The Advanced Accelerator Science and Technology Symposium 2016 in Tohoku was held by the Iwate ILC Accelerator Science Promotion Council and other organizations at Oshu City’s Z-Hall on September 10th. Titled “Understanding the ILC, starting from the beginning,” the symposium taught around 300 residents more about the International Linear Collider (ILC) from a physics and astronomy perspective.

There was a panel discussion with Dr. Junpei Fujimoto of KEK in Ibaraki Prefecture, Dr. Masaki Honma of the VLBI institute at the National Astrological Observatory in Mizusawa, Oshu City, and junior high school students Momoyo Sugawara (Mizusawa JHS 3rd year) and Kotomi Sato (Hanaizumi JHS 2nd year). These students are a part of Iwate Nippo’s ILC Club, and visited CERN in Geneva in August.

Dr. Fujimoto encouraged them wholeheartedly. “The ILC will be a machine used by today’s junior high and high school students. I want them to use the ILC to pinpoint the true form of the universe.” Dr. Honma agreed. “With electromagnetic waves, we can see what the universe looked like around 3.8 billion years ago. With the ILC, we will be able to see the beginning of the universe. Be passionate about your studies and continue forth.”

Ms. Sugawara said, “I thought that the ILC was difficult to understand, but they told me this would be my generation’s machine, which got me excited. I want to start now getting prepared for the future.” Ms. Sato declared, “Once again, I’m yearning for the life of a researcher, where they get all fired up about their research. I’m going to get fired up for my English study and proceed forth.”

Keisuke Ozawa, a 4th grade student at Iwayado Elementary School in Oshu City, was intrigued. “I’m even more interested in the universe, which I already loved. First, I’ll become a pilot, then an astronaut so I can take on the challenge of figuring out the mysteries of the universe.”