2026 Masao Horiba Awards
＜2026 Theme＞
Analysis and Measurement Technologies for Advanced Materials Contributing to a High-Efficiency Energy Society
As the world moves toward the major societal goal of carbon neutrality, the importance of the technological foundations that support the power system as a whole is increasing, driven by the expanded deployment of renewable energy and the advancement of electrification. In recent years, it has also been pointed out that electricity demand may rise rapidly, against the backdrop of accelerated social implementation of AI, the construction of additional data centers, and the upgrading of communications infrastructures. Accordingly, technological innovation that can achieve both a stable energy supply and a reduced environmental burden is urgently needed. In particular, improving the efficiency and reliability of energy conversion and storage devices is key to achieving both energy savings and CO₂ emissions reductions, and there is a strong demand for advances in materials development and manufacturing processes. Energy devices such as power semiconductors, rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, water electrolyzers, and solar cells are attracting even greater expectations as next-generation foundational technologies for society.
There is a need for materials and semiconductor process technologies that enable highly efficient power control and conversion under high-voltage and high-frequency operations in the field of power semiconductors, where applications are anticipated across a wide range of areas, including power infrastructure, industrial equipment, and electric vehicles. Accordingly, in addition to wide-bandgap semiconductor materials such as SiC (silicon carbide), GaN (gallium nitride), Ga₂O₃ (gallium oxide), and diamond, the development of analytical and measurement technologies that support their crystal growth and device processing is becoming increasingly important.
In the field of energy storage, secondary batteries—centered on lithium-ion batteries—have become widely prevalent in virtually all devices around us. In recent years, to improve energy density, safety, and durability, research and development on solid electrolytes and cathode/anode materials has intensified toward the practical implementation of all-solid-state batteries. Materials research is progressing in the field of power generation as well, to improve performance and durability, including catalysts and electrolyte membranes used in fuel cells and water electrolyzers, and film materials for perovskite solar cells, in pursuit of diversified energy sources. The advancement of analytical and measurement technologies is also indispensable for the development of these materials, including electrodes and membrane materials.
In light of the above, this award focuses on research into analytical and measurement technologies that support the realization and advancement of materials development and manufacturing processes contributing to higher performance and improved reliability of energy-related devices. We have therefore set the theme of the 2026 Masao Horiba Award as “Analytical and Measurement Technologies for Advanced Materials Contributing to a High-Efficiency Energy Society.” We sincerely look forward to applications from early-career researchers and engineers who share this vision.
Masayuki Adachi, Dr., Eng.
Chief of the Organizing Committee for 2026 Masao Horiba Awards
President & COO
HORIBA, Ltd.