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Cross-Disciplinary Project Research Division

Theoretical Joint Research (TJR) Project

Gather theoretical researchers,
Nurture new joint research.

The purpose of this project is to break through the current state of modern science, which has become fragmented, and to improve the openness of the theoretical sciences in the Faculty of Science so that new research directions can be found. We will create a place where researchers and students of theoretical sciences from Osaka University and outside the university can interact by holding cross-disciplinary talks and seminars. We will explore new paradigms by pioneering theoretical research that transcends hierarchies in nature and existing fields from the perspective of theoretical science. We also host the “Nambu Colloquium,” named after the Nobel Prize winner in Physics, Dr. Yoichiro Nambu (Distinguished Professor, Osaka University).

FEATURE

The Nambu Colloquium started in 2013, and by 2021, it had been held 32 times with more than 2,500 participants in total.

The Nambu Colloquium aims to provide lectures that can be understood by a wide range of audiences, from undergraduates to non-specialists alike.

We will hold cross-disciplinary research meetings to find the seeds of new theoretical research beyond the hierarchy in nature from the perspective of theoretical science.

We plan to create a gathering place where researchers and students, mainly in theoretical sciences at Osaka University, can interact with each other.

Leader

Kentaro NAGAMINE

HP

RESULTS

Research progress

We have held 32 Nambu Colloquiums and several topical workshops up to March 2022.

The Nambu Colloquium is a cross-disciplinary scientific fusion and collaboration based on theoretical science, and has mobilized a total of more than 2,500 faculty and students at Osaka University to create a foundation for scientific discussion. It has also succeeded in establishing a culture of interdisciplinary colloquia at Osaka University. In particular, interaction through questions and answers with the participants is essential, and discussions that transcend the boundaries of disciplines take place every time. Many faculty members have commented that the program is very meaningful, triggering an interest in science that transcends the boundaries of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. During the Corona pandemic, we are continuing this tradition fully online.

Further development

Fostering new scientific joint research

The TJR will provide a place for researchers to gather and nurture the seeds of new science at Osaka University. We will continue to host the Nambu Colloquium, as well as topical meetings of each research branch. We will employ and maximize the merit of the collaborative agreement for joint research with RIKEN iTHEMS, and create a place where researchers from in and out of Osaka University will gather. We aim to develop this project so that Osaka University, where Yoichiro Nambu and Hideki Yukawa used to work, will become a melting pot of science.