Contact: Phil Hearn
The recently retired former leader of Seiko Corp. will discuss the growing importance of nanotechnology in the creation of new industries during a May 3 visit to Mississippi State.
Dr. Reinosuke Hara, the longtime president and chief executive officer of the Japanese watch-manufacturing company, will address MSU science and engineering faculty. To begin at 3 p.m., his presentation in 120 McCain Hall is open to the public.
Hara is a strong supporter of nanotechnology, which involves the manipulation of atoms as raw materials to advance medicine, electronics and manufacturing. His topic will be, "Nanoscience/Technology and the Creation of New Industries."
Also founder and ex-president of the Seiko Instruments Foundation Advanced Technology Institute, Hara will focus his remarks on nanomaterials, new analytical instruments, production equipment, and related topics. He also will discuss recent research results by Japanese scholars and companies.
Nanotechnology has been defined as the science of building machines and materials at the molecular level, where key components are measured in nanometers--or one-billionth of a meter. Applications now being developed range from a supercomputer small enough to fit in one's hand to stain-resistant khakis and longer-lasting tennis balls.
Hara, who holds a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Tokyo, led Seiko's diversification effort beyond watch and clock making into high-technology fields. The Tokyo-based corporation was founded in 1881.
Hara serves as a board member for the Nanotechnology Research Institute of Japan and earlier was scientific secretary of the United Nations' first Atoms for Peace conference secretariat. In addition to inclusion in the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, he has been awarded The Royal Order of the Polar Star by the King of Sweden and the Blue Ribbon Medal from the Japanese government.