"Nanotechnology Today" Seminar October 21st, 2005 Today, nanotechnology is one of the hottest topics of research around the world. Since this revolutionary field is relatively new, however, researchers are still exploring the possibilities of both applying and discovering the edges of its usefulness. Scientists from a wide variety of fields, such electrical engineering, biology and material science, are discovering ways to fuse nanotech techniques with traditional fields of science - with startling results. Some of the most important advances in energy, electronics and medicine are coming from work measured in nanometers, a billionth of a meter.
	As an active participant in this emerging molecular-scale frontier, Osaka University hosted a seminar called “Nanotechnology Today” to explore new developments and possible trends for the future. The seminar, held in Palo Alto (CA), was packed with Bay Area scientists and business people, filling the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel's conference room. Osaka University's San Francisco Center, along with co-organizers JETRO San Francisco and the Osaka Prefecture California Office, were proud to present two science figures who have significantly shaped the way people currently think about nanotechnology.
	The distinguished Professor Satoshi Kawata, from Osaka University's Graduate School of Engineering, was the first speaker. Capturing the audience's imagination immediately with his vivid photos, he spoke about his projects, including his well-known development of the Laser-Scanning Microscope. Besides conducting research and teaching at Osaka University, Prof. Kawata also oversees cutting-edge experiments at the Academy of Sciences in China and is the founder of the venture firm NanoPhoton Ltd. Drawing from these various work experiences, he highlighted the rapidly increasing need for scientists with diverse academic backgrounds and an inter-disciplinary approach.
	Also presenting was Dr. Kenichi Yoshie, the president of Mitsubishi Chemical Center for Advanced Materials Dr. Yoshie discussed his applied materials research as well as the realities and challenges of running a bi-lateral collaborative research lab. He also addressed the benefits of companies and universities forming research partnerships. In addition to his lab’s work in fullerene and pharmaceuticals, he is working on semi-conductor nano-particles for the Mitsubishi Chemical Research & Innovation Center, Inc. at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
	After a lively Question & Answer session, the speakers and participants moved to the Cabana Hotel's terrace for a reception. There the mixed audience of business people and scientists had the chance to further discuss topics that come up during the seminar and make links to push forward nanotechnology research. For a better look at nanotechnolgy and Osaka University please view our seminar slide show.