International Center for Young Scientists ICYS NIMS

30/04/2026

Physical AI Reads Spoken Digits Directly from Throat Vibrations — 96.8% Recognition without Preprocessing!

We are excited to announce that
ICYS Research Fellow Dr. Daiki NISHIOKA has published a new paper in Advanced Electronic Materials!

Title:
Ion-Gating Reservoir Computing for Preprocessing-Free Speech Recognition from Throat Vibrations

Research Highlights:
This study demonstrates a speech-recognition system that seamlessly integrates sensing and AI processing. Throat-surface vibrations during speech are detected by a throat-mounted π-gel-electret mechanoelectric generator (MEG) sensor and directly fed into an artificial intelligence device: an ion-gel/graphene-based ion-gating reservoir (IGR).

Unlike conventional microphone-based speech recognition, the system does not require frequency-domain analysis, handcrafted feature extraction, or other digital preprocessing. Instead, the nonlinear ion–electron dynamics inside the material device physically transform raw biomechanical vibration signals into features suitable for classification.

The system achieved 96.8% accuracy in spoken-digit recognition, highlighting its potential for compact and low-power edge-AI applications, including noise-resilient wearable speech interfaces, assistive communication technologies, and spoof-resistant biometric authentication based on throat-vibration signatures.

Publication:Advanced Electronic Materials
Author: Dr. Daiki NISHIOKA (ICYS Research Fellow)
[Read the full paper here]
https://doi.org/10.1002/aelm.202600006

This work presents a throat-mounted mechanoelectric sensor integrated with an ion-gel/graphene reservoir device for on-device speech recognition. The system converts raw biomechanical vibrations into...

30/04/2026

Hydrogen Surface Science for Catalysis
ICYS Research Fellow Dr. Chikashi YOSHIMOTO
https://www.nims.go.jp/icys/research/

■Research
The realization of carbon neutrality requires a deeper understanding of surface reactions that govern catalytic processes such as CO2 utilization. In particular, hydrogen plays a key role, as its chemical state (it can exist in both protonic and hydridic states, i.e., H+/H−) strongly influences reaction pathways and product selectivity. However, experimental determination of hydrogen speciation at material surfaces remains limited. The aim of this research is to clarify the speciation and structural configuration of hydrogen at the material surface. Low-energy ERDA is employed to directly probe hydrogen at the outermost surface, while SIMS and molecular dynamics simulations provide complementary insights into hydrogen behaviour from surface to bulk. By integrating ion beam analysis and atomistic simulations, this study establishes a unified understanding of hydrogen from surface to bulk, providing a basis for materials design from the surface.

■Comments
I am delighted to conduct my research in the outstanding environment provided by ICYS. The program offers a valuable opportunity to pursue independent and ambitious research with access to advanced facilities at the National Institute for Materials Science.
My research background is in Earth and planetary sciences, where I have investigated hydrogen in natural materials. At ICYS, I aim to build on this perspective by incorporating advanced materials science approaches, focusing on hydrogen at material surfaces through ion beam analysis and atomistic simulations. This allows me to connect knowledge of hydrogen in natural systems with state-of-the-art techniques developed in materials science.
The interdisciplinary environment at ICYS, with researchers from diverse fields, provides a stimulating platform for exchanging ideas and developing new collaborations.

30/04/2026

Experimental determination and thermodynamic calculation of alloy phase diagram
ICYS Research Fellow Dr. Kazushige IOROI
https://www.nims.go.jp/icys/research/

■Research
The demand for accelerated development of novel materials has never been greater, driven by the rapid evolution of AI and machine learning technologies. Alloy phase diagrams are powerful tools for the exploration of new materials, as they provide essential guidance for microstructural control and alloy design. However, precisely investigating phase equilibrium through traditional experimental methods is a time-consuming and costly process. To address this challenge, our research aims to establish a high-throughput experimental framework for phase diagram determination. By streamlining the acquisition of experimental data, we provide foundational datasets essential for establishing robust thermodynamic databases for multicomponent systems. Moving forward, this approach will facilitate the design of complex alloy systems, such as high-entropy alloys (HEAs), leading to breakthroughs in advanced structural and functional materials.

■Comments
I joined ICYS following a three-year postdoctoral fellowship at Tohoku University. One of the most exciting aspects of ICYS is the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds. This environment also allows me to pursue my own independent research projects. Having direct access to the state-of-the-art facilities at NIMS is another significant advantage. I look forward to evolving as a researcher through the stimulating environment and interdisciplinary interactions here at ICYS.

30/04/2026

Nanoscale Control of Functional Material Properties in Nanophotonics
ICYS Research Fellow Dr. Naoki ICHIJI
https://www.nims.go.jp/icys/research/

■Research
The growing demand for efficient energy use and conversion has made photothermal energy conversion and thermal management increasingly important research topics. The aim of my research is to create new material functionalities by controlling heat at the micro- and nanoscale using light. Because many thermally driven phenomena are governed by thermal gradients, precise nanoscale control of heat could enable a variety of physical phenomena with very small energy input. In particular, I study how optical near fields and plasmonic structures can be used to generate and control localized heating and two-dimensional thermal distributions on material surfaces. By combining nanofabrication, optical measurements, and electromagnetic and thermal modeling, I seek to establish methods for precise control of heat using light, and to explore phase transitions and other physical phenomena driven by such controlled thermal fields.

■Comments
I am pleased to join ICYS as a research fellow. In my main research field, nanophotonics, the optical properties of materials are often controlled through geometrical design at the nanoscale. Building on this approach, I am interested in extending nanoscale optical control to a wider range of materials, including functional and magnetic materials. By making use of the broad expertise in materials science at NIMS, the advanced nanofabrication and characterization facilities, and interactions with researchers in different fields, I hope to contribute to the development of materials and devices that are both scientifically interesting and practically useful.

28/04/2026

Self-Assembled Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Nanoparticles for Tunable Optical Devices
ICYS Research Fellow Dr. Rina SATO
https://www.nims.go.jp/icys/research/ .SATO

■Research
For inorganic nanoparticles such as semiconductor quantum dots and metal colloids, effects of “surfaces” are more pronounced than for bulk materials. Their physical properties are thus highly sensitive to interparticle interactions, which are governed by the distance between neighboring nanoparticles.
My research aims to control the optical properties of inorganic nanoparticles by constructing two- and three-dimensional ordered structures through the self-assembly of organic ligands on nanoparticle surfaces. For example, if nanoparticle arrangements can be dynamically reorganized, this could enable switching of assembly-dependent properties and open the way to stimuli-responsive materials.
Controlling the collective functions of nanoparticles is also crucial for high-performance optoelectronic devices based on quantum dots. For instance, reducing interparticle distances in thin films is expected to improve charge transport. However, the collective behavior of nanoparticles within only a few nanometers remains insufficiently understood.
Through the precise control of interparticle distances using self-assembly, my research seeks to clarify distance-dependent properties and create rationally designed nanomaterials.

■Comments
I joined ICYS right after completing my PhD last year. What I appreciate most about ICYS is that it provides a stimulating environment where we can step away from our doctoral research topic and focus on a research plan based on our own original ideas.
At NIMS, researchers have access not only to state-of-the-art facilities that allow them to fully materialize their ideas, but also to support from experts in a wide range of instruments, who assist with experiments and analyses. In addition, there are many opportunities to receive feedback from researchers with diverse backgrounds, such as through annual research presentations to tenured NIMS researchers, as well as seminars and workshops with ICYS members.
I believe ICYS offers a truly valuable environment for young researchers to establish their originality and take the next step in their future careers.

28/04/2026

Folding of Two-Dimensional Materials Using Droplets Formed by LLPS
ICYS Research Fellow Dr. Shotaro YOTSUYA
https://www.nims.go.jp/icys/research/

■Research
My research explores new ways to control atomically thin two-dimensional semiconductor materials by taking inspiration from natural folding processes found in biological systems. Using liquid droplets, I developed a method to fold transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC), enabling structural modulation of materials that are otherwise difficult to handle mechanically. Folding not only improves their potential performance as electronic devices but also allows control over moiré structures arising from interlayer alignment. I am currently investigating how folding-induced one- and zero-dimensional structures can be integrated into two-dimensional materials to create novel quantum architectures.

■Comments
I am honored to have been appointed as an ICYS Research Fellow through the JSPS Young Researchers Employment Support Program. With the enhanced research support provided by this program, I am keenly aware of the high expectations placed on my work and am committed to pursuing my research with strong independence and motivation. In the field of two-dimensional materials, the availability of world-class, high-quality hexagonal boron nitride synthesized at NIMS represents a significant advantage for my research. By collaborating closely with my mentor and other researchers at NIMS, I look forward to further advancing my research activities.

04/03/2026

Call for Applications!
The International Center for Young Scientists (ICYS) of the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) invites outstanding researchers to apply for two career positions: ICYS Principal Investigator (PI) and ICYS Research Fellow (RF).
Location: Tsukuba, Japan　
Apply now!
https://www.nims.go.jp/icys/recruitment/

03/02/2026

Call for Applications!

Call for Applications!
The International Center for Young Scientists (ICYS) of the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) invites outstanding researchers to apply for two career positions: ICYS Principal Investigator (PI) and ICYS Research Fellow (RF).
Location: Tsukuba, Japan　Apply before March 24, 2026!
https://www.nims.go.jp/icys/recruitment/

26/11/2025

Dr. Shuntaro UENUMA, an ICYS Research Fellow, has been awarded the SCDJ Award for Young Scientists by the Society of Cyclodextrin, Japan on November 9, 2025.

▶The Society of Cyclodextrin, Japan
https://scdj.jp/award/academic-encouragement/
SCDJ Award for Young Scientists
Award Recipient: Shuntaro UENUMA
Presentation Title: Study on Hierarchically Ordered Self-assembly of Cyclodextrin and Polymer
https://www.nims.go.jp/icys/news/2025/110901.html

28/10/2025

Dr. Linawati SUTRISNO, ICYS Research Fellow, Received the Presentation Award at the 1st Academic Conference on Bionic Materials Chemistry held in Suzhou, China

At the 1st Academic Conference on Bionic Materials Chemistry, held from Oct. 17 to 20, 2025, in Suzhou, China, Dr. Linawati SUTRISNO, an ICYS Research Fellow, received the Presentation Award.

▶The 1st Academic Conference on Bionic Materials Chemistry
https://www.chemsoc.org.cn/meeting/1SBMC/a6598.html

Presentation Award.
Award Recipient: Linawati SUTRISNO
Presentation Title: Visualizing the Chronicle of Multiple Cell Fates Using New Class of Near-IR Dual-RNA/DNA-Targeting Probe

https://www.nims.go.jp/icys/news/2025/102001.html