Prof. Kazuhiro Kanda | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

orcid Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Kazuhiro Kanda embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in science. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Tokyo in 1985, followed by a Master of Science from the same institution in 1987. His passion for research led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Science, which he successfully completed at The University of Tokyo in 1994. His early education played a crucial role in shaping his expertise in thin film and surface science, particularly in the study of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Kanda commenced his professional career as a Research Assistant at Iwaki Meisei University, Fukushima (1987-1999), where he contributed significantly to material science research. He then advanced to the role of Associate Professor at the Himeji Institute of Technology (1999-2010). With the institute’s renaming to University of Hyogo, he was elevated to the esteemed position of Professor at the Laboratory of Advanced Science and Technology for Industry (LASTI) in 2010, where he continues to drive innovation in material science.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus On Materials Science 

Kanda’s research primarily revolves around thin film and surface science, with a specific emphasis on the structure and properties of amorphous carbon films. He pioneered an accurate quantification method for determining the sp2/(sp2+sp3) ratio in DLC films using Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS). His significant contributions also extend to ISO20523 standardization, focusing on the classification and designation of carbon-based films. Additionally, his groundbreaking work includes structural analysis of DLC films with third-element additions and the evaluation of vacancy-type defects.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Kanda’s work has had a transformative impact on the field of surface and thin film science. His research has provided industries with more precise evaluation methods for DLC films, influencing manufacturing standards and material performance. His studies on X-ray-induced modifications of DLC films have further deepened the scientific community’s understanding of reaction-induced structural changes in amorphous carbon materials.

📚 Academic Citations

Kanda’s extensive research portfolio includes 162 journal publications indexed in SCI and Scopus, reflecting his strong academic influence and global recognition. His citation index is available on Scopus, demonstrating the widespread impact of his research contributions. Additionally, he has authored 8 books (ISBN-registered), contributing to knowledge dissemination in material science.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Kanda’s dedication to research has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition for his contributions to surface science and material engineering. His participation in professional societies, such as The Japan Society of Applied Physics, The Chemical Society of Japan, and The Japanese Society for Synchrotron Radiation Research, further highlights his esteemed position within the academic and scientific communities.

Professional Memberships and Collaborations

Kanda is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including:

• The Japan Society of Applied Physics
• Thin Film and Surface Physics Division, The Japan Society of Applied Physics (Standing Committee Member)
• The Japanese Society for Synchrotron Radiation Research
• The Chemical Society of Japan
• Japan New Diamond Forum

His collaborations include METI Japan’s standardization of diamond-like carbon and evaluation methods, furthering industrial and scientific advancements.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions