Greeting of the Director, Purpose and Organization

It is with immense excitement and deep gratitude that I assume the position of Director of the Plasma Research Center (PRC) at the esteemed University of Tsukuba. I wholeheartedly recognize the profound significance of this role and am truly honored to lead PRC into an exhilarating new chapter of growth and innovation.

My first priority is to ensure that the projects PRC has nurtured continue and reach new heights. The solid foundation we have built, coupled with the impressive accomplishments of our collaborative efforts and the exceptional capabilities of our team, represents one of PRC’s greatest treasures. Together, we will confidently leverage this foundation to embrace fresh challenges, paving an optimistic path towards the future.

At the heart of PRC's mission lies a commitment to advancing plasma science, with a particular emphasis on fusion research—an area known for its complex challenges but also for its extraordinary potential. PRC is proud to host a vibrant community of students, including undergraduates, and we passionately view the education and mentorship of the next generation as one of our most vital responsibilities.

To fulfill this noble mission, PRC is eager to engage in cutting-edge fusion research. The obstacles ahead may be daunting, yet they present precious opportunities for transformative discoveries that propel global scientific advancement. With our expertise in plasma science, PRC is ready to tackle these fundamental challenges and strengthen its position as a leading international research hub.

We're excited to expand plasma technologies beyond traditional uses into new areas like plasma chemistry and plasma agriculture. We aim to expedite the transition from groundbreaking scientific discoveries to meaningful industrial applications. By strengthening our scholarship and making its benefits visible across society, we aim to create value through plasma science, build new industries, and improve the future for everyone.

In addition, we are committed to broadening our international collaborations. Exceptional knowledge gains far greater influence when it crosses borders and unites diverse perspectives. We warmly welcome researchers from Japan and around the world, as well as passionate students eager to explore this fascinating field. We aim to be an open, inclusive center for research and education that generates new knowledge through interdisciplinary and intergenerational exchange.

Building on our legacy, PRC will continue to advance fusion research, explore new frontiers in plasma science, nurture future leaders, and contribute positively to society. I am deeply appreciative of your continued understanding and unwavering support as we embark on this remarkable journey together.

Warm regards,

Haruhiko Himura
Director, Plasma Research Center
Professor, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences
Professor Emeritus, Kyoto Institute of Technology

Based on the first achievement of the confinement improvement via plasma electric potential, we are challenging the research on Fusion Plasma Energy, "the Energy of the Sun", aiming for future use.

Our mission is the original contribution to the plasma and fusion research through the mirror advantages of 1) the end loss particle control, 2) electric potential/field control, and their applications. Especially, to clarify the mechanism of the effects of the electric potential and field on the core and boundary plasma transport. At the same time our center aims at educating approximately 50 students per year and dedicating it to nationwide joint research.

The center's main experimental device is GAMMA 10/PDX, which is a world-class tandem mirror device. Research is being conducted on various plasma physics and nuclear fusion engineering issues using GAMMA 10/PDX.

Our center is directly under the University and authorized as the nationwide joint use and joint research center by the president of the University. The teaching and researching staff are composed of the members from the Physics department and the Electronic Physics Engineering department in the Graduate school of Pure and applied Sciences.

There are two steering committees. One is the Plasma Research Center Steering Conference which includes members of the outside of Tsukuba university and gives the over-looking opinion. The other is the Plasma Research Center Steering Committee which consists of the faculty members on campus (majority is outside of the Center) for quick decision of the major operation. Daily decisions are done by the PRC Experimental Meeting composed of the research group leaders. Our center participates in the Bilateral Collaboration Research which is coordinated by NIFS. This system makes our center effective nationwide collaborative center.