The University of Tokyo researcher and his team were recognized for the first successful visualization of brain magnetic fields in small animals using OPM-based magnetoencephalography
MELVILLE, N.Y., October 5, 2026 — AIP Advances and AIP Publishing are honored to announce The University of Tokyo’s Kanta Komuro as the recipient of the 2025 Advances in Magnetism Award for his paper, “Magnetoencephalography measurement of somatosensory responses in optogenetic rats using optically pumped magnetometer.”
In the paper, Komuro and his colleagues combine optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) with optogenetics to measure magnetic fields associated with somatosensory responses in rats. The work marks what the authors believe is the first successful visualization of the spatial distribution of brain magnetic fields in small animals using OPM-based magnetoencephalography (MEG).
“Kanta Komuro’s work represents exactly the kind of practical, field-advancing research the MMM Conference and AIP Advances were built to publish,” said Melissa Patterson, Head of Journal Portfolio Development at AIP Publishing. “The Award Selection Committee’s evaluation panel highlighted the paper’s significance during the review process, noting that it ‘has high impact in the field’ and ‘demonstrates brain activity using OPM in an optically stimulated rat.'”
“I worked on measuring brain magnetic fields in small animals using optically pumped magnetometers,” said Komuro. “In particular, I measured brain magnetic fields associated with somatosensory stimulation in rats and investigated the feasibility of magnetoencephalography in small animals.”
Komuro was drawn to the research area by the practical limitations of conventional MEG systems, which typically require large-scale equipment that makes measuring brain magnetic fields in small animals difficult.
“OPMs are compact and can be positioned flexibly, which led me to become interested in their potential to enable noninvasive measurement of brain activity in small animals,” said Komuro. “I was also attracted by the possibility that this approach could contribute to the development of new methods for brain function measurement and neuroscience research.”
Komuro conducted the research at the Graduate School of Engineering at The University of Tokyo before graduating. Describing himself as “deeply honored” to receive the award, he credited the recognition to the collaborative work of his supervisors and laboratory colleagues.
“Receiving this award is a great encouragement to me, and I also view it as recognition of the collaborative efforts of my supervisors and laboratory members who supported this research,” said Komuro. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this work, as well as to the Award Selection Committee and the MMM Conference organizers for providing us with this valuable opportunity.”
Komuro hopes the study’s findings can help advance the broader MEG field.
“I would be very pleased if the findings of this study could contribute, even in a small way, to the further development of the MEG field and help broaden its potential applications,” said Komuro.
The selection committee noted that back-to-back wins for MEG studies highlight the vibrant momentum surrounding quantum magnetic sensors. However, the Advances in Magnetism Award remains committed to celebrating top-tier research across every discipline represented at the MMM Conference.
To be eligible for the Advances in Magnetism Award, an MMM conference paper must be accepted for publication in AIP Advances. Presenters from all branches of magnetism, from fundamental condensed matter theory to spintronics, device applications, are strongly encouraged to submit their work. An award selection committee reviews papers nominated by the publication editors who are handling the manuscripts for a current MMM conference. The award is given to the first author of the winning paper. The award includes a $3,500 USD cash prize and a $2,500 USD travel allowance for the next in-person MMM conference.
Contact AIPAdvances-journalmanager@aip.org for questions about eligibility, the selection process, or the award.
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