The Japan Society of Applied Physics

Candidates for the Vice President (next President candidate)

Candidates for the Vice President
(next President candidate for the FY2028)

Takashi Kondo (The University of Tokyo)

Takashi Kondo

  • Profile

    Graduated from the Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Engineering, the University of Tokyo. After completing the Master’s program in the Department of Applied Physics, School of Engineering, worked as a Research Assosiate in Ryoichi Ito’s laboratory at the University of Tokyo. Obtained a doctoral degree (Engineering) with a dissertation on organic nonlinear optical materials. From 1998, Associate Professor, Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, at the University of Tokyo. From 2002 to 2006, served as Researcher for Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO); between 2010 and 2015, Professor, Department of Materials Engineering; between 2015 and 2025, Professor, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST); between 2019 and 2025, Deputy Director of RCAST. From October 2025, Professor at the School of Engineering. Engaged in research on crystal growth and nonlinear optical applications of compound semiconductors and conducted research on metal halide perovskite-type semiconductors. At the JSAP; Chair of the Gender Equality Committee from 2004 to 2006, Director (in charge of the texhnical journals) from 2012 to 2014, Director (in charge of the membership journal) from 2015 to 2017. Between 2016 and 2020, Chair of the JSPS 131st Committee on Thin Films. Steering Committee Chair of SSDM2018.

  • Election Statement

    My first conference presentation took place as an academic lecture at the JSAP and my first paper was published in the JJAP. In my academic career, I trained as a researcher and was provided a place for my activities by the JSAP, which I always thought to be of great support to me. In 1998, I first became involved in the Society’s work through the Public Relations Committee; since then, for over two decades, I have been involved in the Society’s activities in various capacities. I strongly believe that the Society is supported by the dedicated contributions of numerous members and Secretariat staff. The JSAP has been able to operate soundly and work in the right direction owing to the efforts of the many stakeholders. However, we face challenges such as the decline in membership (especially young researchers and industrial individual members), the uncertain direction of our journals, issues of internationalization and diversity, etc. Against this background, we strive to be more proactive than ever in our efforts to achieve diversity, particularly gender diversity. Further, it is the Society’s role to provide members with services that are both meaningful and enjoyable. I consider it especially important to provide a place for young members to support their growth and fulfillment. I hope to address these various challenges while listening to the opinions of our members, so please do not hesitate to share your thoughts.

Toshihiko Baba (Yokohama National University)

Toshihiko Baba

  • Profile

    In 1990, completed a doctoral degree at Yokohama National University, Doctor of Engineering. Same year: Research Assistant at Tokyo Institute of Technology. In 1994, Assistant Professor at Yokohama National University, 2005 to present Professor. Research on photonic crystals, silicon photonics, etc. Applied Physics, IEEE, Optica Fellow. Associative Member of the Science Council of Japan. 2001 Marubun Research Promotion Award, 2006 Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Award, 2012 Ichimura Academic Award, 2016 MEXT Minister Award for Science and Technology, 2024 Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon, 2025 Kenjiro Sakurai Memorial Award, etc. JSAP Director in charge of annual meetings from 2014-2016, 2018-2020 Vice President. Established section on photonic crystals in 2000; subsequently, introduced projectors for the first time across all categories. In 2014, integrated categories 3-5. Presented over 730 lectures in his own laboratory.

  • Election Statement

    I am sincerely grateful for the numerous exciting opportunities for learning and valuable exchanges that the JSAP has provided in over 40 years of my research life. This Society’s strength lies in its extensive span from basic science to engineering and social implementation and I feel pride and admiration for Japan’s history in leading the world of research. Further, the Society’s recent flexible adoption of new topics in various fields, such as the revival of the semiconductor industry and the advancements in quantum, informatics, energy, and space, has brought me great joy. Meanwhile, today’s society is undergoing rapid transformation with the advent of generative AI. Thus, we will need significant changes in research methods, academic journals, and university education over the next 10 years. Against this background, the role of JSAP as a place for quick and flexible information exchange is more important than ever. Hybrid annual meetings since the COVID-19 pandemic have been successful, integrating exchange through in-person meetings in a convenient online information gathering, as well as the use of social media and DX tools. Incorporating visual ingenuity into journals and articles is also expected to stimulate imagination and creativity. Further, we need discussions on the development of human resources that meet society’s needs. I hope that JSAP will continue to connect members and generate momentum through its research discussions.