On January 7, Director General, Shoji Asai delivered his annual New Year’s address to the KEK staff. A summary of his remarks is as follows:
Happy New Year. I sincerely wish that the year of 2026 brings health, prosperity, and fulfillment to everyone in the KEK community and all our stakeholders worldwide.
2025 Milestones
First, I would like to reflect on the various achievements and significant developments we reached across our organization in 2025.
At the International Center for Quantum-field Measurement Systems for Studies of the Universe and Particles (QUP), we welcomed Professor Toshiyuki Azuma from the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) as the new Director and are making steady progress in relocating to our new facility. With QUP, KEK aims to play a role of an “International Quantum Frontier.” This initiative involves leveraging KEK’s foundational expertise in CMOS technology, cryogenics, and accelerator cavities alongside innovative quantum technologies. Furthermore, we have strengthened our domestic and international networks through robust collaborations with the University of Chicago, the University of Tokyo, Yokohama National University, RIKEN, and various industrial circles.
Regarding the Hyper-Kamiokande project, construction has commenced on the Intermediate Water Cherenkov Detector (IWCD) facility. Sharing the same detection principle as the main Hyper-Kamiokande detector currently under construction in Kamioka, Hida City, the IWCD will play a vital role in investigating CP violation in neutrinos. We are firmly on track for the start of operations in 2028.
At the Photon Factory (PF), our synchrotron radiation facility, research and development of multi-beam techniques combining hard and soft X-rays has begun. This represents a foundational step toward integrated “multi-probe” research incorporating muons, slow positrons, and neutrons. We have also initiated studies that will explore unknown scientific opportunities.
In the semiconductor field, KEK’s proposal for an accelerator-based free-electron laser to generate extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light sources was selected for the Program for Promoting Research and Development of “Key and Advanced Technology through Cross Community Collaboration,” abbreviated as K Program. This technology offers high-power, high-efficiency performance and is adaptable to even shorter wavelengths in the future.
It is imperative that we clearly articulate how accelerator science contributes to such critical national strategic initiatives.
The Road Ahead: Transformation and Innovation
KEK faces increasingly serious risks, financial constraints, the aging of our infrastructure and equipment, and shortages of human resources. In our Fourth Medium-Term Goals, which extend through fiscal year 2027, we have established the following as our strategic pillars:
・Securing talented personnel,
・Strengthening our financial base,
・Enhancing operational efficiency through Digital Transformation (DX), and
・Maximizing research outcomes.
Furthermore, as an “Inter-University Research Institute Corporation,” we would like to take a more proactive stance than ever before and shift to a stance of “Promoting Science Actively.” Looking ahead, we will dedicate ourselves to cultivating entirely new research frontiers.
2026 Strategic Priorities
Considering the circumstances above, I would like to present our key priorities for 2026.
First of all, we will focus on improving the performance of SuperKEKB, bolstering international collaboration, and establishing a comprehensive research strategy that integrates multiple quantum beams.
Also, we will enhance graduate education and industry partnerships so that we expand our support for graduate students and human resource development.
Furthermore, we will advance “AI for Science” to optimize and revolutionize both our research and operational capabilities. At the same time we will work to expand our acquisition of external funding.
In conclusion, KEK will emphasize on five fields as its highest-priority themes for 2026:
・AI for Science,
・Semiconductors,
・Nuclear Fusion,
・Quantum Technology, and
・Space Science.
We will form the research foundations for each of these fields to ensure our long-term scientific leadership.
While the international landscape remains volatile and fiscal conditions are challenging, we must view this period as a vital opportunity for innovation. To keep our talent acquisition, our scientific achievements, and our sustainable future, fundamental transformation is essential. I would like you to embrace these challenges as a great opportunity to change for the better and work together to achieve the goal.
