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Tohoku University and Tsinghua University held an online conference on July 3. Professors from both universities reported on their progress and plans regarding projects they are carrying out with support from the Tohoku University-Tsinghua University Joint Research Fund.

Tohoku University and Tsinghua University set up the Joint Research Fund in 2019 to encourage joint research between the two universities. Successful projects receive research funding for a period of two years.

The first projects adopted are related to the fields of materials science, spintronics, and disaster science - three areas in which both universities have considerable strengths. In order to provide support for priority fields at both universities, and to develop new areas for joint research, this year's second round call for applications was expanded to include all fields.

Following opening remarks by Tsinghua University's Vice President, Xue Qikun, and Tohoku University's Executive Vice President for Research, Kotani Motoko, group representatives from six projects adopted in 2019 gave their progress reports and spoke about developments to come. The six reports were followed by research plan presentations by group representatives from the four newly adopted projects for the current academic year.

Since there are restrictions on the movement of people due to the spread of COVID-19, each group is taking the necessary steps to respond with flexibility to the "new normal." Although there have been unavoidable changes to planned research activities such as the postponing or canceling of scheduled visits, online sessions will continue to be held to develop discussions further. Additionally, a newly planned kick-off meeting will be held.

Tohoku University will continue to support the advancement of research and exchange activities at both universities through these projects.

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