Hamamatsu Photonics Chairman, Akira Hiruma, honored as VUB Fellow for driving interdisciplinary collaboration in photonics

In a distinguished ceremony, Akira Hiruma, Representative Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Hamamatsu Photonics, has been honored as a VUB Fellow by Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). This prestigious recognition is a testament to Mr. Hiruma’s invaluable contributions to photonics innovation activities at B-PHOT Brussels Photonics and the global outreach of VUB.

The VUB Fellowship program, which aims to bridge academia, business, and civil society, has created a unique platform for sharing knowledge and expertise across diverse sectors. Akira Hiruma joins the esteemed cohort of VUB Fellows for 2023, including Ilse Ooghe, Ingrid De Jonghe, Koenraad Vermout, and Stefaan Verhulst. Together, they form a network facilitating the exchange of insights and fostering collaboration among different spheres of society.

At the forefront of the Hamamatsu Applied Photonics Innovation Chair, Akira Hiruma has played a pivotal role in supporting B-PHOT’s innovation endeavors. His extensive network in Japan has not only strengthened ties between VUB and Japanese industry leaders but has also facilitated collaborations with esteemed Japanese universities.

The VUB Fellowship was bestowed upon Akira Hiruma during the Entr’Acte ceremony by VUB Crosstalks. This honor, in conjunction with the Prize for Societal Valorization awarded to Prof. Hugo Thienpont, underscores Mr. Hiruma’s exceptional commitment to advancing photonics and fostering international partnerships.