02/12/2025

On February 8, we held the second public lecture of 2024 online. This event aimed to inform the public about the activities of iCONM/CHANGE and foster empathy, promoting mutual understanding. While previous lectures often focused on research topics and their backgrounds, this time we aimed to shift our approach to emphasize research environments and support functions.

To begin, Toshitaka Shimamura, Director of the Kings SkyFront (KSF) Management Center at Kawasaki City’s Coastal Area HQ, introduced KSF, where iCONM is based, along with its significance within city administration. Additionally, Hirokazu Iwasaki, an advisor who has long witnessed the development of the Keihin industrial area as a Managing Director of a local company, delivered a lecture on the region as a fertile ground for fostering innovation.

Following them, Koji Nagai, Deputy Center Director of iCONM (who also serves as a deputy project leader of CHANGE), presented iCONM’s activities and research support system, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary this April. Makoto Shimazaki, Communications Manager (also serving as a deputy project leader of CHANGE), introduced the national project “CHANGE,” which launched in 2022.

We received numerous questions from viewers, including inquiries about how hydrogen, once used in large quantities for ammonia production, now plays a crucial role in carbon neutrality, as well as questions regarding the diversity management at iCONM. This provided an excellent opportunity to connect with the public. We will continue to hold public lectures next year, so we hope you will join us!