The 10th International Symposium on Functional Materials (ISFM 2024), held from August 3rd to 6th at Sakura Hall, Tohoku University, in Sendai, Japan, marked a significant milestone in the global exchange of knowledge and innovation in functional materials. Now in its tenth iteration, this biennial event has established itself as a premier platform where researchers and engineers converge to share the latest advancements, interdisciplinary research, and commercialization opportunities. With a strong focus on connecting fundamental science with engineering applications, ISFM 2024 drew over 200 delegates from nine countries, with nearly half of the participants hailing from overseas, making it a truly international gathering.
Commemoration photo taken at Sakura Hall during the first day of the conference.
(Photo courtesy of ISFM 2024)
Post-conference, Justin Velgus, a MICE Coordinator of the Sendai Convention Bureau, had the privilege of interviewing Professor Li Lu, a distinguished researcher from the National University of Singapore and a key member of the ISFM 2024 International Advisory Committee. In addition to Prof. Lu’s advisory role and active participation in various workshops and seminars, Prof. Lu delivered one of the five plenary sessions titled “A Step Toward Solid-State Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices.” In this session, he presented groundbreaking developments in Na-ion (sodium-ion) batteries. Since their advent in 1991, Li-ion (lithium-ion) batteries have dominated the market due to their high energy density and reliability. However, Prof. Lu’s research highlights Na-ion batteries as a viable alternative, especially considering the limited global lithium resources and the potential for creating safer, more efficient battery technologies.
ISFM 2024 advisor and plenary speaker, Professor Li Lu (National University of Singapore).
(Photo courtesy of Professor Lu)
For many participants, ISFM 2024 felt like a homecoming since Sendai is the only host city to welcome ISFM twice. The first time was in 2011, just months after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami which heavily damaged the city. Sendai was selected again due to the city’s rich academic history, particularly Tohoku University’s pioneering research. The timing of the event, coinciding with the famous Tanabata Festival, added a unique cultural dimension, drawing even more participants. However, the influx of tourists posed challenges in securing reasonably priced accommodations, underscoring Sendai’s growing appeal as both a MICE and tourist destination.
Prof. Lu, a frequent visitor to Japan for academic work, shared his positive experiences in Sendai, describing it as a modern, large city that is compact, convenient, and comfortable. He praised its unique delicacies and nearby tourist attractions, noting, “Since my last visit in 2011, I’ve seen significant infrastructure and building developments around the city, particularly at Sendai Station. It’s easy to move around and spend time here.” He also recommended his favorite local dish, “gyutan” (grilled beef tongue), and the caldera lake volcano “Zao Okama”, located in southern Miyagi Prefecture, which his wife particularly enjoyed during a previous visit. Another favorite of fellow participants was “Matsushima,” a bay dotted with 260 pine-covered islands, recognized as one of Japan’s “Three Most Beautiful Spots.” Just a short trip from Sendai, here visitors can enjoy a ferry ride, explore historic temples, or indulge in fresh seafood. Professor Lu concluded that Sendai’s blend of urban convenience and natural beauty makes it a unique and appealing destination for both work and leisure.
Hotel Metropolitan Sendai displaying Tanabata Festival decorations. Tanabata Festival (held Aug. 6-8, with fireworks display on the 5th) is Sendai’s largest festival, featuring hundreds of these decorations in shopping arcades and public areas. (Photo courtesy of Professor Lu)
The success of ISFM 2024 can be attributed to the meticulous planning and execution by the organizing committee. Prof. Lu acknowledged the hard work of his colleagues at Tohoku University, particularly Prof. Shu Yin, the symposium chairman, and the co-chairs, Prof. Toru Sekino from Osaka University and Prof. Yamato Hayashi from Tohoku University, along with many others. The high participant turnout and valuable educational sessions made the conference enriching and impactful.
Sakura Hall, the venue for ISFM 2024, was praised for its modern facilities, including a large second-floor seminar room and a spacious first floor often used for poster sessions and coffee breaks. A nearby campus building was also used for auxiliary meetings. Sakura Hall’s intimate yet adequate setting was perfect for academic exchanges, and its central location—just a 15-minute walk from JR Sendai Station or a 5-minute walk from the nearest subway station—added to its appeal.
A highlight of the conference was the banquet and awards dinner held at the Hotel Metropolitan Sendai. Its convenient location next to Sendai Station, spacious banquet rooms, and professional staff make it a popular choice for MICE events. During the dinner, participants enjoyed a selection of local Miyagi sake paired with regional cuisine. The Miyagi and Tohoku regions are renowned for producing some of Japan’s most delicious sake, and the on-site staff provided detailed explanations of the various types, allowing participants to explore a wide range of flavors and textures. An added attraction was the Date Bushotai Welcome Squad, a performance group dressed as historical characters who delivered a welcome message, performed a dance while waving traditional fans, and posed for pictures with participants. The troupe is led by Date Masamune, the feudal lord who founded Sendai in 1601 and was famously known as the “One-Eyed Dragon.”
A line-up of the local sake served during the banquet. High-quality sake is often served chilled.
(Photo courtesy of Professor Lu)
Sendai founder Date Masamune and companions provide entertainment at the banquet.
(Photo courtesy of Professor Lu)
ISFM 2024 not only highlighted the latest trends in functional materials research but also underscored the importance of global collaboration in tackling complex scientific challenges. To support the next generation of researchers, the ISFM organizing committee offers “Best Presentation Awards for Young Scientists,” whose recipients are announced during the event and featured in publicity materials. Prof. Lu explained, “A travel award is common for young researchers at academic conferences, but it only helps once. Our conference ensures that young researchers’ efforts and achievements are truly recognized and celebrated, which will have lasting effects and open future opportunities for the long term.”
As the symposium concluded, discussions were already underway for the 11th ISFM, scheduled to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2026. This ongoing commitment to advancing functional materials research promises to keep ISFM at the forefront of scientific innovation for years to come.
The Sendai Convention Bureau provided direct support for ISFM 2024, including a convention subsidy and a welcome board at Sendai Station, as well as various general consultation, further enhancing the city’s reputation as a top-tier MICE destination. Our bureau regular interviews organizers and key members of international conferences to receive direct feedback and points of improvement about our services offered by our bureau, partners, and city stakeholders.
“Arigato” Professor Lu and ISFM organizers for hosting the 10th session of ISFM in Sendai, Japan.
(Photo courtesy of ISFM 2024)
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