In late May 2025, I traveled to Germany to visit several key members of the ASPIRE “Neutral Atom QC” project, in my role as the Japan-side coordinator. This visit was an important step toward deepening the collaboration between Japan and Germany, particularly as we prepare to send early-career researchers (ECRs) from Japan to German laboratories. 

ASPIRE is jointly supported by JST in Japan and DFG in Germany. While Japan’s funding focuses on nurturing young researchers and fostering community-building, the German side provides more conventional research funding. During my visit, I met with Prof. Christian Groß (PI) in Tübingen, and with Co-PIs Prof. Tilman Pfau and Prof. Hans Peter Büchler in Stuttgar, to explain the Japanese side’s objectives and coordinate with the German side.   

Before I begin telling the story of my trip to Germany, I should mention that I first participated in CATMIN, which was held in Granada, Spain. I had met several of our German collaborators—such as Prof. Igor Lesanovsky and Dr. Johannes Zeiher. Strengthening these personal and professional connections across Europe contributes to the long-term success of the ASPIRE network.

My German visit began at the University of Tübingen, where I met with the research group led by Prof. Christian Groß. I was warmly welcomed by his students, including master’s student Jule, doctoral student Fabio and master’s student Moritz—who is scheduled to join our lab in Japan for one year starting this autumn. They gave me a tour of the campus and laboratory facilities, and kindly invited me to dinner and a short excursion. Their generous hospitality and engagement left a lasting impression. 

Next, I visited the University of Stuttgart, where Prof. Tilman Pfau introduced me to his laboratory and we discussed future collaboration plans. He is also actively engaged in outreach activities to give back to society, and as someone who is involved in outreach activities myself, I learned a great deal from him.

Finally, I visited the group led by Prof. Hans Peter Büchler, also at the University of Stuttgart. I was kindly guided by postdoctoral researcher Sebastian, who showed me the lab and surrounding facilities. I greatly appreciated the time and thoughtfulness of everyone I met throughout the visit. 

In addition to these lab visits, I had the opportunity to meet Marcel, a student from Darmstadt University who is interested in spending time in our lab in Japan. Our conversation was encouraging, and I believe this new connection could potentially expand ASPIRE’s network of collaborators. 

Through this visit, I was able to strengthen ties with our German colleagues, confirm local support systems for future Japanese interns, and help lay the foundation for a sustainable and active bilateral research exchange. I’m sincerely grateful to all the researchers and students who welcomed me and shared their time. These personal connections are at the heart of what makes ASPIRE a truly international and forward-looking initiative.