USM PENANG, 22 June 2026 – The School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), recently hosted a knowledge sharing session titled ‘Japan & Malaysia: Frontiers in Muon Spectroscopy and Advanced Materials Research’ at its premises.

The programme, held on 10 June, brought together researchers from USM and Japan to exchange knowledge on emerging research areas, including muon spectroscopy, advanced materials, semiconductor physics, density functional theory (DFT), organic molecules, scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), and machine learning applications in materials research.

The session featured invited researchers and representatives from leading Japanese research institutions and universities, including RIKEN Nishina Centre for Accelerator-Based Science, Hokkaido University, Sophia University, Shibaura Institute of Technology, and CROSS. 

These institutions were represented by invited speakers: Professor Dr. Isao Watanabe, Professor Dr. Koichi Ichimura, Associate Professor Dr. Ryui Kaneko, Associate Professor Dr. Dita Puspita Sari, Dwi Amalia, and Muhammad Khalish Nuryadin.

Acting Dean of the School of Physics, Associate Professor Dr. Ahmad Fairuz Omar, said the programme reflects USM’s commitment to expanding international research partnerships and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations in strategic scientific fields.

“Collaborations with leading research institutions in Japan provide valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, talent development, and the advancement of cutting-edge research that can contribute to scientific and technological innovation,” he said.

He added, “The programme aimed to provide exposure to the principles and applications of Muon Spectroscopy, particularly its role as an advanced characterisation technique for investigating internal material properties, magnetic behaviour, charge carrier dynamics, and microscopic defects.”

“This area is highly relevant to USM’s research strengths in semiconductor materials, nanotechnology, renewable energy, and advanced functional materials,” continued Ahmad Fairuz.

Several sharing sessions were delivered, covering topics such as collaborative research between the School of Physics, USM and RIKEN Japan, artificial intelligence in muon physics, μSR, DFT/ML, organic molecules and STM, and solid-state physics theory with machine learning.

According to the programme objectives, the initiative was designed to strengthen local research capacity in high-impact characterisationtechniques, support research in energy, semiconductor and nanotechnology fields, increase USM’s visibility within international research networks, and encourage strategic collaborations that may lead to joint grants and high-impact publications.

The event also served as a platform for academic interaction between local and international researchers, creating opportunities for future joint research projects and knowledge exchange.

Participants included lecturers, researchers, postgraduate students, undergraduate students, and representatives from fields related to materials and energy technologies.

The sharing session concluded with a closed discussion among invited researchers and USM academics, focusing on potential research collaboration in advanced materials, muon spectroscopy, and machine learning-assisted analysis.

Through this programme, the School of Physics continues to support USM’s aspiration to strengthen international research collaboration, enhance advanced materials research capability, and contribute to scientific innovation with global impact.

Text & Photo: Dr. Muhammad Rabie Omar & Dr. Ahmad Rujhan Mohd Rais, School of Physics, USM