Passing of Hiroshi Matsumoto, former President of RIKEN

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former President Hiroshi Matsumoto.

During his tenure as President of RIKEN, in response to rising expectations from society of RIKEN, Dr. Matsumoto launched various initiatives related to RIKEN's future plans, including the establishment of the RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), the Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS) (now the RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences), and the RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing (RQC). He also led the formulation of the Fourth Mid- to Long-Term Plan which began in 2018. All of these contributed to the further advancement of RIKEN.

In addition, Dr. Matsumoto worked to strengthen RIKEN’s management capabilities by responding accurately and promptly to requests from the government with legal reforms such as the transition to a National Research and Development Agency, RIKEN’s designation as one of three Designated National Research and Development Agencies, and the establishment of a fully-owned subsidiary, RIKEN Innovation.

Furthermore, Dr. Matsumoto played a pivotal role in significant milestones in RIKEN’s history including the naming of element 113 as “nihonium,” the Centennial Ceremony in 2017, and the beginning of shared use of the supercomputer Fugaku.

His commitment to supporting every researcher and striving to create a free and challenging research environment has been a great source of encouragement for many researchers. His spirit of always looking forward even when facing difficulties, warmly supporting researchers and encouraging them to take on new challenges continues to resonate strongly with many people today.

The RIKEN community is committed to advancing the foundation laid by former President Matsumoto and will continue to strive diligently in our duties.

We would like to express our deepest respect for Dr. Matsumoto’s pioneering contributions over the years and offer our sincere condolences, praying for his eternal rest.

June 16, 2025
Makoto Gonokami
President, RIKEN