Experience note Stay at Tohoku University, 14th of February − 5th of March, 2004

Prof. KATO and Prof TAKAGI kindly received me at Tohoku University in Japan. My major interest in my own laboratory in France (Tribology and Systems Dynamics Laboratory at Ecole Centrale de Lyon) is the Tribology of carbon-based materials. In Japan, I gave presentations about my research project and I had numerous scientific discussions with members of both laboratories. Master students of Prof. KATO laboratory introduced me to the deposition device used for their experiments. I also had the chance to attend the 1st INABIO Symposium organized by Prof. TAKAGI. Furthermore, Prof. KATO planned for me a very instructive visit at the AIST Center of Tsukuba. To my mind, the present state of science in Tribology at Tohoku University is especially high. At first, the renowned Tribology Laboratory of Professor KATO is for a long time a world Center of Excellence in this field. The development of innovating studies reinforces still today the supremacy of the laboratory in this discipline.

Prof. Kato Laboratory kindly received me

Furthermore, recent and very unique experiments carried out in Prof. TAKAGI laboratory will certainly play a key-role in the understanding of tribological phenomena. They also strengthen the Tribology theme of this multidisciplinary laboratory. I am very grateful to the International Internship Program for giving me the precious opportunity to visit Prof. KATO laboratory. The administrative staff of the Program is very considerate towards the foreigner students and helpful. My stay was very well organized and profitable. The location of my flat was extremely convenient, in the city center. More generally, I think that this kind of Program is of first importance to create or reinforce stable links between Japanese and foreign research. And this is probably one of the major stakes nowadays. I am very impressed by the state of science, and especially Tribology, in Japan. The country is certainly the research leader in this field.

The Sendai area is very famous for fish and sushi

From a more tourist point of view, downtown Sendai is a nice place to visit and enjoy promenade or quiet historical temples. The sea-side near the city and the Matsushima island is one of the most beautiful points of view in Japan and make the stay of the foreign student very pleasant. You can also enjoy in the Sendai area very delicious and especially fresh fishes and sushi (as it is shown on the picture above).