Q1    As project director, what are your expectations for this project?

A1    We expect to internationalize SANKEN by networking with European and US-based universities and research institutions.

Q2   How do you define 'core', and who are your partners in the research network?

A2   We have Japanese partners and overseas partners - you can see the whole network here. The 'core' groups are the institutions with the largest responsibilities for the implementation of the project; SANKEN is one such core, and there are six overseas cores, each of which is a hub for its local satellite universities/institutions. The main core, SANKEN, communicates directly with the overseas cores, and those cores take responsibility for disseminating information across the network. Visit the Network Members page for more information.

Q3   What are the goals of the network?

A3   Over the next five years, we are aiming to develop apparatus that can be worn by humans, which use flexible sensory devices.

Q4   How do you envisage these wearable devices working in our society?

A4  As described here, we will focus on developing wearable devices for healthcare, public safety, and public security. We will also combine information technologies so that the devices we develop are more efficient, quicker and user-friendly.

Q5   What are the roles of the network members?

A5   The role of each member depends on the devices in development. However, we have a policy that each institute and university will work together to achieve more.

Q6   What opportunities does each researcher in the network have to communicate with other network members?

A6   We have three plans. Firstly, we will establish a forum on this website to allow members to track developments and exchange ideas. Secondly, we are planning 16 international conferences and seminars to be held in Japan and in overseas cities. Thirdly, we have a site-visiting program for researchers in the network.