18 November 2025

Outreach Activity for High School Students: Co-hosting “Science Day Gunma 2025 – The World of Quantum Mechanics” with Gunma University

OIST (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University) co-hosted “Science Day Gunma 2025 – The World of Quantum Mechanics” with Gunma University on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Aramaki Campus of Gunma University. Targeting mainly high school students from Gunma Prefecture, the event featured seminars and individual discussions on the fundamentals of quantum technology and researchers’ careers, as well as explanations and hands-on experiences with quantum sensors and quantum computing (*). In addition, Asako Omi, former Vice Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, who has strong ties with OIST, attended the event and spoke about the promotion of science and technology and shared her expectations for the participating high school students.

From OIST, four young researchers, including students and postdoctoral scholars, presented their research and life at OIST and interacted with the participants. Many questions arose between the high school students and these young researchers, who are relatively close in age, covering topics such as high school grades and favorite subjects, the motivation for their current research themes, and life in Okinawa. Through these discussions, students also gained interest in the possibility of studying at OIST in the future.

Additionally, the Quantum Materials and Applications Research Center (QUARC) of the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), based in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, cooperated in the event. Director Takeshi Ohshima gave a seminar on the principles of quantum sensing and carried out the demonstration of actual quantum sensors and the diamond materials used in them.

*Part of the explanation and hands-on experience with quantum computing was partially supported by Japan’s Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI) under the Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) for “Promoting the application of advanced quantum technology platforms to social issues” (Funding agency: QST).