[Project Name]

Recycling-based material synthesis and application development toward a sustainable society (academic year 2022-23)

[Project Outline and Features and Objectives of Research]

In the 20th century, industrial technological innovation brought about a period of dramatic growth for the world economy, with economic development underpinned by trends such as mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal. However, the over-exploitation of natural resources led to the emergence of serious social problems that continue to be major issues today, such as pollution and fears about resource depletion. Creating a sustainable society will require conventional technologies that allow the efficient use of resources and energy, but also for new technologies to be developed through the lens of “material circulation” aimed at reducing the generation of new waste through recycling.

The Innovative Materials and Processing Research Center has sought to approach and realize science and technology according to the founding spirit of Ryukoku University and fulfills its responsibilities as part of a Buddhist university with science and engineering faculties by amassing advanced science and technology and vast knowledge on the efficient use of resources and energy.

Underpinning this work, this project aims to achieve “recycling-based material synthesis and application development toward a sustainable society” through the following two lenses: (1) “use”-oriented manufacturing, and (2) “restore”-oriented manufacturing. By pursuing this project, the Innovative Materials and Processing Research Center will make a significant contribution toward forming a sustainable, recycling-oriented society, and through distinguishing education and research will also nurture and produce students who aim to create a sustainable society.

(1) “Use”-oriented manufacturing

Innovative design and manufacturing processes that create safety, security, and human-friendly materials through the lens of energy and resource conservation. In short, “use”-oriented manufacturing focuses on the relationship between “people” and “things” and tackles manufacturing from the viewpoint of “use.”

(2) “Restore”-oriented manufacturing

Material design that is conscious of recycling and reuse and technologies that limit the return of “things” to the natural environment and “restore” them into circulation as “new things.” In short, “restore”-oriented manufacturing focuses on the relationship between “environment” and “things” and tackles manufacturing from the viewpoint of “restoration.”

2006-2010

MEXT project to promote advancement of academic research at private universities: High-Tech Research Center Development Project

2012

Project to promote advancement of research at all universities

2013-2017

MEXT project to support formation of strategic research infrastructure at private universities

2018-2021

Ryukoku University branding project, Ryukoku University Priority Reinforcement Research Promotion Project

2022-2023

Ryukoku University branding project, Ryukoku University Priority Reinforcement Research Promotion Project