The Committee of Japan Physics Olympiad is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting interest in physics and the development of human resources in science and technology through holding the Physics Challenge nationwide physics contest and sending Japan’s representatives to the International Physics Olympiad.

The annual International Physics Olympiad is held during the summer vacation to enable participants, young people who have yet to enroll in institutions of higher education, to strengthen their interest and abilities in physics and further advance physics education in participating countries through international exchange. The Physics Challenge is the domestic Japanese tournament held to select those who will represent Japan in the International Physics Olympiad. The national physics contest accepts entries from middle school and high school students less than 20 years of age who have yet to enroll in university or other higher education institute.

RIKEN gas detectors, the products that led to the founding of our Company, employ detection technologies based on physical principles (optics). In light of this deep connection between the Company and physics, we support the goals of the Committee of Japan Physics Olympiad and cosponsor the Committee to support students with an interest in physics.

The Jr. Sessions are a presentation program organized by the Physical Society of Japan, providing a forum where young people, including junior high and high school students and technical college students, present and discuss their own research findings. Through question-and-answer sessions with physicists who are members of the Society, participants gain insight into how scientists think and conduct research.

RIKEN KEIKI believes that investing in people is essential for realizing a sustainable society. The Jr. Sessions provide the younger generation with opportunities to engage in proactive learning and communicate their research findings. Through our sponsorship of this program, we aim to support learning by the next generation and contribute to creating an environment that fosters interest in science.