For high school students who are considering taking the Entrance Exam for the Course of Quantum Science and Energy Engineering

Quantum Science and Energy Engineering is one of the courses of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and it concentrates on education and research regarding nuclear engineering that supports Japan's energy needs.

Ever since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Disaster brought about by the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake on March 11th, 2011, the state of affairs surrounding nuclear energy has changed enormously. The necessity of Japan’s continued usage of nuclear power is being debated on all fronts, but being dependent on importing most of its energy resources from overseas, we think that nuclear energy should firmly remain as an alternative for Japan as a means of securing a stable energy source.

Moreover, if we shift our attention to the world, the world's population will reach 9.6 billion people by 2050 according to an estimate made by the United Nations in 2013. If a large amount of energy will continue to be consumed, there is no escaping the depletion of energy resources. In order to create a sustainable society, measures that enable the effective use of limited resources will be called for. A leading example would be the nuclear fuel cycle.

As with other sciences and technologies, nuclear energy has its own "light and shadows." You may only know about nuclear energy as an entity that casts dark shadows on daily life and society from what you casually see and hear. However, nuclear energy has been the groundwork that has supported Japan’s prosperity that developed and expanded from rapid economic development. To maintain world-class nuclear technology is an essential national strategy in order for Japan to build a nation that is creative in science and technology and to occupy an important place in global society. Above all else, serious reflection on our experiences with the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Disaster and having the mindset of applying those lessons and their actual implementation for further improvements on safety is required. In addition, many top-class human resources are needed in further implementing the usefulness and advantages of nuclear energy in society.

In the Course of Quantum Science and Energy Engineering, we are also involved in research regarding advanced radiation applications aside from technology relating to nuclear energy. Examples include applying radiation to diagnoses and treatments in the medical field (early detection and treatment of cancer) and researching radiation’s applications in advanced elemental analysis. Furthermore, we also conduct cutting-edge research into nuclear fusion which is attracting attention and expectations as a next-generation energy source following fission energy.

We are waiting for you, energetic young people who will take on challenges with us in the quantum science field that has the potential to make our society and our lives more convenient, comfortable and abundant.