The University of Toyama and Kumamoto University have jointly decided to establish the Titanium Research Center (TRC) in April 2026 under the Institute of Light Metals (ILM), which was established in April 2021 by the two Universities. Through the establishment of the TRC, the universities aim to accelerate research and development on titanium, promote its social implementation, and further advance education and human resource development. Overview of the Titanium Research Center In fiscal year 2022, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) designated the ILM as a Joint Research and Utilization Center. As a core hub for the three major light metals —magnesium, aluminum, and titanium —the ILM has established the Magnesium Research Center (MRC) and the Aluminum Research Center (ARC). Through collaborative research with domestic and international research institutions and researchers, the ILM has advanced research and development in light metal materials. In the field of titanium research, the ILM has strengthened research activities and human resource development, primarily through the Collaborative Titanium Research Hub. In recent years, the importance of titanium—a material that is difficult to substitute— has increased significantly from the perspectives of Japan’s industrial development, the realization of a carbon-neutral society, and economic security. In response to these needs, the University of Toyama and Kumamoto University have decided to establish the TRC as a nationwide research institution dedicated exclusively to titanium research. With the establishment of the TRC, the ILM will complete its system of research centers covering all three major light metal materials—aluminum, magnesium, and titanium—thereby forming a comprehensive research and education hub for light metal materials. At the TRC, the universities plan to further integrate and advance research and development in biomedical titanium—a research strength of the University of Toyama, and structural titanium, a research strength of Kumamoto University. In addition, the TRC will promote titanium research through the shared use of foundational technologies for material design, analysis, and evaluation, as well as large-scale research facilities. The center will also expand multi-material research involving magnesium and aluminum. Through these initiatives, the ILM will fulfill its role as a leading research and education hub for light metal materials and as a center for shared use and collaborative research, thereby contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society and a society that emphasizes well-being. Contact Information – University of Toyama: Research Promotion Division, Research Promotion Section (TEL: 0766-25-9270) – Kumamoto University: Administrative Office for Natural Sciences (TEL: 096-342-3520)