Project Researcher Naoto Takayama, Yu Uchikura, and Professor Miles Pennington of DLX Design Lab at #UTokyo_IIS (hereinafter DLX Design Lab ), in collaboration with Professor Tetsu Tatsuma, Assistant Professor Takuya Ishida and Project Research Associate Seung Hyuk Lee of Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo (hereinafter IIS), have produced a five-minute video summarising the technology for creating nanoparticles using an innovative approach with light and the future possibilities it offers. The video introduces in an easy-to-understand manner how these tiny particles may in the future lead to new materials called 'metamaterials' that can freely manipulate light and perform unique properties, such as making materials appear transparent. The video was produced as part of DLX Design Lab Treasure Hunting Project, which aims to communicate the value and future potential of scientific research to the general public.

UTokyo-IIS held a seminar titled “Delivering the Vision — Closing the gap between academic research and society” on June 13, 2022, at the university’s New York Office to belatedly showcase the facility that underwent major renovations in 2020. The seminar focused on the institute’s research activities at the boundary between life science and engineering. It demonstrated IIS efforts to facilitate further research and spark innovation through interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration among researchers, engineers, designers and those outside the university who are willing to support such research. Participants in this thought-provoking event were Professor Miles Pennington (design-led innovation); Associate Professor Yoshiho Ikeuchi (biomolecular and cellular engineering); and Associate Professor Yoshiyuki Kawazoe (design of architecture), all from IIS. UTokyo President and former IIS Director General Teruo Fujii joined the session online from Japan as a keynote speaker.