Okayama University established a new Photosynthesis Research Center in its Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology on April 1, and held a center inauguration ceremony on the 11th. The center aims to become a site of global academic research to systematize foundational studies using solar power.
　Okayama University has a long history of research into photosynthesis, having produced world-famous researchers such as Dr. Hiroshi Fujishige and Dr. Kimiyuki Sato, honorary professors at this university who have gained internationally renowned achievements in studies on solar energy conversion through photosynthesis. The results of research by Dr. Jian-Ren Shen, director of the center, were named as one of the ten 'Breakthroughs of the Year 2011' by the US international scientific journal Science.
　During the inauguration ceremony President Kiyoshi Morita stated in his address that the center would be a core element of Okayama University as a research university, and that the entire university would work to ensure the center became a driving force in innovation from natural to manmade photosynthesis. As director of the center, Dr. Shen stated his strong determination to collaborate with researchers inside and outside Japan for studies at the leading edge globally, and to fully implement the fruits of this research in society. Fifty members of faculty attended to celebrate the opening of the center, including Dr. Shinichi Yamamoto, executive director (research), Masaharu Seno, dean of the Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, and Dr. Yoko Yamamoto, director of the Institute of Plant Science and Resources.