On December 4th, 2025, the Institute of Post-LED Photonics (pLED), Tokushima University, held a joint workshop on photonic science research with the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies: AiPT at Aston University in UK.
Tokushima University was selected for the 2024 "Program for Forming Japan's Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS)" program of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and is working to strengthen its research capabilities. Toward realizing the J-PEAKS vision, Tokushima University has positioned the field of "optical engineering" as one of the sources of knowledge for its research capabilities. The pLED is actively promoting research on cutting-edge optical science and interdisciplinary collaboration, aiming to create interdisciplinary research. Aston University is a public university located in Birmingham, UK, and the AiPT is one of the world's leading research centers in optical science and technology and its applied research. Professor Yasui, the pLED’s Chief Research Officer (CRO), and Dr. Auro Perego of Aston University deepened their relationship through co-authored research in 2023, leading to the current collaboration.
On the day of the workshop, three prominent researchers, including Professor Richard Hogg from Aston University, visited Tokushima University, and over 35 students and researchers gathered at the Nichia Hall, Tokushima University. After an introduction to the pLED initiative by Professor Yasui, the pLED’s CRO, a total of seven faculty members from both universities took turns presenting their research, followed by a lively question-and-answer session.
On December 5th, the day after the workshop, researchers from Aston University visited each laboratory and exchanged opinions about the research being conducted at Tokushima University.
Through this two-day exchange, understanding of the research content and challenges at both universities deepened, providing a meaningful opportunity to strengthen cooperation in future joint research and human resource development.
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| Poster of the joint workshop | Professor Yasui, CRO, giving opening remarks |
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| Students attending the lecture | Enthusiastic questions from Aston University |
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| Closing by Professor Edik Rafailov | Group photo |
