Project led by RU professor selected for “Japan–Vietnam International Joint Research (Semiconductors)”
An international joint research project led on the Japanese side by Professor Tsutomu Araki (College of Science and Engineering) has been selected for “Japan–Vietnam International Joint Research (Semiconductors),” a new project under the Networked Exchange, United Strength for Stronger Partnerships between Japan and ASEAN (NEXUS) program administered by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
NEXUS is a program to promote international joint research in priority fields shared between Japan and ASEAN countries, and selected projects receive research funding. This time, JST, in cooperation with the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), invited applications for joint research proposals in the field of semiconductors. As a result, five proposals were selected from among 17 applications, including the research project jointly submitted by Professor Araki and his counterparts at Phenikaa University and Hanoi University of Science and Technology (which was awarded funding of approx. 150 million yen plus indirect expenses). Among the five selected projects, the only participating private universities are Ritsumeikan University in Japan and Phenikaa University in Vietnam.
The project will be implemented over three and a half years starting in October 2025, with the training of young Vietnamese researchers as a key pillar. Based on this, the Graduate School of Science and Engineering will accept graduate students from Vietnam and support them in earning doctoral degrees.
In preparing the application, Professor Araki, who was serving as Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation at the time, took the lead in building the international joint research framework in collaboration with the Ritsumeikan University ASEAN Office, Phenikaa University, and Hanoi University of Science and Technology. Going forward, Ritsumeikan University will continue to advance the internationalization of its research.
Overview of selected project
＜Research project title＞
Engineering Materials for Advanced Nitride Semiconductor HEMT Devices through Combined Theoretical Modeling and Experimental Fabrication
＜Overview of the research＞
This research aims to advance high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) technology based on wide bandgap nitride semiconductors and to create highly sensitive biosensors utilizing HEMT materials.
Specifically, the Japanese team will focus on improving semiconductor material quality, developing device processes, and applying large-area wafers, while the Vietnamese team will utilize advanced computational methods and process technologies to enhance electron mobility, reduce defect density, and improve efficiency.
Through joint research by teams from both countries, we aim to establish foundational applications for next-generation communication infrastructure, automotive power electronics, wireless power transmission, biomedical sensing, and energy-efficient power electronics. Additionally, we seek to strengthen academic and industrial collaboration between Japan and Vietnam based on nitride semiconductor device technology and build long-term cooperative relationships.
Comment from Professor Araki
When I received the news of our selection, I felt a renewed sense of responsibility. We will draw on the expertise in semiconductor materials and properties that we have built up at Ritsumeikan University and apply it to this Japan–Vietnam international joint research project. This successful selection was the result of a true “Team Ritsumeikan” effort in close collaboration with the Office of International Cooperation and the Division of Research. We will also leverage the network we have cultivated in Vietnam for training highly skilled IT professionals and extend it to the semiconductor field. By welcoming doctoral students from Vietnam, I look forward to seeing young talent from Japan and Vietnam inspire one another and open up new possibilities for the next generation of semiconductors.
Related information
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Professor Tsutomu Araki (College of Science and Engineering) Ritsumeikan University Researcher Database
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NEXUS Japan–Vietnam International Joint Research (Semiconductors)
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JST and MST (Vietnam) jointly to fund five research projects in the “Semiconductor” field under the NEXUS program
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Ritsumeikan University ASEAN Office
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