Platform of Analytical Instruments for Chemistry and Materials Science
Analytical instruments sharing system to support the maintenance and management of advanced research equipment essential for materials science
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In FY2017, Tokyo Institute of Technology was adopted by the MEXT Project for the Introduction of New Systems for Advanced Research Infrastructure Sharing. This platform, proposed by the School of Materials and Chemical Technology and the Department of Chemistry of the School of Science, was selected for the project in FY2018.
Under the sharing system, research equipment on Ookayama Campus and Suzukakedai Campus is maintained and managed centrally, which enables us to support Tokyo Tech researchers in their research activities in materials science by providing the use of various advanced research equipment.
Currently, more than 50 large pieces of equipment are registered in the system, and all of them are categorized into seven groups from A to G, depending on their types and features. In addition, we are going to purchase new equipment for exclusive use in the sharing system. The use, maintenance, and purchase of equipment for the system will be centrally managed so that they will be in their best condition at all times. Users can make reservations for the use of equipment through our exclusive web-based system. Technical consultations for new users and support services such as user training are also available.
Tokyo Tech has a number of research groups studying materials science that engage in various world-class research activities. To provide researchers with the best possible research environment and opportunities to conduct advanced evaluation and analysis, we will offer them support, such as holding seminars on a regular basis.
Overview and Agenda
A wide range of equipment required to provide high resolution and high analytical precision is used in research activities in materials science. Also, it is expected that this equipment operates steadily throughout the year. In addition to regular maintenance, the device often needs to react quickly to technical issues to fix glitches, especially in the case of large equipment, which is a heavy burden on equipment managers.
This sharing system enables us to see, in one glance, what kind of equipment can be shared. It also enhances user convenience during the registration process, trainings and seminars, and application for the use of equipment, ultimately making it easier for researchers to acquire the necessary equipment to conduct their research.
Furthermore, our web-based system reduces the burden on managers as it enables them to easily check the status of equipment use, management thereof, and collect other information. Using this system, for which we also have support staff, we can simplify administrative tasks such as registration of users and collection of usage fees while supporting equipment managers with things such as user training sessions. In addition, staff members of the School of Materials and Chemical Technology closely coordinate with system support staff to help them smoothly carry out procedures necessary for maintenance work, technical support to fix glitches, and other tasks as well as to maintain the good, stable condition of the equipment.
In the future, we will improve our platform for the latest research activities by making a maintenance plan not only for the short-term, but for the mid- to long-term as well, and by carrying out upgrades and new installations of equipment. We plan to build a support system that provides Institute-wide sharing opportunities for members of Tokyo Tech and that facilitates further development in frontier research areas in materials science at Tokyo Tech.