Production of the English Edition Tactile Graphics Collection “Origins of the Universe and Matter”

High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK)
Tsukuba University of Technology

Executive Summary

Question

There are numerous challenges for visually impaired individuals when studying science-related fields. In particular, there is an extremely limited availability of Braille books covering cutting-edge scientific topics for the visually impaired. This issue is common around the world.

Findings

This project presents an English translation of the Braille book and tactile graphics collection “Origins of the Universe and Matter,” originally created to deliver the latest research findings in particle physics and cosmology to visually impaired readers. The tactile graphics collection has been donated to support organizations for the visually impaired and to academic research institutions around the world.

Meaning

By listening to the English-translated PDF of “Origins of the Universe and Matter” and using this tactile graphics collection to read diagrams through touch, visually impaired individuals worldwide can access the latest knowledge in particle physics and cosmology.

Cover of the English Edition Tactile Graphics Collection Produced in This Project

Overview

The Institute of Particle and Nuclear Studies (IPNS) at the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), in collaboration with Tsukuba University of Technology, has produced an English edition tactile graphics collection titled “The Origin of the Universe and Matter: Understanding the ‘Invisible World’.” This collection has been donated to organizations supporting visually impaired individuals, as well as to universities and research institutions around the world.

This English edition tactile graphics collection is a translation of the tactile graphics of the Japanese Braille book “The Origin of the Universe and Matter: Understanding the ‘Invisible World’,” which was jointly produced by the two institutions in 2024.

Note: Tactile graphics are raised illustrations designed to be read by touch by visually impaired individuals. In this project, they were created using a swell-form (thermal expansion) copying machine, enabling the production of more complex and detailed graphics compared to traditional embossed diagrams produced by Braille printers.

Please refer to the press release for details.

Contact

High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK)
e-mail: press@kek.jp