Winter School 2026
Dates: November 30 – December 4, 2026 (Monday–Friday).
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Overview
WPI-SKCM² Winter School 2026 aims to equip graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career professionals with foundational knowledge and interdisciplinary perspectives in Knotted Chiral Meta Matter, the core research paradigm of our institute.
Through introductory tutorials delivered by leading experts and WPI-SKCM² researchers, participants will explore fundamental concepts in knot topology, chirality, and related scientific disciplines.
Beyond lectures, the Winter School emphasizes active, project-based learning. Participants will share their research, exchange ideas across disciplines, and work collaboratively in small groups to develop innovative proposals for interdisciplinary fusion research projects.
The program will also feature a team-building excursion to Iwakuni and a closing reception, providing opportunities for informal interaction, networking, and community building.
Tutorial lectures
- Date & Time: November 30 – December 1, 2026 | 9:40–17:00
- Venue: 2F Seminar Room, Science Knot Building, Hiroshima University / Online via Zoom
- Join the Zoom Meeting (Meeting code: 2022111100 Password: skcm2)
Delivered by WPI-SKCM² faculty members and experts from diverse scientific disciplines, these hybrid lectures will introduce essential concepts and research approaches relevant to the institute’s interdisciplinary research.
Topics will span physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and materials science, including optical properties of materials, an introduction to biomolecules, topology and knot theory, and chirality in chemistry.
The tutorials are designed to provide participants with a shared foundation for interdisciplinary discussions and collaborative research throughout the Winter School.
Group workshop
Date & Time
- December 1, 2026 | 9:40–17:00
- December 2, 2026 | 9:40–12:40
- Venue: Assigned Working Rooms in Science Knot, Hiroshima University
Venue: Designated Working Rooms, Science Knot Building, Hiroshima University
Participants will be assigned to small groups comprising researchers from different scientific backgrounds. Through research presentations, knowledge sharing, and collaborative discussions, each group will develop an original proposal for a cross-disciplinary fusion research project.
The workshop aims to strengthen scientific communication and presentation skills, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and inspire new research ideas that connect different areas of expertise.
Each group will present its proposed fusion research project on December 4. Presentations will be assessed by an expert evaluation committee, and an award will be presented to the winning team.
Excursion to Iwakuni
- Date & Time: December 2, 2026 | 13:30–20:30
- Venue: Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture (Kintaikyō Bridge, Iwakuni Castle, and surrounding attractions)
Participants are warmly invited to join a half-day excursion to Iwakuni, featuring visits to the iconic five-arched Kintaikyō Bridge, Iwakuni Castle, and nearby cultural attractions.
The excursion will also include an interactive team-building activity, designed to encourage collaboration, exploration, and informal networking among participants.
Participation Fee: An additional fee of ¥1,000 applies to participants who are not WPI-SKCM² members.
Further details regarding the itinerary and activities will be announced in due course.
Closing Reception
- Date & Time: December 4, 2026 | From 18:00
- Venue: TBC
The Winter School will conclude with a reception, bringing participants, lecturers, and organizers together to celebrate the week’s achievements and strengthen connections established throughout the program.
Food and beverages will be served, followed by the announcement of the winning team from the fusion research project presentations and an award ceremony.
The reception will conclude with closing remarks by the Director of WPI-SKCM².
For inquiries, please contact chiral-secretary_at_office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp.