
metallic glasses
The eco-model
emission oflight Materials

CO2
Reducing
catalysts

High sensitivity
multi-purpose
Sensors）

Expected impact of the scientific advances to be achieved on society in the future
For example, innovative materials for superconductive electric wire, eco-model emission of lightmaterials, information・communication part, industrial・household robot, high strength parts (aircraft),microsurgery, supermicro-geared motor, molecular device, high performance pressure sensor(automobile), and innovative display are expected to be produced in 10 years. Those visible outputs
exert significant impact to society and contribute to welfare of human beings.

A Synergetic Effect of the WPI Materials Research Center
DPF

Air conditioning

Contribution
to society

CVT
Brake control

Fuel cell

Injection control

Eco-model emission oflight materials

Industry / family
use robot

Super small
high-performance pressure sensor

Micro-lathe

Innovative
Innovative materials
materials
Fused
Fundamental
Research

Nano-patterned
Nano-patterned metallic
metallic glass
glass with
withhardmagnetism
hardmagnetism

Universal Memory
nonvolatile, super large capacity

Characteristicof WPI of TU

Ultra
Ultra high-density
high-density perpendicularperpendicularmagnetic
magnetic recording
recording media：2Tbit/inmedia：2Tbit/in22

Superconductive
electric wire

Creative Development

DeviceTheorySystemMeasurement

Technology

An innovative display

High strength plane alloy

Micro surgery
5mmDIA.

Advanced material
equipment

Smaller size

Micro geared motor
Diaphragm for pressure sensor

Research plan to achieve the objectives, and related past achievements
Overall Concept for Establishment of Top
Top--Level Research Center in the World

Social Welfare throughInnovative Materials andSystems

Return Research Benefits
to Society
Creation of a New
Discipline Talent Training
WPI

AppliedResearchials
terials
Nano Mater
Complex Ma
uctor
Semicond
terialMagnetic Ma lectric Materials
s
loy
Al
Die
d
Compoundr
an
Metal
Molecula

Creation of New
Substances andMaterials
Process
Materials andConstruction
Systembased upon aArchitecture
New Fundamental

Present State: Planar Structure

Basic
Research
atom・molecule control
Material Science

Physics

Chemistry

Information Device Engineering

Crystal Engineering

Employing a Unique Top-Level Research Center:
Steric and Developmental Structure
8

As shown in the above Figure, the bottom-up approach from atom/molecule level is used toachieve the objectives. At present, very active research is being pursued in a planar structure inindividual discipline. At the WPI research center, a developmental structure is employed as shown
above, leading to contribution to social welfare. Some visible past achievements at TU and by people
graduated from TU are the researchers on optical communication (Nishizawa), on carbon nanotube(Iijima), on TOF mass (Tanaka), and on bulk metallic glasses (Inoue).
）(3) Managementi) Center director

Prof. Yoshinori Yamamoto, 64 years old, WPI Advanced Institute for Materials Research,
Tohoku University. His specialties are Organic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Organometallic
Chemistry, and Catalytic Reactions. He has achieved notable international research excellence andas of the 1st of March 2007, successfully ranked as the top 17th among 6359 chemists in Essential
Science Indicators (ESI). He also possesses a wealth of experience in professional management, as
Vice President for University Evaluation (April 2006- March 2007) and Program Leader of a 21st COE
program “Unexplored Chemistry: Giant Molecules and Complex Systems” (2002-2006).
Prof. Yamamoto will fully utilize his research accomplishments for this newly project, and inparticular fulfilling his role as the Senior Mentor for the field of organic synthesis concentrating also on
the management and operation of the Research Center.
ii) Administrative director

Prof. Toshio SAKURAI, 62 years old, has dedicated himself to the development of surface
physics research as a professor at Institute for Materials Research and in particular, he has many
remarkable research achievements in the field of surface measurement concerned with the proposed
center project “New Materials through Control at Atomic and Molecular Levels and Innovation of Their
Functions”.
Prof. Sakurai is currently the Director of International Frontier Center for Advanced Materials,
Institute for Materials Research. He has demonstrated outstanding coordinating talents and leads anumber of successful materials science-related international conferences, including those involved
with Nobel Laureates participants, and established the networking system on a global basis.
Prof. Sakurai will assume the duties of an administrative director at the Research Center, andfocus upon its fullest responsibilities.
iii) Composition of administrative staff
Our Administrative staff provides logistic support which allows researchers to conduct theirstudies flawlessly. We also intend to actively invite the eligible experts who can handle proactive
research development and together with the researchers, aid in the expansion of research results.
Consequently, this formation can significantly contribute to the Center’s research goal activities.
In specific daily routines such as in accounting, human resources and research support aremanaged by highly experienced staff who can accomplish their duties without difficulties. They will beselected mainly from intramural administrative staff. To satisfy the means of the Center’s official
language, which is English, staff who have supportive abilities in English language will be
preferentially assigned, and extrinsic staff with a good command of English are also planned to be
recruited.
Besides the duties above, a Program Officer, Project Manager, and other senior positions will beoccupied by excellent and experienced personnel from various fields including researcher evaluation,international research coordination, activating expansion and public relation of research results,
planning and support of research workshops. We will proactively hire diverse professionals; not only
experienced at the University, but also from private sector or non-Japanese with international
experience or former researchers etc. utilizing an annual salary system.
iv) Decision-making system
In the bid for a rapid and flexible decision making process, we will not specifically launch a
decision making organization, but set up a top-down command system governed by our center
director.
Aimed for the support of a center director’s top-down decision making system, an “International
Advisory Board” which includes Nobel Laureate board members, is to be established directly under
the center director position. We will also develop a proper environment utilizing Internet Technology,
so that the center director and board members can effectively exchange and share their views
together on implementation of system reform and other issues for creation of a world premierinternational research center.
Also, the university will implement a taskforce team at the Administration Bureau, led by Office of
the President, which will activate environmental improvements for a center director top-down
management concerning flexible approaches, revisions and betterment of the university’s systemupon the center director’s request.
v) Allocation of authority between the center director and the host institution’s side）To secure the independence of the center administration, the host institution will limit its authority
to extremely important items such as the appointment and dismissal of the Center Director, and leave
all other personnel, budget execution and other items effectively under the discretion of the Center
Director.
For personnel matters, the host institution will only retain authority over the appointment anddismissal of the Center Director, and have all other personnel items within the center including theemployment of lead researchers determined by the Center Director.
The budget allotted to the center (personnel expenses and non-personnel expenses) will beturned over in its entirety for free execution at the judgment of the Center Director, and it will bepossible to carry over funds allocated for budget items that are not implemented by the end of the
fiscal year to the subsequent fiscal year.
(4) Researchers and other center staffsi) The “core” to be established within the host institutiona) Principal Investigators (full professors, associate professors or other researchers of comparable
standing)
numbers
Final goal
At beginning
At end of FY 2007
(1,October,2008)

Researchers from within
the host institution
Foreign researchers invitedfrom abroad
Researchers invited from otherJapanese institutions

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１１

１１

１１

４

４

４

Total principal investigators

３０

３０

３０

As shown in the above table, all the PIs (30 people) start their research activities at their own
research laboratories at the beginning and continue the research at the newly build WPI center aroundthe end of March, 2008. The final goal (October 1, 2008) is set with caution in case unexpected
situations may occur, bringing about a delay of start-up.
b) Total members
Numbers

Researchers(Number of foreign researchersamong them and their percentage)
Principal investigators(Number of foreign researchersamong them and theirpercentage)
Other researchers(Number of foreign researchersamong them and theirpercentage）
Research support staffs
Administrative staffs
Total number of people who form
the “core” of the research center

Final goal

At beginning

At end of FY 2007

６０
（１９）
（３１％）

９０
（２８）
（３１％）

１２０
（３８）
（３１％）

３０
（１２）
（４０％）

３０
（１２）
（４０％）

３０
（１２）
（４０％）

３０
（７）
（２３％）

６０
（１６）
（２６％）

９０
（２６）
（２７％）

４４
３５

４４
３５

５３
４０

１３９

１６９

２１３

(1,October,2008)

At the beginning, 30 PIs are ready to start their research projects as mentioned above, and 30
other researchers (including 7 foreign investigators) can start the research together with the PIs. We
can gather the research support staff and administrative staff. Also, right from the beginning, we will
recruit postdoctoral fellows and young researchers through open inter- and intra-national solicitations.
Accordingly, the funds for the recruitment are needed at the initial stages of the center. The number of
researchers and supporting staff will gradually increase and as the final goal (October 1, 2008) the）total number of people at the WPI center reaches 213.
ii) Collaboration with other institutions
In this program, we do not set up a satellite organization; do not coordinate with other national /international institutions. This is because we already have many overseas offices (liaison office andoverseas office) and based on that international relationship, we will operate our plan to promote toformula for an international research center (see the next Figure). For example, IFCAM (International
Frontier Center for Advanced Materials) has been established at IMR and fruitful collaboration has
been carried out with international and domestic partners. At the WPI center, which includes physics,
chemistry, and engineering besides the core materials science, collaboration is expanded to a
multitude of other top-class institutes and the representative partners are shown in the following
Figures.

Overseas Network
Overseas Footholds of Tohoku
University around the World• Tohoku University US Office(California)• Harvard University• Stanford University• Columbia University• University of California (SB)• University of Illinois• University of Wisconsin• University of Iowa university• Argonne Natl. Lab.
• IBM Watson and Almaden• MIT• Johns Hopkins University• Penn State University

North
America

EuropeTohokuUniversity
WPI• University of Cambridge• University of Oxford• Royal Institute ofTechnology in Stockholm• University of Lyon
• University of Heidelberg• Lomonosov
Moscow State University• Russian Academy of Sciences• ETH• IBM ZurichAsia•Tohoku University China Office(Beijing)• Seoul national university• Korea Advanced Institute of Scienceand Technology• University of New South Wales• Chinese Academy of Sciences• Tsinghua University• Indian Institute of Science• Sydney University

Tohoku University WPIWPI researcher groups
encompass many regionsof the world (2017)

through global cooperation

Total number about 200 (2007)

International Collaboration and Partners
Cambridge
University

Tokyo Institute ofTechnology
Faculty of Scienceand Technology

Tohoku University
Faculty of
Science

CNRS Lyon

2nd
Stage

Tohoku University
IMRAM

Creative development
Inoue, Yamaguchi,
Tanigaki, Nishi,
Chen, Greer, Yavari

Tohoku University
Faculty ofEngineering

IBM Watson

DeviceMiyazaki, Shimomura,
Tromp, Russell

MIT
Tohoku University
Faculty ofEngineering

Measurement,
Evaluation, Analysis

Tohoku University
NICHe
Tohoku University
RIEC

1st
Stage

SystemOmi, Nakazawa, Esashi,
Gessner

TohokuUniversity
WPI

Process Technology,
Processing TechniqueKawasaki , Adschiri,
Lagally, Hemker

Takahashi, Itaya, Yamada,
Ikuhara, Hashizume, Weiss,
Xue

TohokuUniversity
IMR

The first and second levelnetworking of international
collaboration for WPI

TohokuUniversity
IMR

Tsinghua
University

TohokuUniversity
IMR

University of
Wisconsin

HitachiJohns Hopkins
University

Penn State
University
TohokuUniversity
IFS

Schmitz
engineering
department

Tohoku University
IMRAM

Theoretical Prediction,
Computer Simulation
Tokuyama, Tsukada,
Shluger, Wan

Tokyo University
Faculty ofEngineering

Tohoku University
Faculty ofEngineering

ChineseAcademy of
Sciences
Waseda University
Science andTechnology

University
College, London）

(５) Research Environmentⅰ) Provide an environment in which researchers can devote themselves exclusively to their research,by exempting them from other duties and providing them with adequate staff support to handle
paperwork and other administrative functions.
We will arrange the environment so that the researchers participating at this center can devote
themselves exclusively to research to the greatest possible extent. The environment provided by theCenter to PIs is similar as that for Distinguished Professors in US.
We will make arrangements so that the researchers themselves will not be involved in the
managerial works of the host institution, provide thorough time management (effort management) for
the researchers, and otherwise secure ample time for the researchers to engage in research at thiscenter as much as possible.
We will also prepare strong staff backup functions for accounting, personnel, research support,
liaison and public relations works so that the researchers can devote themselves to research. These
staff functions will implement various procedures and management works on behalf of theresearchers. In addition to individuals who will perform day-to-day accounting and other administrative
tasks, we will assign as program officers other individuals with outstanding experience is such fields
as researcher evaluation, international research coordination, the ordered development of researchfindings, the publication of research findings, and the planning and support of research conferences.
To these ends, in addition to utilizing university staff, we will make use of the annual salary system topositively employ individuals with experience in the private sector, foreigners (individuals withinternational experience), distinguished researchers, and other diverse personnel. We will also assign
the technical staff required for the smooth progress of the research.
Besides the scientific and research issues, it is needed to provide the PIs not only enoughfacilities and space in laboratories, but also enjoyable living environments at home, especially forpeople from abroad. We will do our best for arranging comfortable environments.
ⅱ）Provide startup research funding as necessary to ensure that top-caliber researchers invited to thecenter do not upon arrival lose momentum in vigorously pursuing their work out of concern over theneed to apply immediately for competitive grants.
At the discretion of the Center Director, the necessary start-up funds will be provided in cases
when the invited researchers require funds to vigorously continue their own research when they are
initially transferred to the center.
We will also promptly provide the invited researchers with opportunities for brainstorming andresearch and information exchange with Tohoku University researchers and for examining thepotential for joint research at the university, support their access to common university experimental
and other facilities, and otherwise support the vertical advance of their research.
ⅲ) As a rule, fill postdoctoral positions through open international solicitations.
(Recruitment Method)
In the recruitment of post-doctoral researchers, we will secure superior international personnel
via international recruitment using Tohoku University’s website (English and Japanese), international
scientific journals, and Tohoku University’s overseas bases, specifically as follows.
1) International recruitment via Tohoku University’s website (English and Japanese).
2) International recruitment through recruitment advertisements in Nature, Science and otherinternational scientific journals, and in the publications of academic societies in which the leadresearchers are members.
3) International recruitment via the website of the JREC-IN (Japan Research Career Information
Network) personnel database (English and Japanese) administered by the Japan Science andTechnology Agency.
4) International recruitment using Tohoku University’s US office, China office, and other overseas
offices and bases, and by asking renowned universities worldwide to post the recruitment
information on their Web sites including global universities which have academic exchange
agreements with Tohoku University (119 institutions), and members of university consortia (The
Association of East Asian Research Universities [AEARU], etc.).
5) Other international recruitment utilizing the international networks that the lead researchers havedeveloped in each academic field.
）

(Employment Screening Method)
Post-doctoral researcher employment screening committees comprised of several members will
be organized for each lead researcher, with the lead researcher serving as the committee
chairperson. The post-doctoral candidates will be determined through an initial selection by
examination of documents and a secondary selection by interviews. The final employment decisions
will be made by the Center Director. This process will positively employ post-doctoral researchers withsuperior results in interdisciplinary research as well as in their field of specialization, in order topromote comprehensive interdisciplinary research efforts. The Center Director will directly make theemployment decisions to secure promising post-doctoral researchers in accordance with the center
concept.
ⅳ ) Establish English as the primary language for work-related communication, and appoint
administrative personnel who can facilitate the use of English in the work process.
We will prepare an environment which permits researchers to carry out their work duties inEnglish.
We will prepare an environment whereby the exchanges between researchers andadministrative staff can always be conducted in English right from the launch of the center byassigning multiple staff members to each section who can perform their work duties in English.
To these ends, we will assign university staff with superior English skills, in addition to expertisein such fields as accounting, personnel and research assistance, as administrative staff on a priority
basis. Additionally, to supplement the English abilities of those staff, we will also secure administrative
staff that is proficient in English by utilizing dispatched workers and the annual salary system to
employ outside personnel, to assign to the center administrative staff who can execute work duties inEnglish.
Furthermore, we will arrange systematic opportunities for administrative staff to participate inEnglish training and constantly improve their English ability (including English in areas of expertise).
Documents for internal use that must be filled out personally by the researchers will be preparedin English, so that the foreign researchers will be able to submit all relevant documents.
We will also incrementally boost the ability to use English in the performance of duties at thecenter, and progressively shift to a system whereby English will become the official language for all
meetings inside the center and English will be used whenever possible for all documents drafted
inside the center.
In principle, all research papers by center researchers will be written in English.
ⅴ) Adopt a rigorous system for evaluating research and a system of merit-based compensation. (Forexample, institute a merit-based annual salary system primarily for researchers from outside the hostinstitution. As a basic rule, the salaries of researchers who were already employed at the hostinstitution prior to the centers’ establishment are to be paid by the host institution.)
As for the evaluation of researchers, Tohoku University has already stipulated a university-wide
method for the assessment of individual faculty, with a researcher evaluation scheme at eachdepartment. The performance of center researchers will be strictly evaluated in accordance with thissystem, and the researchers’ salary assessments (pay-raise system and diligence allowance) andincentives such as priority allocation of research funds will be determined based on the evaluation
results. For salaries in particular, in addition to the active adoption of the annual salary system, special
allowances will be granted to researchers who make outstanding contributions.
We will establish an international advisory board, including Nobel Prize recipients as members,
and an external evaluation board. They help to evaluate not only the research of individual PI but also
the system and organization of the WPI center.
Additionally, “invitation allowances” (maximum period of 5 years) will be granted to prominent
invited researchers from outside the host institution in accordance with their researchaccomplishments and most recent salaries.
Moreover, new systems will be introduced including a “Fellow Professor” (tentative name)system for professors playing leading roles in the research, as well as a system for preparations
payments or contract conclusion payments to provide additional incentives when trying to attract
Nobel Prize–class researchers, etc.
Tohoku University’s “University Professor System” will also be actively used for the invitation ofprominent researchers.
）ⅵ)Provide equipment and facilities, including laboratory space, appropriate to a top world-levelresearch center.
To prepare a facilities environment suitable for a global top-level center, the host institution will
operate a new core facility (building) for the center’s activities so it can be used from around April 2008as a target date. This facility will be equipped with flexible water supply and drainage equipment, airconditioning equipment, and power sources so that it can be a research space that meets therespective room arrangement, equipment, apparatus and other usage demands of the individual
researchers. Considering the great importance of information exchange and brainstorming among the
researchers, the researchers’ office wing will be arranged with a library section, discussion corners
and other spaces where the researchers can gather in a central zone, with the individual offices
located on the outskirts of this common area. The security arrangements will ensure safety by zone,
covering each research room or each department and the entire building. Energy conservationequipment will be adopted to mitigate pressure on research funds.
In addition to this new building, research space in existing buildings will also be used to conduct
the business of center research. In those cases as well, while there will be some limitations on theroom arrangements, the research rooms and offices will be upgraded as deemed suitable for a global
top-level center with improvements based on the above approach, starting with reinforcement of thestructures’ earthquake resistance.
Private-sector facilities will also be actively utilized to flexibly secure sufficient research space inaccordance with the progress of the research.
Arrangements will be made to provide the researchers with priority access to high-performanceelectron microscopes and other state-of-the-art research equipment through close coordination with
the Technology Center for Research and Education Activities and other related Tohoku University
organizations.
ⅶ) Hold international research conferences or symposiums regularly (at least once a year) to bring
the world’s leading researchers together at the center.
We will advance international development via researcher and other personnel exchanges andinstitutional relations for international joint research by positively utilizing Tohoku University’s US
office, China office, 11 liaison offices and other overseas offices and bases, and via liaison with global
universities which have academic exchange agreements with Tohoku University (119 institutions), andmembers of university consortia (The Association of East Asian Research Universities [AEARU], andTop Industrial Managers for Europe [TIME]).
Specifically we will first organize an international materials cooperation support committee
among leading global universities to advance research on the topic “new substances and materials
from atomic and molecular control, and functional innovation” and establish a structure to advanceresearch and development under international institutional cooperation.
Then, using this international consortium along with Tohoku University’s existing global network
described above, we will arrange periodic opportunities for mutual exchange including the short-term
overseas dispatch of center researchers and the invitation of global researchers to Japan, holdpacesetting cutting-edge international research conferences assembling top-level global researchers
on a regular basis, and otherwise prepare an environment in which the center’s researchers canengage in international research exchange, information exchange and brainstorming with the world’s
leading researchers.
ⅷ) Other measures to ensure that top-caliber researchers from around the world can comfortably
devote themselves to their research in a competitive international environment.
We will advance the following approaches to build a center that compiles and advances the latest
global information and research, and attracts the top minds initiating dramatic scientific developments.
1) We will establish an international advisory board, including Nobel Prize recipients as members,
which will report directly to the Center Director to support top-down type decision making by theCenter Director. The Center Director and the international advisory board will organicallycooperate and exchange opinions, and positively implement reforms to promote a global top-levelresearch center.
2) We will arrange a flat research organizational structure with as few hierarchical relations as）3)possible to create an environment where even young researchers can develop their own ideas.
We will provide young researchers with research support from senior mentors and otherwise
promote the organic development of research.
We will assign the necessary technical staff to ensure the smooth development of research
apparatus to support superior state-of-the-art research and creative research.
We will prepare a system to provide highly detailed lifestyle and education advice to support thedaily life in Japan of foreign researchers at the center and the education of their children.

(6) Indicators for evaluating a center’s global standing）ⅰ) Criteria and methods to be used for evaluating the center’s global standing in the subject fieldWe evaluate each PI and researcher by the following indicators; publication in internationallywell-recognized top-class journals, citation number of those papers, invited and plenary lectures at
the well-recognized international symposiums, receiving international awards, and acquisition ofresearch funds. As possible as we can, we want to use numerical and objective factors forevaluation. The center’s global standing is primarily evaluated by the ranking of institutions of eachdiscipline, based on citation analysis made by ISI. Besides, other factors, such as visible contribution
to society by providing really useful materials, are used for evaluation.
ii) Results of current assessment made using said criteria and methods
Evaluation of the PIs based on the above criteria is attached to their CVs. The institution rankingof material science in TU is the number 3 among 536 institutes in the world. According to the citation
analysis, Max-Planck is the number 1 and Chinese Academy is the number 3 in materials science, butthey are large organizations including several independent institutions in different cities. The rankingof physics in TU is the number 9 among 592 institutes, and that of chemistry is the number 18 among
774 institutes in the worldiii) Goals to be achieved through the project (at time of interim and final evaluations）
As one of the outcomes, in the basic research fields, we strongly expect the world premier award
in science will be given to a researcher (or hopefully researchers) in our institute, at the very least aworld top-class international award will go to researchers. Also, it is expected that the ISI citation
ranking of Tohoku University will be elevated dramatically. In the applied research fields, we are surethat many new systems will be developed on the basis of the newly created materials with theirinnovative functions will become commercially realizable and contribute very much to society’s
wellbeing. We think that the second issue (contribution to social welfare) is more and more important
than the first one for evaluating accomplishments in our WPI center. In the interim, the relative
indicators similar as above mentioned will be employed.
(7) Securing research fundingⅰ) Past record
FY2002
FY2003
FY2004
FY2005
FY2006(US dollars)
10,554,000
8,460,000
14,689,000
12,439,000
10,528,000

Total

56,670,000ii) Prospects after establishment of the center
The host institution constructs a new building for the WPI research center until April, 2008. The
salary for PIs, who have been researchers at each institute or Faculty in TU, is essentially paid by TU,
even after they join the WPI center. Further, the fund for research, setting up instruments andequipments necessary for research at the Center, renovation of research space and laboratory, andsmooth management of the Center will be supported by TU. For this purpose, TU will prepare
approximately 1700000 US $ annually.
OthersAfter the implementation term of this program is completed, the center will continue with its
activities in order to enhance the potential for research at this center.
Also, within this program, we will actively introduce new research methods incorporating newconcepts into the existing graduate course and research center at our university.
Noteworthy of Tohoku University, is its offering of the Institute for International Advanced
Research and Education Organization (established in April, 2007) on basis of the 21st Century COE
Program achievements. Incorporating the Institute for International Advanced Research and
Education (initiated in April, 2006), it supports the graduate students who pursue integrated research;and the Institute for International Advanced Interdisciplinary Research (introduced in April, 2007)）

which promotes research in the many areas. We will initiate and develop a method reform and humanresources cultivated in this center for enhancing the level of the fusional areas, fostered into theorganization’s activities, to rank as one of the best centers in the world. In order to insure that the
research institutes collaborate intimately and to increase its research abilities of emerging or fusional
areas, we contemplate about the reorganization and integration of existing graduate course andresearch center in our university as well.

）

Center Director’s Vision

I believe that at present the research activity of the Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku
University is really one of the world top classes in the field of material science, as evident from thecitation analysis of ESI; the top 3 among 536 institutes in the world. According to the citation
analysis, Max-Planck is the number 1 and Chinese Academy is number 2 in material science, butthey are huge organizations including several separated/independent institutes in different cities. I
am very proud of the achievement of IMR, as the Deputy President (2006-2007) of Tohoku
University and as a professor in Department of Chemistry.

Although the present activity on material research in our University is high, I think that it is needed
to pursue research in the fusion area including chemistry, physical property, material science,electronic/informational engineering, and precision mechanical engineering, in order to accomplish
the creation of entirely new materials with innovative functions in the next 10 years. It is essential tounderstand the chemical and physical properties of bulk materials at atomic and molecular level inorder to create entirely new materials with innovative functions. Based on those fundamental
understandings and analyses, we are able to create and design the new materials and substances andsynthesize them; this research is carried out at the sector one (Creation of New Substances andMaterials). Besides this fundamental research area, we need the sector two in which the construction
and development of devices derived from the materials and substances are carried out (Device
Construction). Since Tohoku University has rather strong background in practical science and in
putting research results to practical use, we set the sector three for Material and System Architecture.

The core part of the Tohoku University WPI Research Center for Atom⋅Molecule⋅Materials,
Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), is material science, but the fundamental
and basic sciences in physics and physical property exist at the left wing of WPI-AIMR and thefundamental and basic sciences in chemistry exists in the right wing. Accordingly, I want to say thata key word for our WPI-AIMR is “from atom and molecule to society through materials.” I will do
my best to make feasible the fusion of the left wing-the core part-the right wing, and I strongly hopethat we will be able to create a new academic discipline by the fusion approach and to really provide
some practically useful materials/substances/devices/mechanics in the next 10 years, contributing to
the prosperity and welfare of human beings. Another fusion (or perhaps linking) between the first,
second, and third sectors, mentioned above, is needed not only to facilitate the process fromdiscovery to practical use but also to create a new discipline in material science. Consequently, I am
going to push the fusion both lengthwise (among three sectors) and horizontally (among three basic

sciences).

Besides the scientific and research issues, I think it is needed to provide the PIs in WPI-AIMR not
only enough facilities and space in laboratories but also enjoyable living environments at home,
especially for people from abroad. Of course, additional things are needed to attract people fromabroad and from domestic institutes in order to make joining this WPI-AIMR feasible. However, I
believe that the two factors mentioned above, (1) world leading research activities in new and fusedresearch area and (2) comfortable environments on research place and living zone, are essential toattract world top class researchers, to awaken them joining the WPI-AIMR, and to make the Center
visible in the world.

My major is organic chemistry and the specialty is not in the core part of WPI-AIMR but rather at
the right wing. I have strong background on molecule-based science and I am familiar, to someextent, with atom-based science. I was a Deputy-President of Tohoku University during April, 2006
– March, 2007, and did the job for evaluating all the Faculties and Institutes of TU. Accordingly, I
believe that I will be able to look the whole structure and activity of WPI-AIMR with wide and fair
point of view based on basic and applied science, to put forward the management smoothly andefficiently, and to drive WPI-AIMR to the real world top institute for material science with the aid ofmany smart and bright PIs.

Yoshinori Yamamoto
Director
WPI Advanced Institute for Materials Research
Tohoku University

Host Institution’s Commitment
Date 5/28/2007
To MEXTName of host institution Tohoku university
Name and title of head of host institution
Akihisa Inoue, President
Signature
I confirm that the measures listed below will be taken faithfully if “(project title)” is adopted under theWorld Premier International Research Center (WPI) Initiative.
＜Provision in host institution’s mid-to-long-term plan＞
Tohoku University will clearly stipulate the advance of research and organizational development
based on this program as a priority in its interim plan.
Specifically, the relevant section of Tohoku University’s interim plan – 2 Measures to Achieve
Research Goals (1) Measures to Achieve Goals Concerning Research Levels and Research Results,
Fields to be Addressed by the University on a Priority Basis – presently reads “Advance organizational
development and promote research in basic research fields for which we have been recognized by the
21st Century COE Program and others on the basis of our performance and proposals fororganizational restructuring.” If the university is selected for this program, this passage will beamended to read “Advance organizational development and promote research in basic research fields
for which we have been recognized by the World Premier International Research Center (WPI)
Initiative, the 21st Century COE Program and others on the basis of our performance and proposals fororganizational restructuring.” and the university will give priority support to advancing research andorganizational development based on this program.
The Tohoku University action plan “Inoue Plan 2007” released in April 2007 already clearlystipulates that the university will apply for the World Premier International Research Center (WPI)
Initiative, and providing support once the university is selected for this program is already a common
understanding throughout the university.
Tohoku University established the International Advanced Research and Education Organizationin April, 2007, comprising the Institute for International Advanced Interdisciplinary Research and the
Educational Organization. We have fully realized that interdisciplinary research and fusion of existing
fields are very much important for creating a new discipline in science. It is expected that in future
reorganization or unification between the WPI center and the existing institutes / organizations will betaken place, leading to construction of a World Premier Research Center on the new discipline.

＜Concrete Measures＞(1) How it will support the center’s need to secure resources that match or exceed the project grantthrough such means as competitive grants obtained by researchers participating in the project, in-kind
contributions and other forms of assistance by the host institution (including partial payment ofsalaries, provision of research space), and/or external donations.
The host institution will provide the necessary space in accordance with the advance of theresearch and the expansion of the center’s research organization by operating a new core facility forthe center’s activities so it can be used from around April 2008 as a target date, and research space
will also be secured within the host institution’s existing facilities. Additionally, the host institution willbasically pay the personnel expenses of all researchers who were affiliated with the host institution
prior to the formation of the center. Beyond that, the host institution will expend enough money eachyear on such items as research expenses and other researcher support, the installation of apparatus
required for research at the center, the refurbishing of research space, and management,
administration and other items required for the smooth execution of the center’s research. Aside from
that, the host institution will provide the researchers with priority access to the Technology Center for
Research and Education Activities’ high-performance electron microscopes and other researchequipment and assistance so that the center can implement global top-level research.
In addition to this support from the host institution, the researchers who will participate in thecenter obtained approximately 11000000 US $ in outside funds in FY 2006 and they are projected toobtain an equal or greater amount of research funds once they are at the center. Thus overall the hostinstitution fully expects to secure an amount of resources for the center that is equal or greater than theamount of support provided by this program.
(2) How it will institute a system under which the center’s director is able to make substantive
personnel and budget allocation decisions necessary to implementing the center project – a system,
which in particle, allows the center director autonomy in making decisions regarding the center’s
operation.
To secure the independence of the center administration, the host institution will limit its authority
to extremely important items such as the appointment and dismissal of the Center Director, and leave
all other personnel, budget execution and other items effectively under the discretion of the Center
Director.
For personnel matters, the host institution will only retain authority over the appointment anddismissal of the Center Director, and have all other personnel items within the center including theemployment of lead researchers determined by the Center Director.
The budget allotted to the center (personnel expenses and non-personnel expenses) will beturned over in its entirety for free execution at the judgment of the Center Director, and it will bepossible to carry over funds allocated for budget items that are not implemented by the end of the fiscal
year to the subsequent fiscal year.
(3) The support it will provide to the center director in coordinating with other departments within thehost institution when recruiting researchers for the center, while giving reasonable regard to theeducational and research activities of those departments.
In applying for this program, Tohoku University established a “Council of Department Heads
Concerned with the World Premier International Research Center (WPI) Initiative” as a coordinating
committee within the university to assemble researchers from within the host institution, and thiscouncil has fully completed the coordination within the host institution.
After Tohoku University is selected for this program, the Council of Department Heads
Concerned with the World Premier International Research Center (WPI) Initiative will continue toactively support the Center Director, meeting at his request and as otherwise needed to secure thecooperation of the related departments for the greater vitality of the center research activities.
(4) It’s flexibility in applying, revising, or supplementing the host institution’s internal systems asneeded for the center to effective implement new management methods (e.g. English-language
environment, merit-based pay, top-down decision making) unfettered by conventional modes of（Host institution： Tohoku University Title of Center Project： The WPI Research Center for Atom·Molecule·Materials)

2operation.
We plan to establish an international advisory board, including Nobel Prize recipients asmembers, which will report directly to the Center Director to support top-down type decision making by
the Center Director. To these ends, the president of the host institution will make the necessary
requests for cooperation from Nobel laureates. In addition, an environment will be established,including the use of Internet technologies, to facilitate swift consensus building and organic linkages
between the Center Director and the international advisory board, and. Also, so that work at the centercan be conducted smoothly in English, we will assign staff with superior English skills, in addition toexpertise in such fields as accounting, personnel and research assistance, as administrative staff on apriority basis.
To introduce a compensation system that reflects researchers’ abilities, we will urgently examine
the introduction of new systems including a “Fellow Professor” (tentative name) system aiming atbalance with the salaries paid by universities in the Tokyo area for professors playing leading roles in
the research, as well as a system for preparations payments or contract conclusion payments whenabsolutely necessary for the invitation of Nobel Prize class researchers, etc.
Tohoku University’s “University Professor System” will also be actively used to invite the world’s
cutting-edge researchers to the center.
A standing task team will also be established with the office of the President taking the lead of it
for rapid examinations and responses in cases when the Center Director requests the flexible
administration, revision, improvement or adjustment of the host institution’s systems, and the hostinstitution will otherwise prepare an environment for the smooth conduct of top management by theCenter Director.
(5) Its accommodation of the center’s infrastructural requirements (for facilities, e.g. laboratory
space, equipment, land, etc.).
The host institution will operate a new core facility (building) for the center’s activities so it can beused from around April 2008 as a target date. Research space will also be secured within the hostinstitution’s existing facilities. To secure research space in accordance with the advance of theresearch and the expansion of the center’s research organization, the center will be given priority useof joint-use space at the university or campus level, and the Facilities Preparation and Administration
Committee will deliberate all items of concern regarding the use of research space and other facilities
and accommodate the center’s needs.
(6) Other types of assistance it will provide to give maximum support to the center in achieving its
concepts and objectives and becoming a world premier international research center in both name anddeed.
The Tohoku University action plan “Inoue Plan 2007 (Toward Becoming a World Leading
University)” released in April 2007 already clearly stipulates that the university will apply for the World
Premier International Research Center (WPI) Initiative as a measure for strengthening Tohoku
University’s research foundations as a research-centered university.
Moreover, based on the results of the 21st Century COE Program, Tohoku University establishedthe International Advanced Research and Education Organization (completed April 2007) comprising
the Institute for International Advanced Research and Education (established April 2006), which
supports graduate students pursuing interdisciplinary fields, and the Institute for International
Advanced Interdisciplinary Research (established April 2007), which promotes interdisciplinary
research by young researchers. The global COE Program at the University is advancing its activities incoordination with this Organization, and those activities will be smoothly transferred to thisOrganization when the COE Program is finished.
Tohoku University intends to provide the maximum support to the center as a special researchzone within the host organization, arrange organic relations with the International Advanced Researchand Education Organization, making them into vehicles for education and research and help us
contribute, as one of the world’s leading universities, to the development of our society.

（Host institution： Tohoku University Title of Center Project： The WPI Research Center for Atom·Molecule·Materials)

3

（Appendix 1）(Compile two versions: in English and in Japanese)

List of Principal Investigators
・If the number of principal investigators exceeds 10, add columns as appropriate.
・Place an asterisk(*) by the name of the investigators who are considered to be ranked among the world’s top researchers.
・Give age as of 1 October 2007.
・For investigators who cannot participate in the center project from its beginning, indicate the time that their participation
will start in the “Notes” column.

Current affiliation(organization,
department) andspecialties

Name

Age

1

Akihisa Inoue＊

60

Materials Sciense/Dr.of
Tohoku University,University-Professor
Engineering

2

Takashi Takahashi＊

56

Tohoku University,Graduate School of
Solid-State Physics/Dr.of
Science,Department of
SciencePhysics,Professor

3

Masashi Kawasaki＊

45

Tohoku University,Institute forMaterials Research,Superstructured
Thin Film Chemistry,Professor

59

Electrochemistry of NanoTohoku University,Graduate School of Materials,Solid:LiquidInterfaces with atomic
Engineering,Department of Applied
resolution,Crystal Grouth
Chemistry,Professor
with molecylar level/Ph.D

4

Kingo Itaya＊

Academic degree

Solid State Chemistry andPhysics/Dr.of Engineering

5

Kazuyoshi Yamada＊

58

Tohoku University,Institute forMaterials Research,Neutron andγRay Spectroscopy on Condensed
Matters,Professor

6

Katsumi Tanigaki＊

53

Tohoku University,Graduate School ofNano Materials
Science,Department of
Science/Dr.of Engineering
Physics,Professor

68

Tohoku University,New Industry
Creation Hatchery Center,Industry
Creation Section,Professor

58

Tohoku University,Graduate School of
Sensors,Micro Electro
Engineering,Micro/Nanomachining
Mechanical Systems andResearch and Education
Medical/Dr.of Engineering
Center,Professor

7

8Tadahiro Ohmi＊

Masayoshi Esashi＊

Solid-State Physics/Dr.of
Science

Semiconductor electronicengineering,Ultra-clean
processing technology/Dr. ofEngineering9

Masataka Nakazawa＊

55

Tohoku University,Research Institute
Optical Communication/Dr.ofof ElectricalEngineering
Communication,Broadband
Engineering Division,Professor

10

Terunobu Miyazaki＊

64

Tohoku University,Graduate School of Magnetic Properties ofEngineering,Visiting Professor
Materials/Dr.of Engineering（Host institution：Tohoku University

Notes

Title of Center Project：The WPI Research Center for Atom・Molecule・Materials）

1

（Appendix 1）(Compile two versions: in English and in Japanese)

List of Principal Investigators
・If the number of principal investigators exceeds 10, add columns as appropriate.
・Place an asterisk(*) by the name of the investigators who are considered to be ranked among the world’s top researchers.
・Give age as of 1 October 2007.
・For investigators who cannot participate in the center project from its beginning, indicate the time that their participation
will start in the “Notes” column.

11

Name

Age

Current affiliation(organization,
department) andspecialties

Michio Tokuyama

58

Tohoku University,Institute of Fluid
Science,Complex Flow
Division,Professor

Statistical Physics/Dr.of
Science

Polymer Science/Dr.of
Engineering

Academic degree

12Masatsugu Shimomura

53

Tohoku University,Institute ofMultidisciplinary Research for
Advanced Mterials,Division ofMaterials Design,Professor

13

Masahiko Yamaguchi

52

Tohoku University,Graduate School ofOrganic Chemistry/Dr.of
Pharmaceutical Sciences,Department
Scienceof Organic Chemistry,Professor

50

Tohoku University,Institute ofMultidisciplinary Research for
Advanced Mterials,Division ofAdvanced System,Professor

Hybridmaterials,Supercritical Fluid
Technology/Dr.of
Engineering

41

Tohoku University,Institute forMaterials Research,International
Frontier Center for Advanced
Materials,Professor

Materials Science/Dr.of
Engineering

14

15

Tadafumi Adschiri

CHEN Mingwei

16

Toshio Nishi＊

65

Tokyo Institute ofPolymer Physics,Polymer
Technology,Graduate School of
Nanotechnology and
Science and engineering,Department
Megatechnology/Dr.ofof Organic and PolymericEngineering
Materials,Professor

17

Masaru Tsukada＊

64

Waseda University,Graduate School ofTheory of Surface and NanoAdovanced Science andStructures/Dr.of Science
Engineering,Professor

18

Tomihiro Hashizume＊

50

Bio and Measurement Systems
Laboratory,Advanced ResearchLaboratory,Hitachi,Ltd.

Surface Physics/Ph.D

19

Yuichi Ikuhara

48

The University of Tokyo,School ofEngineering,Institute of Engineering
Innovation,Professor

Physical Metallurgy/Dr.of
Engineering

65

University of WisconsinMadison,Department of Materials
Science and Engineering and
Department of Physics

Surface Science &Technology/Ph.D

20

Max G.Lagally＊（Host institution：Tohoku University

Notes

Title of Center Project：The WPI Research Center for Atom・Molecule・Materials）

2

（Appendix 1）(Compile two versions: in English and in Japanese)

List of Principal Investigators
・If the number of principal investigators exceeds 10, add columns as appropriate.
・Place an asterisk(*) by the name of the investigators who are considered to be ranked among the world’s top researchers.
・Give age as of 1 October 2007.
・For investigators who cannot participate in the center project from its beginning, indicate the time that their participation
will start in the “Notes” column.

Current affiliation(organization,
department) andspecialties

Name

Age

21

Alain Reza Yavari＊

57

Grenoble Institute of Technology

Physical Metallurgy/Ph.D

22

Rudolf M.Tromp＊

53

IBM Thomas J.Watson ResearchCenter

Surface Science &Technology/Ph.D

23

Thomas P.Russell＊

53

University of Masachusetts,Polymer Polymer Science andScience and Engineering Department Engineering/Ph.D

24

Tomas Gessner

53

Chemnitz University ofTechnology,Center for
Microtechnologies

25

Alexander Shluger＊

53

Computational Materials
University College London,Department
Science,Condensed Matterof Physics and Astronomy
Physics/Ph.D

26

Alan Lindsay Greer＊

52

University of Cambridge, Department Metallurgy & Materialsof Materials Science & Metallurgy
Science/Ph.D

27

Li-Jun Wan＊

50

Chinese Academy of
Sciences,Institute of Chemistry28

Paul S.Weiss＊

47

The Pennsylvania State
University,Departments of Chemistry Surface Science/Ph.D
and Physics

29

Kevin J. Hemeker＊

45

Johns Hopkins University,Department
Physical Metallurgy/Ph.D
of Mechanical Engineering

30

Qi kun Xue＊

43

Tsinghua University,Department of
Pysics,Professor（Host institution：Tohoku University

Academic degree

Notes

DeviceScience/Technology/Ph.D

SPM,Physical
Chemistry,Nanoscience andtechnology/Ph.D

Surface Science/Ph.D

Title of Center Project：The WPI Research Center for Atom・Molecule・Materials）

3