Message from the Director

The Neutron Science and Technology Center (NSTC) of the Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society (CROSS) is one of the Registered Institutions Promoting Use of Facilities, designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) under the Act on the Promotion of Public Utilization of the Specific Advanced Large Research Facilities. As such, CROSS is responsible for promoting user access to the Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility (MLF) at J-PARC, the Specific Neutron Facility under the Act. The designation is renewed every five years, and the fourth term commenced in April 2026.

Under the theme “Bringing Neutrons Closer to Everyone — Driving Innovation in Research and Industry,” we have established the following four guiding principles for the fourth term:

• Creating groundbreaking scientific achievements utilizing the 1 MW high-intensity neutron beam and expanding the neutron user community through inter-organizational collaboration
• Enhancing user support systems and experimental/analytical environments through the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation (DX)
• Creating new industrial value by strengthening academia-industry-government collaboration
• Fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers who will lead the future of neutron science

I was honored to be appointed as the fourth Director of NSTC in June 2026. Much like the steady increase in the beam power of the MLF neutron source, CROSS has expanded its activities by taking solid, progressive steps forward. Over the years, I have seen its remarkable growth. This includes not only providing user support for seven public beamlines, generating achievements, and disseminating research results, but also broadening our services through initiatives such as J-JOIN, a unified neutron and muon portal site for both the MLF and the JRR-3 research reactor operated by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA); the establishment of the Neutron Industrial Application Promotion Center and participation in the operation of two Ibaraki Prefecture neutron beamlines; and collaborative programs linking academia, industry, and government, including the Consortium, the Alliance, and the newly launched CROSS Neutron Plaza.

Over the next five years of our fourth term, I believe we will witness a profound qualitative shift in how neutron science is utilized. We will fully embracing AI and DX to strengthen and broaden the foundation of neutron utilization. CROSS has a vital mission to steer the course toward this future. To realize our four guiding principles at the highest level and fulfill this mission, our entire staff will work together as one. Let us shape the future together with our users and communities in academia and industry, as well as with all of our potential future users.