Bringing together theoretical researchers, germinating new research, approaching problem areas multidimensionally, and creating new breakthroughs
Theoretical science is mathematical at its foundation and inherently shares a common base in all of its numerous fields. The Core for Theoretical Science Research was established on June 3, 2013 to bring together theoretical researchers with a shared interest in mathematics and physical observables, incorporate cross-functional aspects of theoretical research to germinate new research and encourage multidimensional investigations into problem areas in order to open the way to new breakthroughs. In this way, it prepares the soil for research in theoretical science and helps nurture the growth of new science via an interdepartmental and interlaboratory system that extends among others participating in the Nambu colloquium, which was named for Yoichiro Nambu, Nobel laureate in physics and distinguished professor of Osaka University. It is part of the advance toward a new research paradigm.
FEATURE
Since its launch in 2013, the Nambu Colloquium has been held 23 times with a total number of participants that has grown to approximately 2,000. The colloquium features lectures that can be understood by a wide audience, including undergraduates and those outside the particular specialization. Cross-sectoral study groups develop, integrate, and apply theoretical research from a perspective of theoretical science that supersedes natural hierarchies. Planning is performed to produce the grounds for constant interchanges among researchers and students centering around Osaka University theoretical science and physics.
RESULTS
Research progress
The Nambu Colloquium has been held 23 times
This program is designed to facilitate the integration of various fields of science with theoretical science at its core. It has brought together some 2,000 Osaka University faculty and students, constructed a foundation for scientific discussion, and has firmly embedded the colloquium culture in Osaka University, where it will play a key role in the cultivation and growth of science. The 20th colloquium was particularly noteworthy for the opportunity it provided to listen directly to the speech of Nobel laureate Prof. Kajita, and for its highly charged content. The exchange of questions and answers among the participants was rich in essence and was marked by discussions that consistently surpassed the limits of fields. The interest in science that it inspired went well beyond the usual boundaries of physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and other study fields, and numerous sincere opinions extolling the benefits of the colloquium were voiced by faculty members. The success of the program is evident in these observations.
Further development
Nourishing emanation of new science from Osaka University
Sustained implementation of this and other such programs will contribute greatly to continuing scientific development and nurture the emanation of new science from Osaka University. The Nambu Colloquium will continue to grow as a nexus for communicating Osaka University science to participants from outside the university. Moreover, it will further impart knowledge of value to those outside, as well as those inside, contributing to growing interest and insight in science by students and others. In this way, we will work to present subjects taken from a broad and growing range and nurture the growth of science at Osaka University, which was once home to Yoichiro Nambu and Hideki Yukawa, and to further the development of this program and its recognition throughout the nation.