TFC × TEL × RMC Collaborative Project: Sustainable Open Innovation Seminar
— AI for Science: Exploring the Frontiers of Society and Knowledge —
The Fourth Seminar
Information
Date
Monday, October 26, 2026
Venue
- TOKYO ELECTRON House of Creativity 3F, Lecture Theater, Katahira Campus, Tohoku University [Access]
- Online
Overview of the Seminar Series
In recent years, AI (Artificial Intelligence) has attracted significant attention as a powerful tool for addressing societal challenges. At the same time, it is rapidly becoming a foundational technology that is transforming the very nature of academic research itself, across diverse fields such as materials science, life sciences, linguistics, and space science.
The purpose of this seminar series is to reconsider AI as a “new foundation for scientific inquiry” that deepens our understanding of science. Specifically, the seminar will introduce cutting—edge research from three perspectives:
(1) AI research that aims to autonomously perform scientific reasoning,
(2) AI for science that accelerates simulation and analysis, and
(3) applied AI research that connects these advances to real—world problem solving, such as materials development and drug discovery.
Through interdisciplinary discussions, the series aims to illuminate the paradigm shifts enabled by AI and its potential contributions to a sustainable society. It will also explore how AI expands the ways researchers think, explore, and generate new knowledge.
Speakers
Hao Li (Distinguished Professor, Tohoku University / WPI-AIMR, Tohoku University)
Registration
Registration deadline: Monday, October 19, 2026 17:00 (JST)
Registration Form
Time Schedule
- Moderator: Marc Hansen (Research Management Center, Tohoku University)
- 14:00 – 15:00
- Hao Li (Distinguished Professor, Tohoku University / WPI-AIMR, Tohoku University)
- AI-Driven Materials Discovery: The Future of Autonomous Laboratories
Abstract
This talk introduces a new system designed to discover and develop novel aterials at unprecedented speeds using artificial intelligence. Traditionally, creating new materials has relied heavily on human trial and error—a process that takes years and immense effort. This new platform creates a fully automated "smart loop" by connecting key technologies:
- Massive Datasets & AI: Analyzing past research to predict winning combinations.
- Physics-Based Models: Grounding AI predictions in real-world science.
- Automated Lab Systems: Testing and validating formulas automatically with robotics.
By running these steps continuously, the system rapidly turns raw data into promising candidates, ready to test for real-world use. This approach powers innovations in electric vehicle batteries, clean hydrogen storage, and high-efficiency catalysts, offering a scalable roadmap for the future of data-driven technology.
＊Following the lecture, we will hold a reception in the lounge on the first floor of the Knowledge Hall, where the speaker will mingle with seminar participants. If you have time, we hope you will join us.
Poster
- Download [PDF]
Hosted by
- Tokyo Electron Limited
- Tohoku Forum for Creativity, Organization for Research Promotion, Tohoku University
- Research Management Center (RMC), Organization for Research Promotion, Tohoku University
Organizers
Yuji Ogino (Tokyo Electron Limited)
Michio Yoshiwaki (Tohoku Forum for Creativity, Tohoku University)
Marc Hansen (Research Management Center, Tohoku University)
Ryo Sugawara (Research Management Center, Tohoku University)
Yoshihiko Kawasaki (Research Management Center, Tohoku University)
Yoshiaki Maeda (Tohoku Forum for Creativity, Tohoku University)
Contact
tfc_se*grp.tohoku.ac.jp (change * to @)