The 2026 Clarivate Citation Laureates have been announced, and Professor Chihaya Adachi, Director of the Center for Advanced Organic Optoelectronics Research at Kyushu University and Principal Professor at the Graduate School of Engineering, has been selected in the field of physics. His paper, which solves problems of luminous efficiency and cost in organic EL light-emitting materials used in smartphone and television displays, was highly praised.
The Clarivate Citation Laureates award recognizes researchers who have achieved outstanding research results on a global scale, across four fields: physiology/medicine, physics, chemistry, and economics. The award combines quantitative analysis based on citation data from academic papers with qualitative evaluations by experts. To date, 89 researchers who have received the Citation Laureates have gone on to win Nobel Prizes, making it a notable stepping stone to the Nobel Prize. In 2026, 22 individuals from around the world, including Professor Adachi, were selected.
Professor Adachi focused on the fact that second-generation organic LEDs must use expensive and toxic rare metals such as iridium and platinum to maintain 100% luminous efficiency. He developed a new technology that uses thermal energy to generate light, eliminating the need for these expensive rare metals. This technology is beginning to be put into practical use in smartphone display materials and other applications. Professor Adachi has also established a startup company, Q-Lux, in Fukuoka City to work on the practical application of his research.
reference:[Clarivate Analytics Japan] Clarivate Citation Laureates 2026: Honoring researchers who have brought about groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs.
[Kyushu University] Professor Chihaya Adachi, who pioneered next-generation organic electronics, receives the world's most prestigious "Clarivate Citation Laureates" award.
