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IMS Workshop

Lecture Title “Superatomic Materials: Advanced Research Linking Structure, Electronic States, and Function”
Date Friday 9 October 2026 10:00 to 20:00
Place

Okazaki Conference Center, Small Conference Room

Summary

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the precise synthesis of “superatoms”—clusters composed of well-defined numbers and types of atoms that possess discrete, atom-like electronic states. The creation of “superatomic materials” by linking and assembling these superatoms has attracted considerable attention as an emerging frontier in materials chemistry. However, the rational design of their
 functions and their development toward practical applications require an integrated understanding of their structures, electronic states, and dynamics across multiple hierarchical levels, from isolated superatoms to extended assemblies. Achieving this goal requires researchers engaged in synthesis, characterization of physical properties and functions, advanced measurement, and theoretical calculations to identify critical challenges and engage in discussion across disciplinary boundaries.
This workshop will bring together researchers primarily from the Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Areas (A) project “Superatomic Materials.” Professor Manfred Kappes of the Karlsruhe
 Institute of Technology, a world-leading researcher in the field of isolated gas-phase clusters, will be invited as the keynote speaker. Participants will discuss the latest advances in the field and its future prospects. In particular, experimental and theoretical researchers will jointly address the fundamental question, “What functions can be realized only with superatoms?” from a broad range ofperspectives. The workshop will also provide students and early-career researchers with opportunities to learn about the forefront of the field and to participate actively in interdisciplinary discussions.
By promoting cross-disciplinary dialogue at the Institute for Molecular Science, where strong research foundations in materials synthesis, advanced measurement, and theoretical chemistry converge, this workshop aims to foster the formation of a new research community and provide momentum for future collaborative research.

On the morning of October 10, a tour of the Institute for Molecular Science (IMS) and UVSOR will be offered to interested participants.

Morning Session: Fundamentals and Advances in Superatomic Materials

9:30–10:00
    Registration
10:00–10:10
    Opening Remarks and Introduction to the Workshop
10:10–10:50
    Tutorial Lecture 1: From Superatoms to Superatomic Materials
  Tatsuya Tsukuda, The University of Tokyo
10:50–11:30
  Tutorial Lecture 2: Understanding the Structure and Electronic States of Superatoms through Quantum ChemistryPerspective
  Tetsuya Taketsugu, Hokkaido University
11:30–12:10
  Tutorial Lecture 3: Toward Further Advancement of Superatomic Materials
  Yuichi Negishi, Tohoku University
12:10–13:00
    Lunch and Free Discussion

Afternoon Session: Advanced Research Linking Structure, Electronic States, and Function

13:00–14:00
    Keynote Lecture
  Manfred M. Kappes, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
    “Cluster Ions in Isolation: From Structure to Function”
14:00–14:30
    Invited Lecture 1
    Masahiro Ehara, Institute for Molecular Science
   “Theoretical Studies on the Electronic Structures and Functions of Clusters”
14:30–15:00
    Invited Lecture 2
    Takane Imaoka, Institute of Science Tokyo
   “Can Artificial Atoms Form 2D Solids? Assembly of Planar Gold Clusters”
15:00–15:15
    Break
15:15–15:45
    Invited Lecture 3
    Takuya Nakashima, Osaka Metropolitan University
   “Manipulating Excited State Chiroptical Dynamics in a Silver Cluster”
15:45–16:15
    Invited Lecture 4
    Fumihiko Matsui, Institute for Molecular Science
   “Symmetry Breaking on Solid Surfaces: Imaging Emergent Electronic and Spin States Via Photoelectron Momentum Microscopy “

(OCC Middle Conference Room)
16:30–18:00
    Poster Session
18:30–20:00
    Networking Reception (Stand Bar & Party Space JUGOYA, 2nd Floor, Oto River Side Terrace, Higashi-Okazaki Station)

Other

■Registration site: https://registration.ims.ac.jp/superatom26/
Application Deadline: Friday, September 18