Visit of a Delegation from SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), India

On Friday, April 17, 2026, a delegation from SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), India, consisting of Professor Muthuramalingam Thangaraj, Head of Department of Mechatronics Engineering, and Professor Palanivendhan Murugadoss, specialist in Automotive Engineering, visited the Research and Education Center for Atomic Sciences (RECAS) at Ibaraki University. The purpose of the visit was to exchange information toward strengthening collaboration between the two universities and exploring the possibility of concluding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

An exchange meeting was held at the Tokai Satellite Campus of Ibaraki University. At the beginning of the meeting, Ms. Ashina Kikuchi, Executive Director in charge of International Affairs and Diversity, introduced the history of Ibaraki University and its distinctive approaches to research and education through a video presentation. This was followed by an overview of RECAS’s research and educational activities presented by Professor Kazuaki Iwasa, Director of RECAS, with a particular focus on advanced research and human resource development utilizing neutron and synchrotron radiation facilities.

Representing SRMIST, Professor Thangaraj introduced his university’s profile, international exchange programs, and initiatives in foreign language education. This presentation led to an active and productive exchange of views, during which the SRMIST delegation expressed a strong and positive interest in future research collaboration.

Following the meeting, the delegation visited the Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility (MLF) of J-PARC, one of the major facilities used by RECAS for research and education. Accompanying the SRMIST professors were Ms. Ashina Kikuchi, Professor Yoko Ikeda, Vice President for International Relations, Professor Tomoki Maeda (RECAS), and Dr. Hideo Harada, URA (RECAS). The visitors received detailed explanations of the facility and its research activities from Professor Hitoshi Endo (KEK), Neutron Science Section, J-PARC Center, as well as Professor Patrick Trasser (KEK) from the Muon Science Section.

Through this visit, both universities deepened their mutual understanding and shared a common recognition of the potential for concrete collaboration in the fields of research and education. Building on this exchange, RECAS will continue to promote initiatives aimed at further developing its international research network.