TOPICS
Jun 12, 2018
- NEWS
- Lecture / Seminar
- Lecture / Seminar
5th Anniversary Commemorative Lecture Held for Research Center for Artificial Photosynthesis

On Tuesday, June 12, 2018, the Research Center for Artificial Photosynthesis hosted the "5th Anniversary Commemorative Lecture for the Research Center for Artificial Photosynthesis" at the Cultural Exchange Room in the Media Center and Library. The lecture meeting drew a packed audience of approximately 100 participants, filling the venue with great enthusiasm.
Following the opening remarks by Vice President Hiroyuki Sakuragi, a special lecture titled "Production and Utilization of Liquid Solar Fuels by Artificial Photosynthesis" was delivered by Shunichi Fukuzumi (Professor Emeritus of Osaka University, Specially Appointed Professor of Meijo University, and Distinguished Professor of Ewha Womans University) who is a leading authority in the field of electron transfer. During his lecture, he spoke energetically about the potential of artificial photosynthesis without even needing a microphone.
Subsequently, Nobuo Kamiya (Professor, OCU Advanced Research Institute for Natural Science and Technology) gave a commemorative lecture titled "From Photosynthesis to Artificial Photosynthesis." He introduced his research on elucidating the molecular structure of the protein complex known as PSII, which had been considered the final mystery in the history of photosynthesis research, and emphasized that the establishment of artificial photosynthesis technology is essential for realizing a sustainable society.
In conclusion, Yutaka Amao (Professor, Director of the Research Center for Artificial Photosynthesis) looked back on the history of the center and renewed his resolve, stating, "Under the Paris Agreement, Japan must reduce CO2 emissions by 26% by 2030, which has further heightened interest in CO2 utilization technologies. Toward our 10th anniversary in five years, I want to build a solid foundation of powerful basic research that supports a recycling-oriented society by fully utilizing CO2 reuse technologies."