2024年8月、南アフリカ関係者を招へいし東北大学にて特別シンポジウムを開催しました（See below for the English version.）

2024年8月に東北大学でプロジェクトを紹介する特別シンポジウムを開催しました。日本側研究者（東北大学、成蹊大学）、南アフリカ側研究者、南アフリカ科学イノベーション省の担当者、在日本・南アフリカ大使館の担当者等が対面で出席した他、双方の関係者がオンラインで参加し、これまでの研究成果の発表と意見交換を行いました。

司会を務めたシブレレさんは、南アフリカのケープ半島工科大学より、2023年9月から国費留学生として東北大学博士後期課程で学んでおり、今回の特別シンポジウムにおいても南アフリカと日本をつなぐ重要な役目を果たしました。

翌日は、炭酸塩鉱物化のプラントの現場視察が行われ、セメント産業における二酸化炭素の削減・循環の実践について日本の事例を学ぶ機会となりました。

プロジェクトでは、これからも日本・南アフリカの科学技術の発展に向けて、一歩一歩着実に活動を進めていきます。

関連資料：東北大学特別シンポジウム「Development of a Carbon Recycling System toward a Decarbonised Society by Using Mineral Carbonation (2024/08/26)」プログラム

August 2024, Tohoku University invited South African counterparts to participate in a Special Symposium

In August 2024, Tohoku University organised a special symposium to highlight ongoing research activities within the project.

At the symposium, researchers from Japan and South Africa gathered in person alongside representatives from the Embassy of South Africa in Japan and South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation. Other researchers and project members joined online. The symposium offered a fruitful opportunity to present the research progress and exchange ideas. Besides, by meeting face-to-face, knowing who we are further strengthened our relationships to deepen our understanding.

Mr. Sibulele ZIDE who chaired the symposium has been pursuing his doctoral studies at Tohoku University since October 2023. Previously, during his Master’s studies at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), he contributed to the project and was awarded the Japanese Government Scholarship. He has played a vital role to build bridges between South Africa and Japan.

The day after the special symposium, a visit to the factory was made to see the commercial operation of the Mineral carbonation and utilisation plant guided by the industrial partner, completed with discussion. The visit was a precious opportunity to learn more about the industrial scale practice of CO2 reduction and the recycling loop in the Japanese cement and concrete industry.

Our project continues with steady efforts towards the development of the science and technology of CO2 capture in both Japan and South Africa.

Reference: Programme「Development of a Carbon Recycling System toward a Decarbonised Society by Using Mineral Carbonation (2024/08/26)」