WPI-SKCM² Members Reflect on Sustainability and Science at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

• August 6, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, with a special focus on initiatives for nuclear disarmament and the promotion of a culture of peace.
• 15 members of WPI-SKCM² gathered at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, visiting the Peace Memorial Museum and surrounding landmarks to reflect on the tragedy of the atomic bombing and to consider how science and innovation can contribute to broader goals of sustainable development.
• Sahar Ilyas, a PhD student at WPI-SKCM², represented the participants’ voices by expressing her condolences for those affected by war and conflict, and returned with a commitment to apply her scientific knowledge to contribute to peace.

On August 6, 15 members of The International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter (WPI-SKCM²)—including principal investigators, postdoctoral researchers, students, and special guests—gathered at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to visit the Peace Memorial Museum and surrounding landmarks. The visit offered an opportunity to reflect deeply on the tragic history of the atomic bombing and to consider how science and innovation can contribute to building a more sustainable world.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Today, Hiroshima stands as a global symbol of peace, continually reaffirming its commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons and the promotion of lasting peace. In this commemorative year, special emphasis is being placed on initiatives for nuclear disarmament and fostering a culture of peace.

Against this backdrop, WPI-SKCM² members came together not only to pay their respects but also to reflect on how their research can contribute to peacebuilding. As an institute dedicated to advancing sustainability, this event served as more than an act of remembrance—it was a call to consider how scientific inquiry and innovation can support peace, nonviolence, and the broader goals of sustainable development.

“Today I explored Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the surrounding Peace Memorial Park. It made me feel deeply about the effects of the atomic bombing on the people and the city. As a biologist, the spirit behind my work is to make people’s lives better, and that is fundamental for peace.”
— Sahar Ilyas, PhD Student, WPI-SKCM²

As the world continues to face complex global challenges, WPI-SKCM² is committed to advancing scientific excellence with a deep sense of social responsibility. Through initiatives like this visit, the institute strives to inspire its members to engage in research that not only pushes the boundaries of knowledge, but also contributes to a more peaceful, equitable, and sustainable future for all.