The anticipation and thrill as a scientist of discovering something new, and the joy and satisfaction as an engineer of putting that discovery to effective use, exist side-by-side in the research arena. Following the revolutionary discovery of a method for synthesizing single-walled carbon nanotubes, the search goes on for future new materials, focused on their potential applications.

Recent years have seen a flurry of developments in energy policies and measures to combat global warming. With deregulation of the electricity retail market due to begin in April 2016, research on total energy systems and technical innovations can help bring us closer to making the dream of a safe and prosperous low-carbon society a reality.

Japan urgently needs to develop human resources with the necessary communication skills to think and act globally in order to maintain its strong presence in the international community. It is no longer sufficient simply to take notes at negotiation tables and conferences.

Since the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident in particular, there has been extensive political debate in Japan regarding energy problems and whether nuclear power is safe or not. Public anxiety is also a factor; so instead, the debate is focused on to what extent dangerous...