Professor Masahiro Irie stands as a preeminent figure in the field of photochromic molecular systems and functional materials science. Currently serving as Professor at Rikkyo University in Tokyo, he brings decades of distinguished scholarship to his position after joining the institution in 2007. His academic journey began with undergraduate and master's studies at Kyoto University, followed by a PhD in radiation chemistry from Osaka University in 1973. Professor Irie's career path spans multiple prestigious Japanese institutions, including Hokkaido University where he commenced his research career in photochemistry in 1968, Osaka University where he advanced to associate professor in 1978, and Kyushu University where he served as professor from 1988 until 2007.
Professor Irie's groundbreaking scientific contribution emerged in the mid-1980s when he discovered and developed diarylethene compounds, a revolutionary class of photochromic molecules that undergo thermally irreversible and fatigue-resistant photochromic reactions. This seminal work established a new paradigm in molecular photoswitching technology, with diarylethenes becoming the material of choice for numerous applications due to their exceptional stability and reversibility. His research demonstrated how these compounds could be engineered to produce precise color changes both in solution and crystalline phases, enabling unprecedented control over molecular conformation through light exposure. The structural transformations inherent in diarylethene photochromism have since been successfully applied to create light-driven molecular actuators and other advanced functional materials.
Professor Irie's innovations have earned him widespread recognition including the prestigious Porter Medal, The Chemical Society of Japan Award, and The Purple Ribbon Medal, reflecting his transformative impact on molecular photochemistry. His work continues to influence diverse fields from optical memory devices to molecular machinery, with diarylethene derivatives now serving as fundamental components in numerous photoswitch applications worldwide. As an active researcher at Rikkyo University, he maintains leadership in developing next-generation photoresponsive materials while mentoring the future generation of photochemists. Professor Irie's enduring legacy lies in establishing photochromic molecular systems as a cornerstone of modern functional materials science, with his diarylethene framework providing the foundation for countless subsequent innovations in molecular engineering and nanotechnology.
