High performance genetic analysis is an integration of various inter-correlated technologies. Of all the technologies, chemical reagents are indispensible for modifying DNA or RNA, yet the total performance of genetic analysis is sometimes limited by the insufficient capability of reagents. We have developed novel chemical reagents to increase accuracy and sensitivity in genetic analysis. We describe the development process from obtaining the original idea to marketing of the products and discuss important factors in the process.

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A new technology that can be easily adapted to various circuit designs and production in small lots has been requested in electronic device manufacturing where low cost device fabrication on large area is required. We have developed a laser-assisted inkjet printing technology which can achieve high throughput and fine patterning simultaneously. To realize fine patterning with low resistivity, ejected ink-droplets have been dried by laser irradiation to suppress expansion on a substrate, a problem often observed in a conventional inkjet process. Drawing of fine wiring with aspect ratio of 1 or above with line width of 10 μm or less has been achieved using this new approach. In this paper, the achievements of laser assisted inkjet printing technology is shown based on the needs that triggered this research and the solutions used to overcome the problems met during the R&D process.

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Formation of research strategy, and synthetic research evaluation based on the proposed strategy have been considered. The importance of a setup of targets and a scenario of the research program to achieve the targets as a part of strategy formation, and the importance of research evaluation consistent with the research strategy are emphasized. Research evaluation should be performed in three aspects — the research progress, the research depth and the research phase. In the individual evaluation aspect, comparison of the research performance with the research strategy framework is essential and synthetic evaluation appropriately composed of deductive inference, inductive inference and abductive inference is recommended. To make the final integrated evaluation, the synthetic method is very crucial. Examples of research unit evaluation at AIST, and the research strategy formation and evaluation of public research organizations in Nagasaki prefecture are compared with the synthetic evaluation method. The method is thought to be a creative activity that can contribute to extract the value of research and accelerate the future evolution of research programs.

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The research activities of spectral database for organic compounds (SDBS) in AIST started in 1982. Since then, many parts of research activities have changed while the other parts have remained unchanged for almost 30 years. The unchanged parts since the start of this project are the two principles that the spectral data with high authenticity should be compiled in the database as the standard data and that several kinds of different spectra should be compiled for each compound, and the concept that compounds used commonly in industries and societies are object of compilation. On the other hand, the computer system used for database management and the ways for data release have changed completely over time. After the data have come to be opened to the public through the Internet, we have started to take considerations of comments, requests and indications from users. SDBS has had innumerable Internet accesses from many researchers, engineers, educators and students from all over the world. In this paper, the total framework, the structure of the database, the method for its data compilation and the ways to release the data to the public are described with analysis and clues of long time continuance and success of SDBS activities.

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Realization of highly efficient SOFC(solid oxide fuel cell) modules, which are compact and capable of quick startup and shut-down operation, is strongly expected because it would be useful to solve environmental problems. In order to yield new outcomes in new energy production industry market, we have carried out continuous R&D directly linked with the original idea, trial production, and evaluation by using the ceramics integration manufacturing platform. In consequence, original, compact and high-power SOFC modules operable at low temperature have been realized by upgrading of function-structure integration technology. These are drawing attention as products of ingenious technology. This paper presents, in addition to industrial needs, approaches and methods in industry-academia-government collaborative research to overcome tasks toward productization.

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New advantage must be added to Japanese manufacturing (monozukuri) for which Japan has held the leading position. To do so, it is necessary to build a new mechanism for research and development and innovation. We heard from the people who have led the Japanese manufacturing about the new strategy for monozukuri, the importance of synthesis, and the role of Full Research that AIST is trying to achieve.

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The Synthesiology Workshop was held in October 2010 as part of the lecture series for the “AIST Open Lab” organized by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). This is a report of this workshop. In this workshop, an attempt was made to categorize the academic papers published in Synthesiology into various types of synthetic research. Ways to promote innovation were discussed with the industrial researchers who have been engaging in synthetic R&D and have produced successful results.

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