About PhoSIC
INTRODUCTION
Identity
What is PhoSIC?
PhoSIC (Photon Science Innovation Center) is a general incorporated foundation established in 2016 by 30 founders from academic research institutions including Tohoku University, the industrial sector, and the Tohoku Economic Federation. As the representative organization and partner of the national government, PhoSIC promotes the construction and operation of NanoTerasu while connecting local communities, companies, and the government.
Philosophy
Mission & Philosophy
- Contribute to the development of Japan's science, technology, and industrial foundation by visualizing the nano-world through next-generation synchrotron radiation.
- Realize an ideal large-scale research infrastructure that drives innovation through the "Coalition Concept," a voluntary partnership for barrier-free utilization of synchrotron radiation.
- Serve as the core of the public-private-regional partnership with Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City, Tohoku University, Tohoku Economic Federation, and industry to realize creative reconstruction in Tohoku.
(Approved at the Board of Directors Meeting on March 24, 2020)
Overview
Organization Overview
| Name | Photon Science Innovation Center (PhoSIC) |
|---|---|
| Address | Aobayama Universe 306, 468-1 Aza-Aobayama, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-0845, Japan |
| Established | December 26, 2016 |
| President | Masaki Takata |
| Executive Board & Staff | 12 Board Members, 79 Staff Members (including concurrent positions) [As of July 1, 2026] |
| Trustees | 8 Members |
| Objectives & Activities |
(Objectives) Promote advanced science, technology research, and technical development in industry through the operation and provision of synchrotron radiation facilities, contributing to Japan's scientific and industrial competitiveness. (Business Summary)
|
Documents
Public Documents
History
History
Evolution
Path from Concept and Establishment to Present
1. Path to Becoming a National Project
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Mar 2011Great East Japan Earthquake
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Apr 2011Initiation of discussions on the Tohoku Synchrotron Radiation Plan
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Dec 2011Launch of "Tohoku Synchrotron Radiation Plan" by 7 national universities in Tohoku
Prospectus for "New Era Medium-sized High-Brilliance Synchrotron Radiation Facility in East Japan" -
Feb 2012Proposal submitted to MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)
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May 2012Japanese Society for Synchrotron Radiation Research (JSSRR) interim report recommending the plan
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Jun 2012Establishment of "Tohoku Synchrotron Radiation Facility Promotion Committee" by 7 universities
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Aug 2012Publication of the Concept White Paper and meeting with Minister of MEXT
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Dec 2012Establishment of Tohoku University Synchrotron Radiation Facility Promotion Office
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Mar 2014Listed in Science Council of Japan's Master Plan for Large-Scale Research Projects
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Jul 2014Establishment of "Tohoku Synchrotron Radiation Facility Promotion Council" (Co-represented by Governor of Miyagi, Chairman of Tohoku Economic Federation, and President of Tohoku University)
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Aug 2014Submission of official request to Minister of MEXT
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Apr 2015Tohoku University commissioned for MEXT technical feasibility survey
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Jun 2015Creation of the Coalition Concept for industry-academic collaboration
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Mar 2016Recruitment of industry partners initiated; explanatory meetings held in Sendai and Tokyo
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Jun 2016International Evaluation Committee convened (Chaired by Prof. Jerome Hastings, Stanford)
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Nov 2016Endstation Design Competition held
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Dec 2016● Establishment of Photon Science Innovation Center (PhoSIC)
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Jan 2017PhoSIC confirmed as the central driving body for site selection and project promotion
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Apr 2017Site Selection Committee selects Aobayama New Campus, Tohoku University
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Jul 2017QST designated as candidate national body for implementation
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Jul 20171st Coalition Conference in Tokyo (~170 attendees)
2. Until Commencement of Coalition Operation
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Jan 2018MEXT announcement on public-private-regional partnership facility promotion
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Jun 2018Regional Partners selected (PhoSIC, Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City, Tohoku University, Tohoku Economic Federation)
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Sep 2018Partnership Agreement signed between QST and Regional Partners
QST Announcement (QST Website) -
2019Site preparation by Regional Partners and accelerator development by QST began
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Dec 2021Accelerator installation into the main building started
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Jun 2022Official nickname chosen as "NanoTerasu"
Nickname Announcement (QST Website) -
Mar 2023Completion of the Main Facility Building
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May 20233GeV electron acceleration achieved by linear accelerator
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Jun 20233GeV electron beam injection and storage in storage ring achieved
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Dec 2023First beam success (X-ray beamline injection into experimental hall)
First Beam Article (NanoTerasu Website) -
Apr 9, 2024Commencement of Coalition Operations
NanoTerasu Operation Commemorative Ceremony
Partnerships
Inter-organizational Agreements
2019.11
Agreement with the Institute for Solid State Physics (ISSP), The University of Tokyo, and UTokyo-SRRO
2019.10
Joint research division established with the Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials (IMRAM), Tohoku University
2019.08
Agreement with the Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK IMSS)
2019.06
Agreement with Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI)
2018.09
Agreement with National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST)
Milestones
