In Memory of Professor Hideki Shirakawa

 

Upon receiving the sad news of the passing of Professor Hideki Shirakawa, we express our deepest condolences on behalf of the Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences and the Department of Materials Science at the University of Tsukuba.

 

Professor Shirakawa was affiliated for many years with the former Institute of Materials Science, the predecessor of the current Department of Materials Science, and made tremendous contributions to establishing the outstanding research foundation in materials science and engineering that our university proudly presents to the world. His great achievement in pioneering the entirely new academic field of “conducting polymers” through highly advanced interdisciplinary research transcending the boundaries of chemistry and physics marked the dawn of the current field of “organic electronics.” This has led to the dramatic advancement of research on next-generation devices such as organic LEDs, organic solar cells, and organic transistors. This immense contribution, symbolized by his receipt of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000, demonstrated to the world the high research capabilities possessed by the Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences at our university. This remains the greatest source of pride for all researchers gathered in the Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences and the Department of Materials Science, and continues to be a high goal as we strive for world-class research today.

 

His attitude of seeking truth by fusing chemistry and physics, as well as his promotion of open-minded and vigorous discussions across disciplinary boundaries, vividly lives on as the origin of the philosophy of the “fusion of science and engineering” upheld by the current Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences. Along with the passion he poured into nurturing young researchers and graduate students, this spirit remains a powerful driving force today for producing cutting-edge research results that are highly evaluated internationally. His Professor Emeritus office, which is still carefully maintained within the Department of Materials Science, along with the “Shirakawa Memorial Room” and the “Dr. Hideki Shirakawa Memorial Exhibition” that pass on his numerous achievements to future generations, quietly convey his glorious tradition to us and our younger students every day, serving as a great inspiration for innovative research.

 

We will continue to preserve and carry forward the great legacy and academic traditions that Professor Shirakawa left behind here in Tsukuba. Furthermore, as the Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences aims to make further leaps as an international research hub driving science and technology both domestically and internationally, we are determined to dedicate ourselves to nurturing the promising researchers of the next generation and advancing world-leading academia.

 

Remembering his gentle and warm demeanor in life, we offer our deepest respect and gratitude for his tremendous achievements, and sincerely pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.

 

Yasuhiro Hatsugai Dean, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba

Kazuhiro Marumoto Chair, Department of Materials Science, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba