Urszula Kubiczek (Centre for Communication and Marketing): Konnichiwa, Professor Matsuura, and welcome to AGH University International Faces. It is a pleasure to have you with us. Coming from Hokkaido University to Krakow, you bring extensive experience in materials science and engineering. Could you tell us about your current research interests and the projects you are working on?
Professor Matsuura: Konnichiwa. Thank you very much. It is an honour to be here. My research interests now revolve around laser beam additive manufacturing (LAM), whereas my key project focusses on the development of new unexpensive high-strength heat-resistant alloys. Laser beam additive manufacturing is a manufacturing process that creates objects by layering materials using laser beam scanning, and it is often associated with 3D printing. In short, my current project consists in the development of new unexpensive high-strength heat-resistant alloys using the LAM process. These materials can achieve twice the strength of conventional alloys while significantly reducing cost, making advanced technology accessible worldwide, including in developing countries. This project represents a step toward sustainable and inclusive engineering solutions.
What attracted you to AGH University? What has your experience been so far?
AGH University and my university, Hokkaido University, signed agreements on academic exchange in 2010. I have visited AGH University many times to give lectures and do joint projects with AGH University researchers. I have also worked here as a visiting professor at the Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics. The present research environment is vibrant and the students are highly motivated. The academic culture fosters creativity, which makes it a rewarding place to pursue innovative research on materials.
Your field evolves rapidly, which must surely cause a series of challenges. What are the issues you are tackling today and how do you approach them?
One of the main challenges in my field is to reduce the production cost of materials. A lower production cost is a benefit not only for materials producers but also for buyers and users, because the selling price will be reduced accordingly. It will provide many countries, also developing countries, with the opportunity to buy and use new products based on advanced technologies. The project I am currently working on is the development of new unexpensive high-strength heat-resistant alloys. Such alloys are typically Ni-based and are widely used in many kinds of industries, such as aerospace and automotive. However, Ni-based superalloys are quite expensive due to the extremely high price of nickel, which is about 20 times more expensive than iron. So, my approach to cost reduction is the use of iron instead of nickel. As regards the strengthening of the alloys, I want to apply the laser beam additive manufacturing process instead of conventional mold casting. Recently, I have developed a new Fe-based alloy which is suitable for the LAM process. This alloy exhibits twice the strength of conventional Ni-based superalloys. I am now investigating a detailed mechanism of strengthening this alloy.
You have extensive international experience. Can you share insights from your global collaborations?
Working abroad has given me profound professional and personal lessons. I visited several countries to do international collaborations. Living abroad alone, far from home, allowed me to rediscover both myself and my country. As I got to work in different countries, I explored diverse scientific cultures. International collaboration is not just about research; it is an exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Have there been any breakthroughs in your work that you are especially proud of?
When I was a young scientist, my research topics aligned with the interests of my professor. I conducted research under his supervision for many years. That was an easy and comfortable situation, but it did not give me the opportunity to significantly improve my research skills. One day, I came up with a good research topic and a methodology, then I told my professor about it. However, he did not want us to pursue that subject. So I did it on my own, spending two years without his support. I wrote a paper and sent it to an international journal. Surprisingly, the paper was chosen as the paper of the year by the journal. Continuing research independently did not come easy to me at that time, but I learnt a lot from this experience. That was surely a breakthrough in my work.
In what ways do you involve students in your research?
During my lectures for undergraduate students, I used to change the topic and talk to them about the activities undertaken by my research group. I tried to get them interested in the group and choose me as their supervisor in graduate school. For students to gain insight into how materials science shapes everyday technologies, they need to participate in hands-on lab work, international internships, and practical projects.
How do you envision the future of your field?
Materials science will continue to evolve through the discovery of AI-driven materials, green technologies, and lightweight structural materials. The discipline will certainly remain central to technological progress. All technologies and products around us are supported by materials, and as materials improve, the properties of said products do too. For example, TV sets became thinner and lighter than before due to the development of liquid crystal materials, and the efficiency of thermal power generation gradually increased from 25% to 40% over the last 70 years because of improved high-temperature strength of turbine blade materials. All in all, materials science will always be needed.
What advice would you offer to aspiring young researchers?
I think there are two things that are essential for research: creativity and funding. Without either, there is no good research. Therefore, it is important to find your own way to improve your creativity and acquire research funding. First, you need to find a good boss and colleagues you can grow with. Stay curious, persistent, and open to international collaboration. These experiences broaden your scientific and personal horizons, building resilience, and innovation skills.
Could you share a message to students in your native language?
学生の皆さん、このビデオ録画を観ていただいてありがとうございました外国で学ぶことは、たとえ短期間であっても、とても貴重な経験を与えてくれます。それは、専門知識の習得だけでなく、異なる文化や考え方に触れることで多様性に気付く経験です。このような経験は、あなた方の将来にとって大いに役立つと思います。さあ、海外留学を経験しましょう！
Dear students, thank you for watching this video recording. Studying abroad, even for a short time, gives you very valuable experiences. It not only allows you to acquire specialised knowledge but also allows you to become aware of diversity by being exposed to different cultures and ways of thinking. Such experiences will be very useful for your future. Come and experience studying abroad!
And finally, what is your favourite word in Polish and why?
My favourite words in Polish are na zdrowie [cheers] and smacznego [enjoy your meal], because I really like Polish drinks and food, such as nalewka, wodka, pierogi, golonka, and so on. Poland is wonderful, and these words reflect the warmth of its culture.
Thank you, Professor Matsuura, for sharing your journey and insights. It is an honor to have you as part of AGH University’s international family.
Dziękuję. Arigatou gozaimashita [thank you in Polish and Japanese].
Special thanks are due to Professor Dariusz Kata, Dr Joanna Popławska-Mastalska, and the research staff of the Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics at the AGH University of Krakow for their invaluable support in making this material.
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