Hirotaka Maeda is a Professor in the Department of Life and Applied Chemistry, Environmental Ceramics at Nagoya Institute of Technology's College of Engineering. His research focuses on environmental ceramics, inorganic materials, and nanotechnology with applications in water purification, energy storage, and biomaterials. Dr. Maeda received his Doctor of Engineering from Nagoya Institute of Technology in March 2006. His professional affiliations include the Society of Inorganic Materials (since 2006), Japanese Society of Inorganic Phosphorus Chemistry (since 2001), and The Ceramic Society of Japan (since 2000). His research interests span multiple domains including environmental ceramics for water purification, solid-state electrolytes for batteries, glass surface engineering, and conversion of biomass into functional materials. His work combines structural science with mimetic approaches to develop novel functional materials. His recent publications demonstrate strong activity in developing materials for environmental applications, particularly in water purification using garnet-based materials and conversion of agricultural waste into carbon materials. His research also extends to solid-state electrolytes for batteries and surface modification of glasses. 65th Society of Inorganic Materials Academic Award (2024) Poster prize winner, International Symposium on Inorganic and Environmental Materials 2018 57th Society of Inorganic Materials Nagai Memorial Encouragement Award (2016) 23rd Japanese Society of Inorganic Phosphorus Chemistry Encouragement Award (2014) 68th Ceramic Society of Japan Progress Award (2013) Dr. Maeda actively mentors graduate students across multiple projects, including research on rice husk conversion, humic acid removal, and solid-state battery materials. He serves on various academic committees including as General Affairs Director for the Japanese Society of Inorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and on the Editorial Committee of the Society of Inorganic Materials. His teaching includes Advanced Materials Creation Seminar, Ceramics Physical Chemistry, and Environmental Materials Special Lecture. His laboratory focuses on capturing phenomena at material surfaces and interfaces to create new functional materials, with particular emphasis on environmental applications and sustainable material solutions.