Chairman: Shigeki Mitaku
Professor , Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University

The Human Genome Project revealed that the number of genes in a biological organism is between 500 and 50000. Each gene is a blueprint for a biological element, a protein, each of which has its unique biological function. Because a proteins function is closely related to its 3D-structure, various techniques for structural analysis and single-molecule observation have been developed to study these nano-scale biological elements. Therefore, genomic information, structural biology and single-molecule technology, are likely to become biotechnology keywords in the coming decade.
This research committee aims to combine the biotechnology research fields of bioinformatics, structural genomics and single-molecule technology in order to better understand living systems and to develop nano-technologies using biological elements

Chairman: Hirofumi Yamada
Associate Professor , Electronic Science of Engineering, Kyoto University

Functional nanoanalysis utilizing scanning probe microscopy (SPM) has been increasingly required for electrical evaluation of semiconducting nanodevices; biochemical measurement of DNA and/or protein molecules; and nanoscale material property investigations. In addition, the SPM nanoprobe is expected to be a unique tool for the manipulation, control, and fabrication of atomic-scale structures in connection with ultimate recording and processing. This research committee explores the feasibility of an advanced function nanoprobe with novel capabilities for functional nanosensing and nanoprocessing. It also explores the potential abilities of nanoprobe technology in combination with other state of the art technologies such as advanced measurement techniques, biosensing, and MEMS.

Chairman: Teruya Shinjo
Senior Researcher , International Institute for Advanced Studies

The properties of nanoscale magnetic systems are of great interest, both from basic and technical viewpoints. In order to enhance magnetic recording density , studies of the magnetic structure and magnetization stability of nanoscale magnetic systems are required. For advanced recording head, novel magnetoresistance phenomena are attracting attention. Also, the control of magnetotransport characteristics is crucial to realize spintronics devises. The object of this research committee is to systematically investigate the magnetic and magnetotransport properties of nanostructure magnetic systems.

Chairman: Morinobu Endo
Professor , Shinshu University

Nanocarbons including fullerene, carbon nanotubes and nanoporous carbons have acted as a vanguard among nanomaterials with a high potential of applications in various fields of nanotechnology, due to their extraordinary chemical and physical and electronic properties. These properties are basically due to the diverse bonding nature of the carbon atom itself. In this sense, nanocarbons can be defined as functional carbon materials, mainly composed of carbon atoms, with a controlled and designed structure, tailored at the nanometer level. Nanocarbon studies in the present committee will focus on (a) how to exploit the inherent advantages of nanocarbon materials derived from the extraordinary ability of carbon to combine with itself and with other elements at the atomic level, and (b) how to establish advanced nano-fabrication techniques in order to utilize novel nanocarbon functions, from an application viewpoint.

Chairman:Ryota Kuroki
Principal Scientist,
Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute Neutron Science Research Center

Proteins are now recognized as bio-nanomachines, constructing complex and precise systems within living systems. The important characteristics of these nanomachines are their flexibility and the interaction with surrounding water molecules. Recent developments in neutron diffraction enable us to determine the hydrated structures of nanomachines including information relating to hydrogen atoms. This information may allow us to design and develop useful nanomachines in the development of functional materials and materials used for medical treatment. In this committee, we would like to gather forefront knowledge for the realization of bio-nanomachines in solving problems associated with medical treatment, energy resources, and so on.