The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo (UEC, Tokyo) welcomed more than 200 participants to the third 'Unique & Exciting Research Symposium, UEC' on 3^rd December 2015. These highly successful series of symposia are supported by the MEXT Program for promoting the Enhancement of Research Universities.

A delegation led by Yu Wang, president of the Academy of Opto-Electronics (AOE), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), visited the University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo (UEC, Tokyo) to discuss collaborating on optical engineering and opto-electronics research with Kaoru Minoshima at the Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, UEC.

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC) could provide an alternative to traditional fossil fuel power, but higher performance and durability under harsh conditions are needed before PEFC vehicles can be considered commercially viable. Now researchers at the University of Electro-Communications, the University of Tokushima and Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute in Japan have synthesised catalysts from platinum cobalt (PtCo₃) nanoparticles on carbon (C) with tin oxide (SnO₂) nanoislands and shown that they perform better than any previously reported.

Tiny nanoscale molecules in the form of spherical carbon cages, or 'fullerenes', have received considerable attention in recent years. Individual or small groups of atoms can be trapped inside fullerenes, creating stable molecules with unique electronic structures and unusual properties that can be exploited in the field of nanomaterials and biomedical science.

The contents of the September 2015 issue of the University of Electro-Communications e-Bulletin include: feature article on innovative organolead halide perovskite solar cells solar cells with conversion efficiencies over 20%; research highlights on quantum dot solar cells, and a paper on the analysis of apparently smooth movements that may help to understand jerky motor motion; news summaries on the launch of the UEC Info-Powered Energy System Research Center (iPERC), the visit of delegates from Binghamton University, State University of New York, and proceedings of the Japanese Neural Network Society Workshop on "Data-driven approach for understanding cerebellar mechanisms on eye movement control" held at UEC; topical spotlights on UEC students receiving awards at an international conference, and Professor Takayoshi Kobayashi's pioneering research on ultrashort pulse lasers, ultrafast spectroscopy, and quantum information.

The creation of lasers that can generate a coherent stream of X-ray radiation at short wavelengths has long been a goal for scientists. The primary aim of such 'X-ray lasers' is to produce high quality, high resolution images of tiny targets, such as molecules. However, the wavelengths of lasers developed to date are still too large to result in clear, detailed images of such targets.

The June 2015 issue of the University of Electro-Communications e- Bulletin includes research highlights on advanced wireless and communications; exotic chemistry processes in the formation of star; insights into electron transport in the semi-metal, bismuth; mathematical approach to deciphering noisy observations using multiterminal source coding; physics of light-matter interaction on the atomic scale; and the findings of an information technology based approach for the analysis of onomatopoeia.

Fuel cells have the potential to provide clean energy for powering vehicles, but improved performance and durability are needed for wide-spread commercialisation.

The March 2015 issue of the University of Electro-Communications e-Bulletin includes research highlights on fuel cells; cybersecurity; brain science and mechanisms of long-term memory; biphotons for future quantum communication; virtual robotization for human limbs; high tech hydroponics and water agriculture; and 'innovative technologies' to assist the elderly with cognitive and physical difficulties.

On 20 December 2013, the UN General Assembly 68th Session proclaimed 2015 as the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015). Here is an interview video from UEC Researchers.