Past Study Groups

While QCD (quantum chromodynamics) has a long history, it has aroused endless theoretical interest, and new attempts and ideas are always advocated. Furthermore, it evolves continuously by actively incorporating advances in other areas of physics. We hold a QCD study group in order to share the information on the latest development in QCD. We take a longer time than ordinary seminars (~ 2 hours + discussion), and encourage the participants to ask questions without time constraint. It is held once a month either at RIKEN, the University of Tokyo (Hongo Campus) or Keio University (Hiyoshi Campus).

Scientific visualization is a key tool in natural sciences, for observation and simulation data alike. Manipulating 3D data in a meaningful way is a non-trivial task, that requires a knowledge of both the physics at play, and the visualization techniques involved. The main purpose of this study group is to establish how immersive visualization can enable scientific discovery, using virtual realty (VR) systems. Recent developments on both the hardware side and the software side have dramatically lowered the cost to entry to VR. We think the technology is poised to play a key role in the future of education and public outreach. So we have embarked on this project, to develop adequate tools and the relevant expertise, to be able to harness VR for our research.

Our goal is to provide a clearer overview of wider theoretical disciplines on the basis of information theory, by making close connections across fields: physics, mathematics, engineering, biology, chemistry, and whatever areas that have to do with mathematics.

The aim of this study group is to introduce researchers in iTHEMS to various recent research topics in mathematical sciences and the variety of mathematical research areas. Another important aim is to enhance the mathematical interaction between researchers from various fields.

In science, significant breakthroughs often stem from the connection between two distinct disciplines. Induced superconductivity can be observed in DNA via the proximity effect. A non-zero Chern number reveals that ocean and atmospheric waves exhibit similar underline features of topological insulators. The goal of this study group is twofold: 1. Build multiple bridges from quantum matter to other fields, and 2. explore the fundamentals of quantum matter. The study group aims to initiate a connection between iTHEMS and the Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) through talks and lectures, stimulate international collaborations by inviting speakers worldwide.