Since the establishment of its predecessor department in 1985, Institute for Planetary Materials, Okayama University, located in Misasa, Tottori Prefecture, a famous hot spring resort, has evolved from materials science of the Earth's interior to broader materials science research on the planets, the universe, and the origin of life. We have developed high-pressure and high-temperature experimental techniques that continuously reproduce the temperature and pressure conditions from the Earth's surface to the Earth's core, as well as analytical chemistry techniques that analyze major and trace elements, isotopic compositions, and dating of inorganic materials on a seamless scale, leading the materials science of the Earth and planets. The Institute provides researchers and students from Japan and abroad with opportunities to use these research techniques and instrumental infrastructure as a joint research center, and plays a role in promoting empirical materials science research. The center has also developed the Misasa International Internship Program for undergraduate and master's students, a unique five-year doctoral course that allows students to pursue research in depth, and a "Super Technician System" that aims to create various career paths for researchers with doctoral degrees, and has made steady progress in fostering the next generation of research personnel. We are steadily achieving results in fostering the next generation of research human resources.
    For more information about the Institute and its faculty members, please refer to the Institute's webpage.
  Division for Planetary Materials Experimental Physics
    The aim of this division is to elucidate the structure and physical properties of terrestrial and planetary materials by experimental and computational methods, and to elucidate the internal structure, dynamics, and evolutionary processes of the Earth and planets. Our approaches include the development of ultrahigh-pressure generation techniques, large-volume high-pressure generation techniques, high-pressure and high-temperature in-situ physical property measurement methods, atomic-level structural analysis of materials, and first-principles calculations for physicochemical understanding.

Division of Planetary Materials Analytical Chemistry
    Our objective is to understand the origin, evolution, and dynamics of the Earth and planets based on high-precision quantitative analysis, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopic analysis of terrestrial and extraterrestrial materials. To conduct these studies, we are developing comprehensive and advanced analytical methods and constructing a "Comprehensive Analysis System for Earth and Planetary Materials (CASTEM24remote)," which integrates different analytical instruments that can be operated remotely from outside the institute.

Division of Planetary Surface Environment Science
    This division was established this year with the goal of exploring the evolution of Earth's and other planetary surface environments from historical to future perspectives. We examine a range of phenomena, from large-scale geological and geomorphological processes on planetary surfaces to water-rock interactions at the molecular level, utilizing simulation experiments in space chambers, remote sensing technologies and terrestrial analogues. Beyond fundamental research, we are committed to conducting studies that support global environmental preservation and practical research aimed at future human colonization of extraterrestrial planets.
　The Institute for Planetary Materials (IPM) is recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) as a Joint Usage/Collaborative Research Center ("Planetary Materials Science Center" from FY2022) and provides domestic and international researchers and students with opportunities to use its experimental and research facilities and the associated technology and knowledge. The institute also promotes empirical materials science research using methods such as chemical analysis, dating, and structural analysis of materials. If you are interested, please refer to the following link. Applications are accepted once a year, but applications are also accepted at any time. After the coronal disaster, we can also conduct experiments and measurements on your behalf in some cases, so please contact us for more information. https://www.misasa.okayama-u.ac.jp/public_html/jointuse/index_E.php
      The Planetary Material Science Course of the Earth Environment and Life Science Degree Program at Okayama University has been established for graduate student study at the Institute, and offers three educational programs: the Master's Course, the Doctoral Course, and the Blue Planets Special Course. Graduate students who enroll in the "Blue Planets Special Course" will receive consistent education with a standard completion period of five years. In the Blue Planets Special Course, graduate students from other research fields can receive a systematic education in planetary material science through a planned five-year curriculum. If the student is judged to have outstanding ability, he/she can obtain a doctoral degree in three years, which is the minimum time required to obtain a doctoral degree. Graduate students studying at the Institute are also supported by a unique scholarship and research assistantship. With many researchers and students from abroad, students can concentrate on their research in an international environment.
      An internship program using the Institute's facilities is offered to 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students and master's students for six weeks every July and August. Students can participate in research projects under the guidance of our researchers using a variety of experimental and analytical equipment, and experience advanced research. Although we have already closed applications for this year, we plan to continue this program next year, so please consider applying if you are interested. https://www.misasa.okayama-u.ac.jp/public_html/MISIP/index.php
      IPM News Letter is available at the JpGU on-site booth. It can also be downloaded from the Institute's website.
      Recently, we built an exhibition room to explain our research activities. It is still under construction, but for example, you can experience the high-pressure ice, observation of rock thin sections using a polarizing microscope, observation of radiation using cloud chamber, and interactive play with a sand box using augmented reality etc. are available.