News

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (President and CEO: Satoru Yamamoto) and Tohoku University (President: Teiji Tominaga) will establish the “Sumitomo Rubber Inds. × Tohoku Univ. Next-Generation Synchro-Science Research Center” at the International Center for Synchrotron Radiation Innovation Smart, Tohoku University on April 1, 2025.Beyond the forefront of the current science and technology, we aim for industrial innovation to achieve a sustainable society through the evolution of material analysis using the synchrotron radiation technique, development of new materials, promotion of environmental technologies, and AI-driven data analysis.

From left: Hiroyuki Kishimoto, Fellow at the Research & Development HQ and General Manager of the Research Center for Advanced Technology & Innovation; Kenichi Uesaka, General Manager of the Research & Development HQ; Yoichi Mizuno, Executive Officer; Kiyoshige Muraoka, Director (Senior Executive Officer) from Sumitomo Rubber Industries; Professor Daichi Chiba, Director of the International Center for Synchrotron Radiation Innovation Smart; Professor Kiyoshi Kanie; Professor Yukio Takahashi, Deputy Director of the International Center for Synchrotron Radiation Innovation Smart; Professor Wataru Yashiro from Tohoku University

The Sumitomo Rubber Inds. × Tohoku Univ. Next-Generation Synchro-Science Research Center is centered on activities that fuse Sumitomo Rubber’s strength, or the synchrotron radiation technique, with Tohoku University’s research capabilities and is designed to accelerate the evolution of material analysis and the development of new materials. Moreover, it leverages the research assets of Tohoku University to create innovations through interdisciplinary activities and aims for industrial innovation to achieve a sustainable society.

The purpose of Our Philosophy^*1, Sumitomo Rubber’s corporate philosophy structure, is “Through innovation we will create a future of joy and well-being for all.” As efforts to realize it, we are pursuing the far-sighted development of materials by using the most advanced facilities and equipment, including the Next-Generation Synchrotron Radiation Facility NanoTerasu^,*2 under the current mid-term plan released in 2023. We have conducted joint research with Tohoku University and produced excellent results in a variety of areas. The establishment of the Sumitomo Rubber Inds. × Tohoku Univ.Next-Generation Synchro-Science Research Center will broaden areas for joint research to further accelerate it.

The scheme of Co-creation Research Center,^*3 established by Tohoku University in April 2021, sets up a cooperation base with companies in the university and provides cross-departmental access to university researchers, knowledge, and facilities. This enables the planning and promotion of joint research, human resource development, and the promotion of a variety of collaborative activities, including partnerships with university-launched ventures.

Image of Initiatives

■ Overview of the Co-creation Research Center

1. Name: Sumitomo Rubber Inds. × Tohoku Univ. Next-Generation Synchro-Science Research Center

2. Activities: Activities aimed at achieving a sustainable society and industrial innovation through the material analysis using the cutting-edge synchrotron radiation technique, development of new materials, promotion of environmental technologies, and AI-driven data analysis. 

3. Operating structure:

(1) Operation Manager

International Center for Synchrotron Radiation Innovation Smart, Tohoku University

Specially Appointed Associated Professor Tomomi Masui (Research & Development HQ at Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.)

(2) Co-operation Managers

International Center for Synchrotron Radiation Innovation Smart, Tohoku University

Specially Appointed Associated Professor Fusae Kaneko (Research & Development HQ at Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.)

Specially Appointed Associated Professor Ryo Mashita (Research & Development HQ at Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.)

(3) Operation Support Manager
International Center for Synchrotron Radiation Innovation Smart, Tohoku University

Professor Kiyoshi Kanie

(4) Faculty Members

International Center for Synchrotron Radiation Innovation Smart, Tohoku University

Professor Yukio Takahashi

 Professor Wataru Yashiro

4. Location of establishment: South Building 1, Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University

5. Duration of establishment: April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028

We unveiled our own unique Circular Economy Concept for the Tire Industry, which we call TOWANOWA*4, in March 2023. TOWANOWA features a two-ring structure, with a “Sustainable Ring” consisting of five processes in the value chain and a “Data Ring” linking big data collected from each process. We aim to provide new value by sharing / using data between the two rings. By using data obtained from this joint research in the Material Development & Procurement” process of TOWANOWA, we promote the development of more sophisticated, higher-quality new materials. Through TOWANOWA, the Sumitomo Rubber Group will further accelerate our efforts to promote and practice ESG Management, and contribute to the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050 and the development of a sustainable society.

※１　Our Philosophy｜Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.

※2　Top - NanoTerasu | 3 GeV Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Japan

※3　Co-creation Research Center

※4　Circular Economy Concept for the Tire Industry: “TOWANOWA”｜Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.