Message from the Chairman

Yuichi Ikuhara
Chairman
Kazato Research Foundation

 The electron microscope developing technologies in Japan reached the world's top level in the middle of the 1960s. In 1966, the ICEM (International Congress for Electron Microscopy) (the 6th) was held in Kyoto, for the first time in Japan. After this epoch-making event, in the field of precision scientific instruments, electron microscopes made in Japan started to be widely exported to leading industrialized countries (USA and Europe). This accelerated the use of Japan-made electron microscopes and our electron microscopes greatly contributed to scientific research around the world. Under these circumstances, in 1968, the founder of JEOL Ltd., Mr. Kenji Kazato (then president), offered a donation based on his gratitude for support from society for the success of his electron microscope business. He hoped to return his profits for the further development of electron microscopes (electron microscopy). His donations were used to establish the Kazato Research Foundation. Then, the foundation started research grant programs for fostering young researchers in electron microscopy. Since its establishment, under the incessant support of JEOL, the Kazato Research Foundation has continued its research grant programs for more than 50 years.
 On the other hand, the development of electron microscopy for these 50 years has been remarkable. The performance of TEMs, SEMs, analytical electron microscopes, and STEMs has been drastically improved, enabling structural analysis at the atomic/molecular level, as well as local composition and state analysis. Moreover, recently, with the realization of various innovative new technologies, electron microscope-related fields are truly at a turning point. The spread of aberration correction technology, application to bio science, advance of Cryo TEM, improved performance of scanning probe microscope, enhanced in-situ observation technology, new electromagnetic field observation method, ultra-high sensitivity camera technology, application of AI technology, sophistication and high performance of analytical software are remarkable, and are still in progress. In addition, these technologies are being applied for analysis of materials and living bodies, and leading to innovative developments in a wide range of fields. It is not too much to say that the electron microscope (electron microscopy) is exactly a key technology that is extremely important for the future progress in science and technology, whether in materials, instruments, medical or biological fields.
 Under these circumstances, the foundation presents the Kazato Prize to the researchers who have made outstanding achievements in electron microscopes and related fields. The Kazato Research Encouragement Prize are awarded to those who are promising and who have achieved an excellent performance in the said fields. The Travel Expense Grant Program for International Conferences is another grant to support young researchers who would present at international conferences. Now, the number of the grant recipients has amounted to as many as about 688 since the establishment of the foundation. It is a great pleasure for us that all of the presentees have produced excellent scientific achievements through electron microscopes and they are now playing important roles in a wide range of fields as leading researchers.
 In April 2012, the foundation began operations as the “Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Kazato Research Foundation”. The foundation wishes to further pursue the aim of establishing the foundation through prize presentation and grant programs, as well as contributing to the development of electron microscope fields and their future.
Finally, I sincerely hope for your continued support and guidance.

Jul 2024