Nanophotonics is a research field in which light is freely controlled by nanosized structures even smaller than the wavelengths of light itself. A Kobe University research group developed a nanoparticle made from silicon called a “nano-antenna” and provided this nanomaterial to research institutes both in Japan and overseas, engaging in international joint research projects for the past three years. This research then developed into an international research platform with Kobe University at its core and is expected to be applied to a wide variety of fields, from next-generation optical information communications technology to life sciences. We asked Associate Professor SUGIMOTO Hiroshi of the Graduate School of Engineering, an expert at the forefront of his field, about the results of the past three years and his thoughts on potential future developments.

Many people struggle with sleep. It is a topic deeply related not only to personal health and lifestyle, but also with trends in society as a whole. Associate Professor FURUTANI Maki of the Graduate School of Human Development and Environment conducts research on sleep from the field of psychology while also working to spread her knowledge in schools and throughout the community. She spoke to us about the relationship between sleep and human well-being, i.e., being in good shape physically, emotionally and socially, as well as about the current state of sleep education, which aims to disseminate accurate knowledge on the subject.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is spearheading Tennessee’s AI future through the AI Tennessee initiative. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government, UT advances AI research, education, and workforce development. Programs like AI TechX and CECS integrate cutting-edge technologies into curricula, ensuring ethical innovation and impactful applications statewide.

Incidents that make us consider the relationship between humans and wild animals are happening all over Japan, from bear attacks to crop damage by wild animals. How should we interpret the current situation, and how should we respond? We sat down to talk about coexistence between humans and wild animals with KIYONO Mieko, associate professor at the Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, who primarily performs research on the ecology of the Japanese macaque, a species of monkey, via surveys and practical activity in agricultural regions.

A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a simple and affordable hydrogel coating that not only enhances the heat dissipation in solar panels for cooling their “hot spots” effectively, but also increases power generation efficiency, ultimately supporting Hong Kong’s goal of achieving urban carbon neutrality. Hot spots, often caused by partial shading, have long been the culprit behind diminishing power generation efficiency of solar panels, compromising the stability of entire power supply systems over time. This PolyU innovation offers an effective and robust solution to a key industry pain point.A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a simple and affordable hydrogel coating that not only enhances the heat dissipation in solar panels for cooling their “hot spots” effectively, but also increases power generation efficiency, ultimately supporting Hong Kong’s goal of achieving urban carbon neutrality. Hot spots, often caused by partial shading, have long been the culprit behind diminishing power generation efficiency of solar panels, compromising the stability of entire power supply systems over time. This PolyU innovation offers an effective and robust solution to a key industry pain point.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to pioneering innovative transportation technologies that enable sustainable and efficient mobility. A novel research project of PolyU, aimed at developing a universal vehicle self-diagnosis system driven by automotive component data and real-time predictive analytics, has received support from the Smart Traffic Fund. This support strengthens the capabilities in intelligent vehicle management and maintenance.

With the advances in smart materials and structures, integrated sensors and actuators, and AI technologies, the smart aircraft is becoming a new generation emergent and disruptive aeronautical technology. Based on the international symposium on Smart Aircraft 2019, Chinese Journal of Aeronautics (CJA) organized the first special topic on smart aircraft 1.0 published in 2021.

Two research projects from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been awarded the second-class award in the 2025 Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Natural Sciences and Engineering Technology) by the Ministry of Education. The accolades serve as recognition of the research teams’ breakthrough contributions in the frontier fields of antibiotic resistance mechanisms in bacteria and flexible electronics technology, affirming the University’s research strength in both fundamental research and technological innovation.Two research projects from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have been awarded the second-class award in the 2025 Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Natural Sciences and Engineering Technology) by the Ministry of Education. The accolades serve as recognition of the research teams’ breakthrough contributions in the frontier fields of antibiotic resistance mechanisms in bacteria and flexible electronics technology, affirming the University’s research strength in both fundamental research and technological innovation.

In an era when artificial intelligence (AI) is touted as a disruptor of education, a series of landmark studies from the Shanghai Institute of Artificial Intelligence for Education, East China Normal University (ECNU), captures a more human-focused course. Published in a special issue of ECNU Review of Education, these four research projects, grounded in empirical data, deploys AI not to replace the human elements of teaching and learning, but to fundamentally understand and enhance them.