Unit News

The letters OIST are spelled out in glowing lights thanks to mechanoluminescence from amorphous thin films. This is a photo taken with long exposure.

Research Update

Crystal-free mechanoluminescence illuminates new possibilities for next-generation materials

Flexible films challenge long-held scientific views on the necessity of crystals for mechanoluminescence.

28 October 2025

Research Update

Feel the force: new “smart” polymer glows brighter when stretched

Researchers develop a luminescent polymer that can quickly and sensitively detect stress.

23 January 2020

Research Update

Reactive Research and Modifying Metals

Follow along this reactive photo gallery to get a glimpse of a PhD student’s most recent published paper.

Research Update

The Slower They Turn, the Brighter They Glow

Slowing down movements of photoluminescent metal complexes can increase efficiency of light emission, discover OIST scientists.

14 November 2018

Research Update

Building Molecular Wires, One Atom at a Time

Researchers at OIST have found a simple way to construct and deconstruct molecular metal chains, atom-by-atom.

16 January 2018

Research Update

Recruiting Manganese to Upgrade Carbon Dioxide

OIST researchers developed simple catalysts based on Earth-abundant manganese to use carbon dioxide for energy storage or turn it into useful chemicals for the industry.

Research Update

“Twist and Shine”: Development of a New Photoluminescent Sensor Material

OIST researchers develop a material that shines under mechanical stress by incorporating a photoluminescent sensor molecule within a standard polymer.

Research Update

OIST Researchers design new photoluminescent compounds

27 February 2017

Research Update

One Reaction, Two Results, Zero Waste

From a single ester, the same chemical process can create either an alcohol or multiple esters by slightly tweaking the reaction conditions.

Research Update

OIST Welcomes Dr. Julia Khusnutdinova

OIST is welcoming Assistant Professor Julia Khusnutdinova to head a new unit called Coordination Chemistry and Catalysis.