March 3, 2025
Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU, WPI)
The goal is to apply astrophysics and particle physics insights to societal research and development, according to a Memorandum of Understanding on Research Cooperation signed on February 27 by The University of Tokyo Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU, WPI) and the Fukushima Institute for Research, Education and Innovation (F-REI).
Through this MOU, the Kavli IPMU will advance its expertise in data science and space observations, and F-REI will strengthen its role as a research and education center. The Kavli IPMU is an international research institute with more than half of its researchers from overseas, bringing mathematicians, physicists and astronomers together to answer fundamental questions about the origin of the universe. In recent years, the institute has become involved in several new interdisciplinary projects, which includes applying hard X-ray and gamma-ray detectors originally developed for space observation to create new imaging technology in medicine. The institute also established the Center for Data-Driven Discovery (CD3) to advance our understanding of the universe using data science and artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Fukushima suffered an earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster in 2011, but F-REI aims to use its location to its advantage to push forward five research fields to become a core center for creative restoration, promoting worldclass research. These include, “Radiation Science, Drug Discovery Medicine, and Industrial Application of Radiation” and, “Accumulation and Dissemination of Data and Knowledge on Nuclear Disasters,” which work well with Kavli IPMU’s research on gamma-ray imaging and measurement technology using semiconductor imagers, and data analysis technology using AI. Through this collaboration, F-REI aims to become a worldclass research institute.
Outline of MOU
1. Promotion of collaborative research aimed at advancing the fundamental technologies possessed by both Party A and Party B.
2. Promotion of collaborative research in the application of space observation technologies to the development of imaging technologies for radiation-based diagnostics and treatments, as well as the advancement of remote control systems.
3. Promotion of collaborative research in studies involving the use of data analysis and AI technologies.
4. Cooperation in the exchange and development of research personnel related to the above-mentioned fields.
5. Exchange of research outcomes, academic materials, publications, and other information.
6. Joint organization or invitation to academic events, such as lectures, research forums, and domestic or international symposiums.
7. Any other cooperation deemed necessary by both Party A and Party B to achieve the objectives of this agreement.
Media contact
Motoko Kakubayashi
Press Officer
Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe,
The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study,
The University of Tokyo
TEL: +81-04-7136-5980
E-mail: press_at_ipmu.jp
*change _at_ to @
Fukushima Institute for Research, Education and Innovation
Murayama or Itabashi
International and Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Promotion Division
TEL: +81-0240-41-9989
E-mail： f-rei_sanrenka_at_f-rei.go.jp
*change _at_ to @
About Kavli IPMU
The Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU, WPI) is an international research institute dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the universe. The institute was established as the Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (IPMU) in October 2007, as part of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI), under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, with the University of Tokyo as the host institution. In 2011, the University of Tokyo established the Todai Institutes for Advanced Study (currently named the University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study) and approved IPMU as its first member institute. The name of the Institute was changed to the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU) in April 2012 after the University of Tokyo decided to accept an endowment from the Kavli Foundation. As of February 2025, the institute has 90 full time researchers and many more visitors in physics, mathematics and astronomy. (http://www.ipmu.jp)
About F-REI
The Fukushima Institute for Research, Education and Innovation (F-REI) was established on April 1, 2023, under the Act on Special Measure for the Reconstruction and Revitalization of Fukushima. In 2011, the area was hit by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake, tsunami, and later nuclear disaster. Drawing from its experience during this triple disaster, F-REI aims to become a world leader in research in five areas: robotics, agriculture and forestry, energy, radiation science and drug discovery medicine/industrial applications of radiation, and accumulation and dissemination of data and knowledge on nuclear disasters. Through its activities, the institute hopes to become a core center for creative reconstruction in the Tohoku region. (https://www.f-rei.go.jp)
