| POLYMERS Vol.71 No.3 |
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COVER STORY
Japan’s Role and International Collaboration in World Polymer Society |
| COVER STORY: Highlight Reviews |
| Global Cooperation on Polymers, Present and Future | Tetsuya TOYOSHIMA, Teruhiko SUZUKI |
| <Abstract> The role of Japan in the global community of polymer science and technology has changed over time. Active collaboration in research and crossing over the borders of countries or among the communities of industry, government, and academia have become a trend in the world. In addition, polymer materials are now on a sensitive position in the global movement to a sustainable world. Therefore, innovation on polymers is ever more strongly required. This prospective article reviews the past and present in international collaborations in the field of polymers and emphasizes the role of the polymer industry in the future. Keywords: International Cooperation / Polymer Science / Polymer Industry / Sustainability of Polymers |
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| Roles of Japanese Polymer Scientists in the Global Society | Toyoko IMAE |
| <Abstract> Polymers invented in the 20th century contributed to the development of human civilization. However, a century later, several crises that threatened human life became clear. Issues, which should be resolved, are carbon neutrality, depletion of natural resources, no-plastics, and space waste. Japanese polymer scientists are expected to make a positive contribution from a leader’s point of view to these global issues. Keywords: Global Issue / Carbon Neutrality / Natural Resource Depletion / No-Plastics / Space Waste |
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| COVER STORY: Topics and Products |
| Vietnam Plastics Industry and A Basic Research for Creation of Natural Rubber Chemistry Through Vietnam-Japan Research Collaborations | Phan Trung NGHIA, Hoang The BAN |
| <Abstract> This article reports the present status of Vietnam plastics industry as well as the outstanding results of a basic research project (ESCANBER) for the improvement and high performance of the Vietnamese natural rubber products based on the granting of Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the collaborations with Japanese universities and research institutes. This five-year international project has brought new insight into the research and development for the Vietnamese natural rubber industry having more than a 120 years long history. A new technology for the complete and effective removal of protein in the local natural rubber latex has been developed and the obtaining deproteinized natural rubber product can be applied for the production of highly functionalized polymers. In addition, this project has also remarkably contributed to the strengthening of the research collaboration between both the countries, especially in term of training the local research human resources in the field of rubber and polymer. Keywords: Vietnam Plastics Industry / Deproteinized Natural Rubber / Highly Functional Polymer / Graft Copolymerization / Escanber Project |
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| Polymer Research in China: A Brief Introduction | Pengju PAN |
| <Abstract> Polymer materials play an indispensable role in the national economy of China. In this article, I briefly introduce the research trends, faced problems, and latest topics of the recent polymer researches in China. In recent decades, the Chinese polymer community has made significant contributions to the fields of polymer chemistry, polymer physics, and functional polymer materials. The most important trend of polymer researches in China is the interdisciplinary development with other disciplines. An encountered problem of polymer research in China is that the researchers of universities and institutes should coorporate more with the industry community. One of the latest topics of polymer research in China is related to the ecofriendly polymers such as new energy materials and biomass/biodegradable materials. Keywords: China / Polymer Research / Research Trend / Faced Problems / Latest Topics / Interdisciplinary Development / Functional Polymer Materials / Ecofriendly Materials |
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| Polymer-Related Research Funding in the U.S. | Reika KATSUMATA |
| <Abstract> President Biden proposed a massive $ 250B investment in research, clearly showing support for science and technology. On the other hand, the US-China trade war creates new threats and opportunities in US research. Reflecting on such a critical turning point, this paper reviews recent trends of US funding agencies, particularly in the polymer-related area. I also share a behind the scenes story of proposal submission, rejection, and acceptance as a junior principal investigator in the US. Keywords: Polymer / Research Funding / Government Agency / Junior PI / U.S. |
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| Reimported from Singapore to Japan | Yukari SEGAWA |
| <Abstract> I came back to Japan as an expat after working as a local hire in P&G Singapore Innovation Center for about 6 years. I would like to share some of my thoughts and findings about working in Japan based on my experience. High expectation is one of key drivers for high quality of service and products in Japan. However, it sometimes limits speed of innovation and hinders the build-up of self-confidence. It could be improved by taking smart risks, making faster decisions, and having a growth mindset. Also, working under the COVID-19 pandemic revealed inflexibility of working locations. It’s important to provide an environment to maximize the individual’s performance regardless of the location and have right rating system based on deliverables vs commitment. I believe we have many opportunities to make Japan better place to work and live. Let’s start making small changes in mindset and point of view! Keywords: Working in Japan / Work from Home / Opportunity / Growth Mindset |
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| Why is Research Abroad Essential? | Yuki NAGATA |
| <Abstract> Why do the young researchers not want to study and carry out research abroad? Why do faculty members not encourage the young scholars to go abroad? Here, I list up several views on “working abroad”, and discuss which gains one can make and what would be a potential risk to be abroad. Furthermore, I outline the difference of the science policy between Japan and Germany. Keywords: Research Abroad |
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| Polymer Science and I: A Personal Account |
| Liquid and Solid | Takuya KATASHIMA |
| <Abstract> Rheology studies the deformation and flow of materials and distinguishes between liquids and solids. There are two approaches in rheology: the phenomenological and the molecular approaches. The author would like to use the two approaches flexibly like a liquid while keeping his research style as a rheologist like a solid. |
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| Front-Line Polymer Science |
| The Cutting Edge of Small-Angle X-Ray and Neutron Scattering | Mikihito TAKENAKA |
| <Abstract> The SAXS-CT method combining SAXS and CT and the multi-component structural analysis method using contrast variation method in small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering will be discussed. Keywords: SAXS-CT / Anomalous Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering （AXAXS） / Contrast Variation Small-Angle Neutron Scattering （CV-SANS） |
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