Kazuhiro Kuruma Assistant professor
Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo
November 17, 2025
FUTI Travel Award Report
The purpose of this travel was twofold: (1) to visit research laboratories at Harvard University and Boston University (USA), and University of York (UK), and (2) to participate in PECS-XIV (UK), one of the leading international meetings in nanophotonics.
On November 5, 7, and 8, I visited Prof. Marko Lončar’s group at Harvard University. During my stay, I discussed ongoing research projects with graduate students and researchers, particularly those related to diamond and lithium niobate nanophotonics. I also had the opportunity to tour their experimental facilities, including their state-of-the-art nanofabrication environment and advanced optical measurement systems. Observing these world-class facilities firsthand was highly valuable for deepening my understanding of the technical foundations of their research.
On November 6, I visited Prof. Ji-Xin Cheng’s group at Boston University to learn about their cutting-edge imaging technologies, which are highly relevant to the next phase of my own research directions.
From November 10 to 12, I participated in PECS-XIV in Glasgow. First established in 1999 in Laguna Beach, USA, PECS is widely regarded as one of the most respected international forums for photonic and electromagnetic crystal research, attracting leading researchers from around the world. The conference format, including shared meals, receptions, poster sessions, and opportunities for informal discussion, is designed to promote intensive interaction among participants. Through these numerous opportunities for exchange, I engaged in deep scientific discussions with researchers from a wide range of fields, including those slightly outside my own. These conversations provided invaluable insights for my future work and allowed me to build new international connections. I delivered an invited talk on diamond-based nanophotonics and received constructive advice and feedback from many researchers, which I expect will significantly contribute to shaping the future direction of my research.
Following the conference, on November 13, I visited the groups of Prof. Thomas Krauss and Prof. Yue Wang at University of York. Their teams are internationally recognized for pioneering research in nanophotonics, including nanostructure-based biosensors and 2D-material photonics. Observing their experimental environment and interacting directly with the researchers enabled me to deepen my understanding of their work and to explore potential avenues for future collaboration.
This trip provided an exceptionally meaningful opportunity to engage with leading international researchers in my field and to expand my global research network, aligning well with the mission of the FUTI Travel Award to support young researchers in building strong international connections.
