Message from the President
Toward the Realization of Carbon-Neutral Energy Fueled World
Setsuo Arikawa, President
The "World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI Program)" was established by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in FY2007 as a system that provides priority support for projects aimed at creating preeminent research centers staffed at their core with the world's most leading researchers. In FY2010, the "International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER)" of Kyushu University was selected as the only winning organization in Japan to serve in the vital area of energy research and sustainability through scientific contributions toward the realization of a low-carbon society.
Kyushu University, including the I2CNER, will strive to pursue "green innovation" and reduce CO2 emissions as well as to advance fundamental science by fusing various related fields in order to establish a non-fossil based energy carrier system and develop science-driven technological solutions for the realization of a sustainable and environmentally friendly society.
The I2CNER is headed by Professor Petros Sofronis of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where a satellite institute is located. The I2CNER offers an attractive research environment for the top national and international researchers to work together to pursue multi/inter-disciplinary research.
Under the strong leadership of Professor Sofronis the I2CNER seeks to incorporate work experience obtained at a world-class research university into the operation of not only the Institute but also of Kyushu University. This approach to management also characterizes a paradigm shift for research, operation, and administration at Japanese universities. Toward this end, everyone at the I2CNER is working hard to create a world-leading research center.
The I2CNER, as one of the main pillars of internationalization promoted by Kyushu University, will aggressively pursue interdisciplinary research by strengthening collaborative research activities and ties with both domestic and international universities, research centers and related institutes.
With the kind support and cooperation received from various government agencies and industry, Kyushu University is committed to making every possible effort to ensure the success of the I2CNER.
