Prof. Takuji Nakamura
The 33rd President of SGEPSS I am serving as the President of the Society of Geomagnetism and Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences (SGEPSS) for the 33rd term (April 2025–March 2027). The scope of this society covers the Earth and planetary science, from the Earth's interior to its surface, atmosphere, and space, with electromagnetism and electromagnetic waves (light and radio waves) as the major keywords. Recently, auroras have more frequently been observed and photographed within Japan. Auroras are phenomena caused by energy from the Sun reaching the Earth, and among the society's primary research topics together with the space weather. In 2020, a new geological time period, ‘Chibanian’, was designated, originating from Chiba Prefecture, thanks to the outstanding research on geomagnetic reversal phenomena conducted by members of this society. Our members play central roles in ground-based observation projects and multi-point observation networks that use the novel technologies to observe the changing Earth, its environment, and the nearby universe over a long period, as well as in scientific satellite projects such as Geotail, Hisaki, Akatsuki, Arase, and Mio, launched and operated by Japan. Additionally, the journal Earth, Planets and Space (EPS) is an open-access English journal co-published with the Seismological Society of Japan, the Volcanological Society of Japan, the Geodetic Society of Japan, and the Japanese Society for Planetary Sciences, in collaboration with the Japan Geoscience Union (JpGU). This journal is highly evaluated for its ability to publish papers across a wide range of Earth science fields promptly. We encourage you to submit your paper manuscripts. The field of geomagnetism and Earth and planetary science, that is the focus of this society, has developed from two perspectives: basic physical research of the Earth and the space, and its application to the real world. The field deals with phenomena that have a significant impact on our lives, such as satellite-based positioning and communications, rapidly changing climate, and frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Therefore, the practical application of research is becoming increasingly important. We hope to stimulate promoting exchanges among researchers, to accelerate the return of research results to our lives, and to contribute to the further development of research and application in this field. The global phenomena and issues addressed by this society inherently require international collaborative research, and since its establishment, research has progressed through numerous international collaborations. We recognize that maintaining and developing international networks of scientists and contributing to the international community are our important roles, and we hope to contribute to the development of humankind. We look forward to your continued support of this society. Takuji Nakamura,
The 33rd President of SGEPSS Current Position: Professor, National Institute of Polar Research Professor, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI) Council member, Science Council of Japan Auditor, Japan Polar Research Association Vice-President, SCAR (Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research) under ISC (International Science Council)
Research Interests: Research on the Earth's atmosphere using optical and radio remote sensing, particularly atmospheric waves and coupled processes Observation and research on extraterrestrial matter (such as meteors) and energy from outside the Earth's atmosphere
Relationship with this society: Member since 1989, Steering Committee Member (2011–2015), Council Member (2015–2023), Vice President (2023–2025)